Are there masters swimmers "cheating" at practice?
Like:
Leaving early?
One handed touches on ***/fly?
Using pull buoys?
Kicking whatever they want despite what the workout says?
Swimming free on designated "stroke" sets?
Just wondering. I'm heard some grumbling about the leaving early stuff.
Since I'm usually in the "breakdown lane" by myself, I have a lot of flexibility about how I adapt sets, and as a slower, less experienced swimmer, I have to adapt to survive sometimes. ;) Still, I try for the spirit of the workout if not the letter: if, for instance, there's a set of 100 IM, I might aim to do every other one with butterfly (NOT pretty!!), while substituting freestyle on alternating sets. I admit I don't like IM sets b/c every swimming weakness I have is broadcast for everyone to see. :o But I figure that if I can become better at the different strokes, I am less at risk for the overuse problems of sticking to just freestyle. (I admit, though, when I work out during regular lap swims, it's just freestyle--in large part to avoid collisions.)
Before I came down with the flu (not practicing lately), I had the idea to ask the coaches in the different practices to help me with the butterfly so I won't look too pitiful doing it. Main feedback was that I was trying to kick and pull at the same time, and that I should focus on the hips... got a little hold on the movement, but still a struggle.
Since I'm usually in the "breakdown lane" by myself, I have a lot of flexibility about how I adapt sets, and as a slower, less experienced swimmer, I have to adapt to survive sometimes. ;) Still, I try for the spirit of the workout if not the letter: if, for instance, there's a set of 100 IM, I might aim to do every other one with butterfly (NOT pretty!!), while substituting freestyle on alternating sets. I admit I don't like IM sets b/c every swimming weakness I have is broadcast for everyone to see. :o But I figure that if I can become better at the different strokes, I am less at risk for the overuse problems of sticking to just freestyle. (I admit, though, when I work out during regular lap swims, it's just freestyle--in large part to avoid collisions.)
Before I came down with the flu (not practicing lately), I had the idea to ask the coaches in the different practices to help me with the butterfly so I won't look too pitiful doing it. Main feedback was that I was trying to kick and pull at the same time, and that I should focus on the hips... got a little hold on the movement, but still a struggle.
