I was reviewing a video of myself swimming a 50 free (scm) and was alarmed to find that I took 21 strokes on the first 25 and 25 strokes on the second 25. I had no idea I took that many strokes as, when I swim 100's at medium pace, it is more like 17 or 18. 19 or 20 when I am tired.
So what is the optimal number of strokes per length or is that going to depend on the size of the individual? I am either 180 or 181cm (I always forget) tall and have a wingspan of (just measured this) 186cm. Does it sound like my stroke rate is too high? Should I be doing more with that that pull under the water and slow down the turnover?
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Thanks for everyone's advice. Paul, I think you have a point there: perhaps I am getting too excited because, after a race, I have no memory of any conscious strategy - just remember going as fast as I possibly could. I need to be more aware of my stroke in a race situation. I guess it will come with more race practice. I have only swam in two meets since I started swimming masters. I like Jazz' suggestion, though. I think I have been sacrificing feel for turnover and need to discover my optimum stroke rate. I have definitely become more aware of it in practice.
Thanks for everyone's advice. Paul, I think you have a point there: perhaps I am getting too excited because, after a race, I have no memory of any conscious strategy - just remember going as fast as I possibly could. I need to be more aware of my stroke in a race situation. I guess it will come with more race practice. I have only swam in two meets since I started swimming masters. I like Jazz' suggestion, though. I think I have been sacrificing feel for turnover and need to discover my optimum stroke rate. I have definitely become more aware of it in practice.
