Last meet I swam the 100 and 200 IM, the latter for the first time ever. My best strokes are free and fly. My backstroke is quite lame. My breaststroke is slowly getting better. I have no illusions that I will ever get anywhere near a top ten in anything, least of all an IM event. But I would like to improve, and it give me a sense of accomplishment to swim all four strokes in a race and not drown (though the 200 introduced doubt on that front!)
I went 1:16.80 in the 100 (out in 35.83; back in 40.97)
In the 200, I went 2:51.82
fly 34.65
back 46.81
*** (falling piano) 53.83
free 36.53
The 200 was really a mixed bag--it felt absolutely horrible in the middle (why, oh why did I enter this event??? I am thinking about 20 yards into the breaststroke leg) but exciting to complete.
Any suggestions about IM sets for workouts (I swim alone, for the most part) or ways to think about the 200 race? Split goals, etc?? I'm sort of plateaued elsewhere, so this seems like a good thing to work on for awhile. My zone meet is at the end of this month, and I'd like to get the 200 down around 2:45 if possible.
Parents
Former Member
Thought I'd post an update to this thread, since I got such helpful insights from the group. I have traveled a fair amount in the last month, which has proved a challenge, since my overall yardage was already down this SCY season compared to last (my first.) But I am thinking about future seasons as well, so am not placing too much importance on times--a little more on improved technique and overall mindfulness in the water.
Anyway, I've been working on IM sets and especially my *** and backstroke, with an eye toward figuring out the right energy expenditure for the 200. Just by thinking about my legs more I've made progress. In backstroke I've tried to kick less but roll more (with the overall caveat that my backstroke stinks). Next year I think I'll explore entering backstroke sprints so I can learn better what it means to swim the stroke fast, rather than seeking not to drown in an IM. In breaststroke I've concentrating much more on the kick.
Also working some on fly and *** turns. Some progress there. I am learning what it means to not grip the lip and pull myself forward and up while I tuck my feet. Working on pushing my hands off the wall--the velocity of the tuck seems to be the crucial thing, which I am only beginning to get down.
Here's a question: the back-to-*** turn. The side flippy thing is out of the question for now. How to approach this turn? I feel like the dorkiest thing ever doing it--like a piece of furniture bumping a wall, then clunking slowly off it.
So anyway, I am approaching my zone meet this weekend with genuine curiosity. Will the increased attention and more IM sets with more variety show up in my times for the 100 and 200? I'm hoping so. It's a two day meet. 100 on Saturday and 200 on Sunday. (Among other events I've entered.) I'll report back with the news and whatever I learned...
Thought I'd post an update to this thread, since I got such helpful insights from the group. I have traveled a fair amount in the last month, which has proved a challenge, since my overall yardage was already down this SCY season compared to last (my first.) But I am thinking about future seasons as well, so am not placing too much importance on times--a little more on improved technique and overall mindfulness in the water.
Anyway, I've been working on IM sets and especially my *** and backstroke, with an eye toward figuring out the right energy expenditure for the 200. Just by thinking about my legs more I've made progress. In backstroke I've tried to kick less but roll more (with the overall caveat that my backstroke stinks). Next year I think I'll explore entering backstroke sprints so I can learn better what it means to swim the stroke fast, rather than seeking not to drown in an IM. In breaststroke I've concentrating much more on the kick.
Also working some on fly and *** turns. Some progress there. I am learning what it means to not grip the lip and pull myself forward and up while I tuck my feet. Working on pushing my hands off the wall--the velocity of the tuck seems to be the crucial thing, which I am only beginning to get down.
Here's a question: the back-to-*** turn. The side flippy thing is out of the question for now. How to approach this turn? I feel like the dorkiest thing ever doing it--like a piece of furniture bumping a wall, then clunking slowly off it.
So anyway, I am approaching my zone meet this weekend with genuine curiosity. Will the increased attention and more IM sets with more variety show up in my times for the 100 and 200? I'm hoping so. It's a two day meet. 100 on Saturday and 200 on Sunday. (Among other events I've entered.) I'll report back with the news and whatever I learned...
