Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:33:53 GMT

Hey, I log in during lunch and I see you're going for it. Good for you! I have been told that bodyskins are typically a no, no for breaststroke. I think you need to be able to use those thighs. Where's the new avatar today? We're counting on you to keep us amused. I didin't wear tights when I did ballet..I ain't starting now... but you go with your badself...:rofl: I actually think this is some sort of mean trick on a newbie by The Fortress...she has probably got a friend that will video tape me being rescued 150 into the race... :D I'm gonna do my best but it's just to give me a purpose to train...I'm hesitant to shave...lol

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:28:16 GMT

I'm not diving off the side...I'm an all or nothing kind of guy.... Hey, I log in during lunch and I see you're going for it. Good for you! I have been told that bodyskins are typically a no, no for breaststroke. I think you need to be able to use those thighs. Where's the new avatar today? We're counting on you to keep us amused.

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:26:28 GMT

Then you all should come out here for Nationals in May for more swimming beer drinking. Or my preferred event...The "Swim up bar relay!"

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:19:09 GMT

So glad you took my advice! :banana: At least somebody does. Now, when you get all jazzed up to come down to Colonies Zones in April, we can swim and spectate and drink beer. If Mrs. Rich won't get you that fastskin, you better go spend the big bucks yourself. They're supposed to fit tight! :rofl: Don't worry about starting blocks. Dive off the side if you have to. Remember many of us have had little goggle problems from time to time. I only use speed sockets now. I don't get those Swedes... hey it's not the size of your goggles...:rofl: If mine come off that won't faze me. I'm that hardcore. It's the way I roll... I'm not diving off the side...I'm an all or nothing kind of guy... I'm not getting a body suit--way too expensive. Just the square leg shorts (not jammers). After last night I may need them--I felt my groin go *twang* a little bit... I'd love nothing more to get down that way and meet your crew with my fam.

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

The Fortress — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:57:47 GMT

I actually think this is some sort of mean trick on a newbie by The Fortress...she has probably got a friend that will video tape me being rescued 150 into the race... :D You get on with your bad old self, you newbie. Hey, I'm a relative newbie too. I just became a "master swimmer" about 18 months ago. So I ain't playing no mean tricks. You just get youself off to that meet. My first one went well, then I started losing the goggles. Glad you don't have to worry about contacts! :cool:

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

poolraat — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:24:53 GMT

Now, when you get all jazzed up to come down to Colonies Zones in April, we can swim and spectate and drink beer. Then you all should come out here for Nationals in May for more swimming beer drinking.

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

The Fortress — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:08:17 GMT

You guys are scaring me...Fortress..put me up to this...I think I will be OK. I hat sounding like a big-head but I can do a mile *** and don't feel any issues. Of course speedier swims might change that...we will see. Santa, fastskin watch please. So glad you took my advice! :banana: At least somebody does. Now, when you get all jazzed up to come down to Colonies Zones in April, we can swim and spectate and drink beer. If Mrs. Rich won't get you that fastskin, you better go spend the big bucks yourself. They're supposed to fit tight! :rofl: Don't worry about starting blocks. Dive off the side if you have to. Remember many of us have had little goggle problems from time to time. I only use speed sockets now. I don't get those Swedes...

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

swimr4life — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 10:38:34 GMT

Rich, I am elated for you. It is thrilling to have PBs. Those 100s sound pretty decent to me and you kept them close together in time. And, it wasn't even race day when you will get a block start. In addition to what Allen wrote, I would say to work on 50s on the clock if you can. The 200 is, after all, four 50s. You have a little time left to figure out how fast to take out the first 50 and not crash and burn too much. I know when I was training for my 800m free swim, I never actually swam the 800 during practice. I did shorter, more intense, race pace work and it really paid off for me. 2x400's, 4x200's, 4x100's, 8x50's and repeating some of them. And I also believed in some sprint work. It is good to get used to how it feels when you swim outside of your comfort zone. And, also, some 75's because there is something mental about making that last turn and trying to come home. You already have the distance under your suit, I would shorten the yardage and increase the intensity a bit which will better emulate your actual swim in January. Again, these facts are based on my previous performances, not scientific facts. But be sure to cut the yardage and intensity the week of your event (taper) so you will have full recovery and be explosive when the gun goes off. Your reporting of your swim today has made me really happy.:groovy::applaud: Donna I agree with Donna! Do what she said and you will definitely see results!! Work on your turns and underwater pullouts. That is a HUGE part of the 200 ***......up to 1/3 of the race will be spent on turns and underwater! Work on increasing your lung capacity so you can attack your race on the turns and pullouts. Definitely get a coach to help you with this portion of the race. If you can add the now legal dolphin kick on your pullouts, it will REALLY help you. Good luck! Thanks for the inspiration! I have not raced that event since the rule change..and I have a strong dolphin kick... so, hopefully I will be able to do a Masters PB!!

