Hello! This is my first post. I have started swimming more lately because I need a layoff from running to let some injuiries heal.
I swam as a kid and some as an adult but I am now interested in getting better and swimming longer as cross training.
Here are some questions:
1) Is my back hurting due to bad form or have I simply ramped up pool time too quickly? I have been swimming for about 3-4 weeks and now swim 45-60 minutes at a time.:dunno: I'm in good shape so I don't get tired that quickly but maybe my body needs to get accustomed to swimming?
2) are there any earplugs that really work? I've tried two pairs. One was a wax like thing that didn't stay in long. The other is a rubber thing with a long handle - it's better but doesn't keep all the water out
3) I try to beathe every 4 strokes. Is this good? It gets harder after about 15-20 laps and have to go to every 2 strokes occasionally
Thanks, I'd love any advice you can offer for newbies
Parents
Former Member
I can help out with the earplug advice. You want to get a plug that looks like the one in the attached pic. Not necessarily that brand but just something that approximates it. You might have to try one or two brands before you find the best one. Some are stiffer than others. You don't want rigid ones. The more pliable the better. Then you need to buy yourself a tub of Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly). Dip the plug into the Vaseline making sure to get some into the spaces between the ribs. Remove excess Vaseline from the very tip of the plug. You don't want this getting onto your eardrum. Insert into your ear with a twisting motion (like you were screwing it into your ear). Naturally you don't want it in that deep that it touches your eardrum. When it is in deep enough pull it out very gently until you can feel the suction in your ear. This will ensure it is watertight. (This last step is very important. Omit it and they won't work).
Trust me this works. I can't go into the water without a plug in my right ear without getting an infection. I have been using this method for the last six months or so and not even a hint of an infection.
Syd
I can help out with the earplug advice. You want to get a plug that looks like the one in the attached pic. Not necessarily that brand but just something that approximates it. You might have to try one or two brands before you find the best one. Some are stiffer than others. You don't want rigid ones. The more pliable the better. Then you need to buy yourself a tub of Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly). Dip the plug into the Vaseline making sure to get some into the spaces between the ribs. Remove excess Vaseline from the very tip of the plug. You don't want this getting onto your eardrum. Insert into your ear with a twisting motion (like you were screwing it into your ear). Naturally you don't want it in that deep that it touches your eardrum. When it is in deep enough pull it out very gently until you can feel the suction in your ear. This will ensure it is watertight. (This last step is very important. Omit it and they won't work).
Trust me this works. I can't go into the water without a plug in my right ear without getting an infection. I have been using this method for the last six months or so and not even a hint of an infection.
Syd
