I've been reading past posts and threads on breathing bilaterally. We have a wealth of information here on the pros and cons. I've decided I want to breathe to both sides, but am having some problems getting there.
When I'm fresh, I think I'm doing ok. I feel like I'm rolling enough that I'm not turning my head too much and grabbing a nice breath, weak and strong side alike.
When I begin to tire, my weak side breathing falls apart. I feel like I'm sinking - I know I am, because I'm lifting my head up to catch a quick unsatisfying breath that's half water. I can feel that my arm is dropping as I'm pushing my head out of the water. I know my hips are sinking too: I noticed when I did a short set with a pull-bouy today after tiring, I felt like I had all the time in the world to breath on my weak side.
I would like your thoughts on (1) what is breaking down on me, where the weaknesses are and (2) other than keeping at it with the hopes of getting stronger, is there anything specifically I can attend to or any drills to help me isolate the problems.
Even if you just tell me that the struglle is all part of the process, I'll be grateful for any feedback you can provide. Many thanks - Barb
Parents
Former Member
Barb,
It took me forever to learn to breathe to both sides. I had the same problems that you describe. It was much easier for me if I used a pull buoy. I did lots of swims with pull buoys, until breathing every third stroke was the norm. I then tried to do more and more swimming (no buoys) while breathing every third stroke.
It helped that at the time I lived in a small community that didn't have a Masters group, so the age-group coach let me swim with his kids. He yelled at me every time I lapsed back into one-sided breathing!
Anna Lea
Barb,
It took me forever to learn to breathe to both sides. I had the same problems that you describe. It was much easier for me if I used a pull buoy. I did lots of swims with pull buoys, until breathing every third stroke was the norm. I then tried to do more and more swimming (no buoys) while breathing every third stroke.
It helped that at the time I lived in a small community that didn't have a Masters group, so the age-group coach let me swim with his kids. He yelled at me every time I lapsed back into one-sided breathing!
Anna Lea