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 15:52:46 GMT

Otherwise I MIGHT make the drive out to the same meet. Good luck! If you come out...I know where the nearest Dunkin Donuts is for afterwards... :p

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 11:40:23 GMT

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 11:35:02 GMT

That looks like good series, but your SPL could use work. Are you doing an underwater pull-out,and if so how far are you going.You should probably be going at least 20 ft(25 is better if you don't run out of oxygen,30 is even better) before your first surface stroke. Also work on your streamline at the kick. You can probably get your SPL down to 10 in a week or 2. Since you must touch with 2 hands at every turn no one tries a flip in ***. I'd recommend looking at "breastroke.info" for tips.Also a good racing suit will make a huge difference. I'll have to look into the technical aspect of the pull out. I am doing what I saw on vid...this is all new and a challenge. I will probably get a coach session if I can. I'll also be making some late night (no audience) trips to practice dives etc. Thanks for the tips Allen! Rich

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 10:51:13 GMT

OK I'm back from my first real training. Good news...I got a new PB!!!! :rofl: I did 100 on 4 x 5 times. I went 1:45, 1:45, 1:40, 1:40, 1:45 So my best is about 25 secs per 25Y. It means approx 3:30 on a 200. 1st placers I looked at go 2:50, so it is not embarrasingly slower. Considering it's my first time I am happy. I hope I will improve over the next few weeks as I've really only been swimming straight miles, and this kind of pacing work will kick in. I can really feel the after effects in my hams and that's good--I've not had to push myself up until today. I didn't go "nuts" on the speed...I tried to maintain form and breathing. I counted 12 strokes for the first 2 lengths and about 13 on the last two. I did not dive. I did not flip turn. I did not have on race gear, just water shorts. SO If I can get that time a second closer to 20 secs per length between now and Jan 28th I'll be happy. To round off I did 2 sets of Crawl 3x 50's on 2 fo the first set then a "strictly form set" where I ignored the clock pretty much. I Tried to easy *** out the rest of a mile but a calf cramp flared after another 300 and I sensibly called it a day. Allen: Stupid is a good enough word for me :) ...I was questioning my race selection after I saw the life guard looking at me and nervously fingering the life-buoy after my 3rd 100:rofl: If anyone has any thoughts or comments on how I did please share them. Rich

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 09:57:03 GMT

Rich, Don't worry about that big head, you are getting two Crowns, remember?:p And I had forgotten about that mile breaststroke you swim; golly gee, your 200 scy swim will be over before you know it!!! :groovy: and then you can go to Dunkin Donuts. Donna

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 07:16:05 GMT

Rich, This is just super, but a 200 *** scares the metal out of my knees. Just don't ask yourself this question at the 100 mark: Am I there yet?:eek::rofl: Donna You guys are scaring me...Fortress..put me up to this...I think I will be OK. I hat sounding like a big-head but I can do a mile *** and don't feel any issues. Of course speedier swims might change that...we will see. I'm about to go train now. Gonna do a 1/4 mile warmup...rest 2 or 3 mins then do some 100s on 4. Of course though, I cannot find my stopwatch and have to go buy one now. Santa, fastskin watch please. As for scared, you're going open water for 18 miles...that would terrify me... ;)

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 06:57:24 GMT

Rich, This is just super, but a 200 *** scares the metal out of my knees. Just don't ask yourself this question at the 100 mark: Am I there yet?:eek::rofl: Donna

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Allen Stark — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 06:24:01 GMT

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Allen Stark — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 03:22:34 GMT

