I have been swimming for 50 years and have had 3 swim injuries. I know of some great, great swimmers who have been doing the same and remain untouched. How do they do this? If it is because their greatness is due to technique, they sure need to share. But I also wonder if it is because they swim smart, train smart, know their limitations and train accordingly. Do they listen to their bodies first and train second? Something many people don't do, me included in the past.
I've watched Laura Val (The Machine) and heard of Susan Heim Brown. I am amazed.
Is it also stroke related?. I know I swam only backstroke for 40 years and voila, 1993 rotator cuff surgery; 1995 impingement surgery; 1996 torn SI joint (sigh). And I learned technique very early on by world class coaches and swimmers; we did all the right things and were doing hip rotation back in the 60s before a lot of swimming folks were doing it.
Any thoughts on how this comes to be for some and not others?
Donna
I thought we went down this road before. (not too long ago) My recollection is that those that took the position that it was possible to swim and train without injury (by focusing on technique) were dismissed. No one would even consider that the fault of their injuries lied within themselves (but rather in the stars).
I believe this is a different thread, Yoga Man. The prior dispute involved whether poor technique was the cause of most shoulder injuries. That dispute was "resolved." Kaizen's view and yours was not "dismissed;" it was outvoted in a poll by many, including some hoary masters swimmers more experienced than myself. Everyone agreed that technique was important.
As to my own alleged star gazing, I recall that Kaizen dissed my fly technique sight unseen and potentially attributed my injury to it. I believe I had the audacity to comment that my technique was "reasonable," not perfect by any stretch, and that blandish statement was questioned by Kaizen and Lindsay. I also said my free could use work. It would be best, no doubt, to leave that topic and vote alone and move on.
I think what Donna is getting at here, and she can correct me if I'm wrong (I'm sure she will), is what factors account for the incredible longevity of stars like her friend Laura Val. I think technique is critical for long term success. But are you so wrapped up in yoga poses, you can't credit other factors? Training? Mental stamina? Unique physiology? Lack of time constraints? Great coaching? Weights? Nutrition? Talent? Constant ART and massages? Ingestion of pinot noir? Abstinence? No TFs? Fins? Jolly good amusement from pool toys? Married to an orthopod? Anti-aging gene? Human growth hormone? Paul Smith as a coach? Geek as a training partner?
I thought we went down this road before. (not too long ago) My recollection is that those that took the position that it was possible to swim and train without injury (by focusing on technique) were dismissed. No one would even consider that the fault of their injuries lied within themselves (but rather in the stars).
I believe this is a different thread, Yoga Man. The prior dispute involved whether poor technique was the cause of most shoulder injuries. That dispute was "resolved." Kaizen's view and yours was not "dismissed;" it was outvoted in a poll by many, including some hoary masters swimmers more experienced than myself. Everyone agreed that technique was important.
As to my own alleged star gazing, I recall that Kaizen dissed my fly technique sight unseen and potentially attributed my injury to it. I believe I had the audacity to comment that my technique was "reasonable," not perfect by any stretch, and that blandish statement was questioned by Kaizen and Lindsay. I also said my free could use work. It would be best, no doubt, to leave that topic and vote alone and move on.
I think what Donna is getting at here, and she can correct me if I'm wrong (I'm sure she will), is what factors account for the incredible longevity of stars like her friend Laura Val. I think technique is critical for long term success. But are you so wrapped up in yoga poses, you can't credit other factors? Training? Mental stamina? Unique physiology? Lack of time constraints? Great coaching? Weights? Nutrition? Talent? Constant ART and massages? Ingestion of pinot noir? Abstinence? No TFs? Fins? Jolly good amusement from pool toys? Married to an orthopod? Anti-aging gene? Human growth hormone? Paul Smith as a coach? Geek as a training partner?
