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
Chaos,
Well, there you go! Swimming with a metronome is kind of your pace clock carried with you and you use it as a training device all along the way so you get feedback during your swims. Never heard of this, but I am so isolated here on the island, it is no wonder. Pretty cool device.
I just brought this up to find out how many fine folks here could tell how fast they were traveling and how many strokes they were taking from having spent a lot of time swimming and race-pacing.
And, not to my surprise, there are many who have developed this "feel" for their swimming to the degree they are within a second or two, a stroke or two, to know. And, this is beneficial, too!!!
One quick question: does the beeping get on your nerves at all? That is a sound I don't prefer. Does it come with another sound?
Donna
Chaos,
Well, there you go! Swimming with a metronome is kind of your pace clock carried with you and you use it as a training device all along the way so you get feedback during your swims. Never heard of this, but I am so isolated here on the island, it is no wonder. Pretty cool device.
I just brought this up to find out how many fine folks here could tell how fast they were traveling and how many strokes they were taking from having spent a lot of time swimming and race-pacing.
And, not to my surprise, there are many who have developed this "feel" for their swimming to the degree they are within a second or two, a stroke or two, to know. And, this is beneficial, too!!!
One quick question: does the beeping get on your nerves at all? That is a sound I don't prefer. Does it come with another sound?
Donna
