I am new to masters swimming, and had not trained since 1988 until a couple of months ago. I am not exactly killing it yet, but I am finally getting a feel for the water, and I cranked out a 1200 workout today and it felt like I was just getting started. Anyway, to the point ...
I was a breaststroker in the old days, and I never learned to swim with my head going under in my glide. About a month ago, I decided to try it (with help from some old posts here).
I finally got the rhythm down last week, taking my strokes per 25 down from 12 to 8/9, but it feels like I am putting way too much strain on my inner thighs during my kick, resulting in some mild groin strains (both sides)from trying to go to fast (kicking too hard, if there is such a thing).
Is this just a matter of getting used to a new angle? I can breaststroke kick only for as long as I want without trouble, but as soon as I put in the big glide, ouch. I swam plenty of breaststroke today without pain, but I went easy on the kick.
I appreciate any advice.
-Jim L
New questions as I get more comfortable with this:
1) on my glide, after driving my hands forward and slightly downward, my hands drift back up as I lose momentum. If this is right, at what point should I start the next stroke? When the hands are still deep, when they approach the surface, or somewhere in the middle?
2) I am to the point where the stroke is pretty consistent, so I want to make sure it is right. What is the approximate downward angle of the arms relative to the water surface on the glide? I am probably 20-30 degrees when my arms first fully extend.
3) At the wall, I am followed by several big (a few inches high, and forceful) waves after my touch. Does this mean I am doing something right, or am I doing something wrong?
4) I am down to 7-8 pulls per 25 yards, starting from a push. What is a good rate? (I'm only 5'9" if that makes a difference.)
Thanks again for the help so far. I hope my questions help others too.
New questions as I get more comfortable with this:
1) on my glide, after driving my hands forward and slightly downward, my hands drift back up as I lose momentum. If this is right, at what point should I start the next stroke? When the hands are still deep, when they approach the surface, or somewhere in the middle?
2) I am to the point where the stroke is pretty consistent, so I want to make sure it is right. What is the approximate downward angle of the arms relative to the water surface on the glide? I am probably 20-30 degrees when my arms first fully extend.
3) At the wall, I am followed by several big (a few inches high, and forceful) waves after my touch. Does this mean I am doing something right, or am I doing something wrong?
4) I am down to 7-8 pulls per 25 yards, starting from a push. What is a good rate? (I'm only 5'9" if that makes a difference.)
Thanks again for the help so far. I hope my questions help others too.
