I've been on a swim team for a month and have been to three swim meets and have come in third place in all of my events. I need help with improving my time and speed. Also, I need help with the flipturn. I also have started training for nationals next year. I run 3 miles a day and train in the gym and I go to a physical therapists as I have had to have 2 neck surgers in the past 3 yrs. I'm loving swimming and, I get so excied when it comes time to compete. If any of yall have advice or training advice for me I would appreciate it. I do have a coach I work with 4 times a week.
Sincerely, Swimminggirl
Parents
Former Member
Please don't put yourself on a strict diet and especially not during a high-peak swim race season. Your body will suffer for it. Eat balanced meals but maybe smaller ones if you are trying to lose any weight. Training and dieting does not mix very well; much energy will be lost. Food replacement supplements should not be used in place of good food. And I agree, don't run so often if you are trying to improve your swimming.
Your swim times have me confused. Initially you said you swam a 2:38 for the 200 free and then said a 1 minute flat for a 50 free.
A good way to practice the motion required for flip turns is to get in the middle of the pool, take 3 or 4 strokes and do a flip turn while in the middle of the pool. It gets your brain/body trained for that motion without slamming your feet on the wall. On your last stroke pulldown, throw your body over in a tight ball. Get used to this and then have someone "spot" you for trying it on the wall so you don't hurt your feet.
Initially, most people in the beginning start the turn too far away from the wall and/or are in a too-tight of a ball when they turn. It just takes a lot of practice to nail this turn. If it is still not what you want it to be, do what was earlier suggested: a very, very fast open turn.
Also, your hesitation of swimming with breathing may be because you are taking too long to take that breath. If you speed the breathing up (take a big gulp quick), then you will also have less hesitation.
Just some thoughts. It sounds like you are just so motivated and that is key!!!
donna
Please don't put yourself on a strict diet and especially not during a high-peak swim race season. Your body will suffer for it. Eat balanced meals but maybe smaller ones if you are trying to lose any weight. Training and dieting does not mix very well; much energy will be lost. Food replacement supplements should not be used in place of good food. And I agree, don't run so often if you are trying to improve your swimming.
Your swim times have me confused. Initially you said you swam a 2:38 for the 200 free and then said a 1 minute flat for a 50 free.
A good way to practice the motion required for flip turns is to get in the middle of the pool, take 3 or 4 strokes and do a flip turn while in the middle of the pool. It gets your brain/body trained for that motion without slamming your feet on the wall. On your last stroke pulldown, throw your body over in a tight ball. Get used to this and then have someone "spot" you for trying it on the wall so you don't hurt your feet.
Initially, most people in the beginning start the turn too far away from the wall and/or are in a too-tight of a ball when they turn. It just takes a lot of practice to nail this turn. If it is still not what you want it to be, do what was earlier suggested: a very, very fast open turn.
Also, your hesitation of swimming with breathing may be because you are taking too long to take that breath. If you speed the breathing up (take a big gulp quick), then you will also have less hesitation.
Just some thoughts. It sounds like you are just so motivated and that is key!!!
donna