I much prefer the 100 Br. but the 200 does have somethings going for it. Not a lot of people are "motivated "(a better word than stupid) enough to enter it so you may place very well in it. Also if you go out too slow there is plenty of time to speed up(conversely if you go out too fast there is plenty of time to regret it.) I have swum the 200 Br. hundreds of times,none the less in my last 200 SCM at the 100 M I thought "surely I've miscounted and it's 150,I can't be this tired after only 100". I'msure you'll be fine, Allen

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 17:23:17 GMT

Good luck! (but EW - I can't imagine anything more tortourous ... ) By the way work on your triceps in the weight room because they will be sore after the 200 br ... I won't do weights. I've got 3 discs that are prone to herniating when I change socks let alone lift somethng. I'll have to do my secret push-ups on my non swim days. Heck I haven't pulled on a pair of Speedos in anger for over 25 years...and those one don't fit anymore either. This is gonna be my first time so I'm gonna train so I can finish without shame and see how I go. :help: :help: :help: :joker:

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

FlyQueen — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:53:07 GMT

I'm gonna enter it...200scy ***. Motivation to lose the xmas weight. Yay you guys...for inspiring me.:notworthy: Good luck! (but EW - I can't imagine anything more tortourous ... ) By the way work on your triceps in the weight room because they will be sore after the 200 br ...

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

m2tall2 — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 09:40:31 GMT

Yay! I entered the 200 scy *** in my first masters meet. It was only 3 weeks after being back in the pool after several years of not only not swimming but pretty much not being active at all. If you truly love breaststroke, you'll hurt at the end but you'll get through it. I was in lousy shape and if I did it someone with several months of practice like you can do it. I hope more meets get posted close by between now and March. A good Late January or early February meet would be good. Otherwise I MIGHT make the drive out to the same meet. My parents are at the half-way mark, a good excuse for a couple hour drive. Maybe even throw in the 200 *** and see how much my physical condition has improved. :groovy: Good luck!

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 06:50:54 GMT

Rich, I think it's great that you're doing this. Something else to consider: Get familiar with the rules for the stroke, especially turns and finish (2 hand touches). Good luck! Boy I remember learning of 2 hand touch the hard way as a kid lol. I'll def need a coach session on turns and dives though. I'll do that after Xmas.

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 06:15:26 GMT

Rich, I am very, very impressed that you are going to try this event. Not to scare you or anything, but I do find it to be one of the tougher events out there. I've swam the 200 fly a few times as Masters but have totally steered clear of the 200 ***. Way to go!! :notworthy: I wish I had some tips for you on how to swim or train for it, but it's so not my area. I wish you the best of luck. As you've inspired me to give this event a go (you and Ande), I can keep in touch with you (after I talk to my coach and tell her I plan to swim this in Feb or March), and let you know what kind of sets she gives me to prepare for it. Yikes. Now that I think about it, I perhaps should start training for the 100 *** first. I swam this as a kid long course a few times as a 11/12 year old and (went around 2:56 which is nothing to write home about) and CANNOT for the life of me remember how I trained for it (I trained fly/ free/ IM)! I do remember my coach telling me to stay with the field on the 1st 100 and then really, really pick it up and pass them on the 3rd 50 and bring it home on the last 50 (which is possible b/c you get a great adrenaline rush in passing people and it can carry you into the last 50). I think i'll keep this thread handy. I have things to do: Buy some trunks with GB on the back. Practice dives (I assume they still dive for breaststroke) Practice turns Figure out my entry time. Register with USMS Register for meet. I might look at some result times to get a ballpark of where to aim. I could try the 50 or the 100 but that will probably be so fast I may get discouraged. I've got a thread on the workout section if you get any good ideas.

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

Former Member — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 06:04:38 GMT

RE: Woot! Local meet 1/28/07

poolraat — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 01:35:44 GMT

I think i'll keep this thread handy. I have things to do: Buy some trunks with GB on the back. Practice dives (I assume they still dive for breaststroke) Practice turns Figure out my entry time. Register with USMS Register for meet. Rich, I think it's great that you're doing this. Something else to consider: Get familiar with the rules for the stroke, especially turns and finish (2 hand touches). Good luck!