I've been trying to focus on my butterfly lately, and I really seem to have a problem getting a breathing pattern that works. First I had to slow down my pace, and really concentrate on my kick, but I'm still having trouble breathing. I seem to remember every 3rd stroke being a good pattern, but my brain says every 2nd would be better. Unfortunately, if I try for every other, it almost seems like I'm working harder to get my face up to catch a breath. Since our pool has just little ropes with floats, it really takes some doing to get above the waves and I'm trying to break myself of the side breathing habit.
I am not one to be preaching, as we all have seen my 2fly video. BUT breathing in swimming is inherently inefficient, especially in fly, and I am of the mindset that unless you are Phelps, the more you keep your face in the water, the better. By breathing every stroke, you're essentially hyperventilating yourself. Think about a 25 fly - lets say thats 8 strokes, 15 seconds. you have 4 seconds underwater, take first stroke w/ head down. That is 7 inhale/exhale cycles in roughly 11 seconds.
Hyperventilation = oxygen deprivation = lactic acid buildup = piano falling. hard. Lets remember phelps processes lactic acid better than anyone on Planet Earth (that we know of).
In a 50, I go 2/3/2 on the first 25, 1/3/3 (or if its kinda slow, 1/3/2/2) on the second.
100, I'll keep up a 2/3 until I can't stand it any longer and bring it home with a 1/2 pattern.
200, every other as long as I can go and hope for minimal presence of the ivories.
Runner Girl, find something you're comfortable with and fly away!
I am not one to be preaching, as we all have seen my 2fly video. BUT breathing in swimming is inherently inefficient, especially in fly, and I am of the mindset that unless you are Phelps, the more you keep your face in the water, the better. By breathing every stroke, you're essentially hyperventilating yourself. Think about a 25 fly - lets say thats 8 strokes, 15 seconds. you have 4 seconds underwater, take first stroke w/ head down. That is 7 inhale/exhale cycles in roughly 11 seconds.
Hyperventilation = oxygen deprivation = lactic acid buildup = piano falling. hard. Lets remember phelps processes lactic acid better than anyone on Planet Earth (that we know of).
In a 50, I go 2/3/2 on the first 25, 1/3/3 (or if its kinda slow, 1/3/2/2) on the second.
100, I'll keep up a 2/3 until I can't stand it any longer and bring it home with a 1/2 pattern.
200, every other as long as I can go and hope for minimal presence of the ivories.
Runner Girl, find something you're comfortable with and fly away!
