I didn't know where to post this..sorry.
I'm 18yrs old and have been told my body type is dense in water. I have great genetics besides the fact that I'm 5'4, I use to play football up until i started to wrestle in 10th and 11th grades, body build, and now I just run and do calisthenics so I have great endurance.
I'm training for AirForce CCT and I need to be a proficient swimmer before this September. I can't even swim 150m. I do 50m and am out of breathe and my muscles fatigue quickly. I have good technique I think and its most likely the breathing that does me in.
I start off breathing every 5 strokes than tire out to every 3 strokes. I read online that I might take in to much oxygen and not expell all of it which causes a Carbon Dioxide build up over time. After my breath is taken I hold it until after the count of strokes is take then on my turn I exhale all at once like a burst. Am I suppose to exhale immediately, slowly after taking a breath and not inhale more than necesarry?
I need help and my goal is to be able to 1000-2000m nonstop freestyle. I need to be able to do at least 1000m before I can leave for CCT training as Combat Diver and SCUBA school is intense.
Also in the amount of time from now until September, will I be able top go from where I am at to swimming 1000-2000m nonstop?
Based on your description, it sounds like you hit the nail on the head regarding breathing issues. First, breathe every 2 or 3 strokes. There is no reason to breathe every 5. Most elite swimmers breathe 2 or 3. When you run, you always have access to air. So why limit yourself to every 5 when you are swimming? It just serves to tire you out. Also, you should be exhaling while your head is submerged and inhaling when your head is turned to the side. If you exhale in the same burst that you try to inhale, you won't have enough time to inhale, your rhythm will be off, and you will get tired more quickly.
Based on your description, it sounds like you hit the nail on the head regarding breathing issues. First, breathe every 2 or 3 strokes. There is no reason to breathe every 5. Most elite swimmers breathe 2 or 3. When you run, you always have access to air. So why limit yourself to every 5 when you are swimming? It just serves to tire you out. Also, you should be exhaling while your head is submerged and inhaling when your head is turned to the side. If you exhale in the same burst that you try to inhale, you won't have enough time to inhale, your rhythm will be off, and you will get tired more quickly.
