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2009-07-18 1:04 PM

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Austin, TX
Subject: swim breakthrough
Just started training for my first sprint tri 5 weeks ago and have very little swimming background.  My husband got laid off a couple months ago so I've been training on my own with no formal coaching (which I could definitely use). 
I started swimming about 20 meters at a time before stopping for air.  Today I made it 500 meters straight (the distance of my tri)!!!  and 1300 meters total.  Plus I was actually faster than usual. I guess things finally clicked for me. 
I read in on of the Mentor forums "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast" so I used that mantra today and boy what a difference!  I took my time, tried to relax and lengthen my stride, rotate around my core, and pull my hands all the way through.
For any other swimming newbies out there, I hope this info will help you.  Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.  Once you're going slow consistently with good form, then work on increasing your speed.
Thanks for all the swimming guidance BTers!!!
Oh, and getting fitted for a proper pair of goggles made a huge difference too.  They didn't leak, fog up, or give me a headache from not fitting well.

Ruth


2009-07-18 1:28 PM
in reply to: #2293434

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Champion
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Subject: RE: swim breakthrough
Congrats on break through!

Have fun last couple weeks before your tri!
2009-07-18 8:21 PM
in reply to: #2293434

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Chelmsford, MA
Subject: RE: swim breakthrough
Awesome! As someone who had that same breakthrough recently I know how good and feels and how much confidence it gives you. Good work!
2009-07-18 8:27 PM
in reply to: #2293434

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Champion
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Subject: RE: swim breakthrough
Congratulation!  Sounds like you just described the basis of the Total Immersion book. 
2009-07-18 8:47 PM
in reply to: #2293434

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Expert
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Harrisburg, PA
Subject: RE: swim breakthrough
I love to hear when someone said, "it finally clicked." I remember when it happened to me. I usually say that now it's time to start the real work, but it sounds like you're already there. Keep it up.
2009-07-18 10:41 PM
in reply to: #2293434

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Subject: RE: swim breakthrough
Congratulations on your swimming.  I do hope your husband finds works soon as well.


2009-07-18 10:46 PM
in reply to: #2293434

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Subject: RE: swim breakthrough
That is great.  I remember when I hit that plateau in January.  It actually makes you think that it is possible.  I just did my first Sprint with an OWS of 500m and I lived.  Have fun training, but PRACTICE OWS.  It is a totally different animal.
2009-07-19 7:45 AM
in reply to: #2293434


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Subject: RE: swim breakthrough

Well done! You'll be at Oly distance in no time.  Consider borrowing the book "Total Immersion" from your local library so that you can have a reference that describes everything you have been practicing.  Form is 80% -- Fitness is 20%.

This video along with the total immersion book helped me a lot. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJpFVvho0o4 

PURE FORM.  Don't make any drastic modifications to your form if you're close to the race.  Use what works and see if you can find anything useful from this video.

Good luck in your race!  I'm sure you'll do well.

2009-07-19 3:46 PM
in reply to: #2294112

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Master
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Central Indiana
Subject: RE: swim breakthrough
YuP - 2009-07-19 8:45 AM

This video along with the total immersion book helped me a lot. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJpFVvho0o4 

PURE FORM.  Don't make any drastic modifications to your form if you're close to the race.  Use what works and see if you can find anything useful from this video.



+1 on not changing form close to race.  I tried to tweak my admittedly poor swim form just before my first OWS.  Only sprint distance but turned my swim into a slow slog.

BTW- The link above doesn't work.  Is there a title too look up?
2009-07-19 4:53 PM
in reply to: #2293434

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Expert
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Johns Creek, Georgia
Subject: RE: swim breakthrough
7 months ago I could hardle swim 6 lengths, now I can do 3000 yards.  I got a coach, used 2x per month and I do workouts on my own 3-4 x a week.  Good luck in the Tri
2009-07-19 6:34 PM
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Austin, TX
Subject: RE: swim breakthrough
Thanks for all the inspiration and further tips!  I'll use them all.  This stuff is too much fun!

Ruth


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