Much has been written here about counting strokes and I am an advocate of doing this as long as it does not become the sole focus. And the reason I am mentioning this is I know how many strokes I take regardless of the pace or distance. And this was developed through, probably, thousands of miles in the pool. This is not rocket-science, it is a skill that has been developed. I know if I am taking 11 strokes per 25, or 12 or 13 or 14 because my body feels it.
If a swimmer swims enough, they are able to become "in tune" with such skills. Another such skill is knowing how fast one is traveling without looking at the clock. For those swimmers who spend a lot of time on pacing, they know how fast they are traveling within a second or two. For instance, I can tell if I am swimming a 2:35 200 free, or a 2:43.
These developed skills can prove mighty handy to a swimmer during a workout and in a race.
I have spoken to many swimmers who do this, so I am not alone. And, I am sure there are some of you here, too. This is the kind of skill that is developed similar to a person who is blind or deaf and they develop another sense to help them adjust to their lives around them.
Has anyone here experienced this? It is quite a joy when it happens and a very big surprise also.
Donna
Parents
Former Member
Much has been written here about counting strokes and I am an advocate of doing this as long as it does not become the sole focus. And the reason I am mentioning this is I know how many strokes I take regardless of the pace or distance.
Donna
I began playing with a tempo trainer last year. (a tempo trainer is a little metronome you clip onto your goggle strap)
I set it for 1 beep per second. Using this tempo I would swim for 15 minutes taking 13 strokes per length and 5 beeps (seconds) for each turn. 13 + 5 = 18seconds per 25yds or a 1:12/ 100yd pace. From here, I would either go to a slightly faster tempo and hold 13 strokes / 5 beep turns, or keep the tempo at 1 beep per second and change the stroke / turn ratio to 14 strokes / 4 second turns. This will result in the same exact pace but with a different stroke count and a much different feel.
I mention this, because I am a firm believer that one can use a stroke count as a way to vary a work out and create personal challanges within any given set.
Much has been written here about counting strokes and I am an advocate of doing this as long as it does not become the sole focus. And the reason I am mentioning this is I know how many strokes I take regardless of the pace or distance.
Donna
I began playing with a tempo trainer last year. (a tempo trainer is a little metronome you clip onto your goggle strap)
I set it for 1 beep per second. Using this tempo I would swim for 15 minutes taking 13 strokes per length and 5 beeps (seconds) for each turn. 13 + 5 = 18seconds per 25yds or a 1:12/ 100yd pace. From here, I would either go to a slightly faster tempo and hold 13 strokes / 5 beep turns, or keep the tempo at 1 beep per second and change the stroke / turn ratio to 14 strokes / 4 second turns. This will result in the same exact pace but with a different stroke count and a much different feel.
I mention this, because I am a firm believer that one can use a stroke count as a way to vary a work out and create personal challanges within any given set.
