Hi,
I am a very new adult swimmer, having started learning freestyle in April. I can swim breaststroke well enough to not stop for about 250 yards. But Freestyle really kicks my butt, and after 3 months of practicing everyday, I still cannot do 50 yards non-stop. I can start out breathing every 4 strokes, but halfway through the first 25 yards, I am out of breath and breathing every other stroke. By the time I get through the first 25 yards, I'm practically hyperventilating, and need a good minute to catch my breath. I have asthma, but it's only the freestyle that kills me. Does my body weight have a lot to do with this? (I'm overweight and I'm trying to lose it, and have been swimming 7 days a week, and weight-training 3 days a week) The coaches/instructors I've worked with all say that I have good form in the water for someone who has only just learned the stroke (of course there are things I need to improve on), and that I will improve over time. But it is SO frustrating to not be able to see progress in this area.
Any advice besides being patient and keep swimming??? I would so appreciate it!
Thanks,
Tina
When I did just lap swimming with no masters' practices or any kind of coaching, I could go a long way doing breaststroke, but I was very slow. Then I decided to try an open water swim--I had a running injury and missed competing. So I gradually weaned myself off breaststroke so I could swim faster. Eventually, I was able to do a mile freestyle. I'd start with maybe 25 free every 200-250 yards, then gradually make these 25s more frequent until I was doing entirely freestyle. It did take some time and patience. If your coach/instructor says your form is good, that's half the battle. I got feedback from a lifeguard who taught swimming. He was very helpful. I'd ask the instructor if there's any way you can increase your comfort with the breathing.
Interestingly, once I began breathing bilaterally, I found it much more comfortable to do freestyle for long stretches, but I'm not sure why that is.
When I did just lap swimming with no masters' practices or any kind of coaching, I could go a long way doing breaststroke, but I was very slow. Then I decided to try an open water swim--I had a running injury and missed competing. So I gradually weaned myself off breaststroke so I could swim faster. Eventually, I was able to do a mile freestyle. I'd start with maybe 25 free every 200-250 yards, then gradually make these 25s more frequent until I was doing entirely freestyle. It did take some time and patience. If your coach/instructor says your form is good, that's half the battle. I got feedback from a lifeguard who taught swimming. He was very helpful. I'd ask the instructor if there's any way you can increase your comfort with the breathing.
Interestingly, once I began breathing bilaterally, I found it much more comfortable to do freestyle for long stretches, but I'm not sure why that is.
