Just for context, I started swimming five years ago and I'm 42 years old. After a lot of floundering I got down to 1:50 per 100, and I do about 3000 meters a workout. I used to just swim it out, now I'm working on intervals and actually trying to push myself in a semi intelligent way.
I am haunted by my kicking problems, inasmuch as they're weaker than my arms and I tend to always move from side to side. I came to the conclusion this morning in my workout that breathing on only one side on every second stroke was forcing me to angle out every stroke and compounded my problems with keeping straight and letting my kicking propel me forward as opposed to side to side.
I started working this morning on breathing on alternate sides on every third stroke and while I have to re-train my lungs to accept the breathing differently and get comfortable one goggling the non dominant side, I immediately saw a big change in how I was gliding through the water and felt like I was swimming a bit with a pull buoy.
I had back surgery two years ago and for 18 months only swam with a buoy which probably made my problems a lot worse because I wasn't working on my core but was getting stronger with my pull, and wasn't addressing my weak kicking problem and facing up to the challenge of breathing on one side was pulling me a bit askance every stroke.
Anyways here's the question for you pros. Am I thinking about this problem right?
I tried to post the workout I need today. When I was working half through on breathing side to side I felt I had to go a lot slower to accommodate the new breathing technique and get comfortable with turning to the left, as well.
Any feedback would be really helpful. I know it's going to take a long time to put the breathing, catch and kicking pieces back together but I really want to get down into the 1:30's per 100 just for me, and I know without some great kicking I will never ever get there.
Thanks Paul. Sounds like I need to be stronger on the B&A situation.
On the stroke count I'm around 26-28. I attached my workout from this morning where I only worked on kicking. No toys. I also spent a lot of time trying breathing only on my non dominant side which is harder but where I keep my head down easier and trading back and forth every 50 and trying to be conscious of my kicks and head position.
11783
The weakness on one side relative to the other side could be due to a number of factors: are you properly aligned, is your pull different on that side, timing of the rotation is either earlier or later, your head in a different position. B & A drill is an advanced drill and to do it well means good body balance, alignment/tight core, rotation, and the ability for the arms and shoulders to move independently from the torso.
On another topic - we never asked what your stroke count per length is. Stroke count can tell alot about efficiency and pulling pattern. Caution though, it is possible to have a good stroke count and still snake through the water. Just curious.
Paul
Thanks Paul. Sounds like I need to be stronger on the B&A situation.
On the stroke count I'm around 26-28. I attached my workout from this morning where I only worked on kicking. No toys. I also spent a lot of time trying breathing only on my non dominant side which is harder but where I keep my head down easier and trading back and forth every 50 and trying to be conscious of my kicks and head position.
11783
The weakness on one side relative to the other side could be due to a number of factors: are you properly aligned, is your pull different on that side, timing of the rotation is either earlier or later, your head in a different position. B & A drill is an advanced drill and to do it well means good body balance, alignment/tight core, rotation, and the ability for the arms and shoulders to move independently from the torso.
On another topic - we never asked what your stroke count per length is. Stroke count can tell alot about efficiency and pulling pattern. Caution though, it is possible to have a good stroke count and still snake through the water. Just curious.
Paul
