I have been doing triathlons for two years now, but my swimming is holding me back from really being a top competitor. I absolutely hate the swimming part and can barely get motivated to get to the pool. I would like a workout to help me swim 800 meters without dying and having to breaststroke or swim on my back.
I generally have two days a week to go to the pool, but somehow it ends up being only one day. Someone please help! I could be a serious competitor in my age group if I can only improve my swimming. Thanks!!!
Parents
Former Member
Heidi,
I am going to say two words to you: total immersion (www.totalimmersion.net). (OK, OK, three words, including the web address.)
Although I have not seen you swim, and broad sweeping statements are a bit hazardous, from the sound of your post, I think I can guess what is your problem. As a triathlete, your work ethic is getting in the way of becoming a better swimmer. You are asking the wrong question; you want to know how you can work HARDER to improve your swimming. I'll bet you the entry fee for your next race that you need to learn to swim your races EASIER. (Thereby saving your energy, especially your legs, for the longer bike and run portions of the race.) That means improve your stroke mechanics, and to work on that, you need to swim fewer yards, on longer, nonaerobic intervals, using drills focused on improving skills. A good coach can help you with that. There are many methods available; however, total immersion (TI) is a focused, programmed course of instruction that you can teach yourself.
TI is a bit controversial among some swimmers, as an approach for competitive swimming. However, even the critics admit it is an excellent method for those without competitive swimming experience to improve rapidly, and with less struggle. Granted, TI has turned itself into a cottage industry with many related products and seminars for sale. Here's a tip, read the free articles at the web site, and if you like the sound of the approach, go ahead and plunk down the princely sum of...$25 for "Triathlon Swimming Made Easy." You can buy into the other stuff, or not, as seems appropriate to your needs, your goals and your budget.
Matt
Heidi,
I am going to say two words to you: total immersion (www.totalimmersion.net). (OK, OK, three words, including the web address.)
Although I have not seen you swim, and broad sweeping statements are a bit hazardous, from the sound of your post, I think I can guess what is your problem. As a triathlete, your work ethic is getting in the way of becoming a better swimmer. You are asking the wrong question; you want to know how you can work HARDER to improve your swimming. I'll bet you the entry fee for your next race that you need to learn to swim your races EASIER. (Thereby saving your energy, especially your legs, for the longer bike and run portions of the race.) That means improve your stroke mechanics, and to work on that, you need to swim fewer yards, on longer, nonaerobic intervals, using drills focused on improving skills. A good coach can help you with that. There are many methods available; however, total immersion (TI) is a focused, programmed course of instruction that you can teach yourself.
TI is a bit controversial among some swimmers, as an approach for competitive swimming. However, even the critics admit it is an excellent method for those without competitive swimming experience to improve rapidly, and with less struggle. Granted, TI has turned itself into a cottage industry with many related products and seminars for sale. Here's a tip, read the free articles at the web site, and if you like the sound of the approach, go ahead and plunk down the princely sum of...$25 for "Triathlon Swimming Made Easy." You can buy into the other stuff, or not, as seems appropriate to your needs, your goals and your budget.
Matt
