BamaDC's Mentor Group v4.0 - Closed (Page 11)

It was a small. It sat ON TOP of my head.... It was an LG Rocket http://bobs-bikes.com/product/louis-garneau-rocket-20119.htm

Currently I ride in a basic Specialized Echelon helmet. Nothing fancy. I have no issues with it, but thought since it was a bday gift, I'd continue to persue it...

Yes. I do use them at times. I may have 300-400yrds w/ paddles in a 4000yrd set (10%). I use these: http://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Contoured-Swim-Paddles-Medium/dp/B000F6WK1Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1303408394&sr=8-1

Speedo Contoured Swim paddles. For whatever reason, I bought a large, and could probably use a medium. The large works, but if I do a grueling pull set, I definitely feel it! I would strongly recommend the hard plastic ones over the gloves any day though!

One thing to notice, you can get paddles that have two loops. Loop 1 for your second finger, and Loop 2 for your wrist. If you can find one that has that setup, I prefer it over the whole "molded two loop system" type.

Reason: If you use only the finger loop, it'll help you get a feel of hand position better at the catch phase. If you are sloppy at the catch and only have the finger loop, the paddle will wobble and be harder to control. This will help you realize you're not coming in clean. But, if you focus on form even with the larger strap, you'll soon learn it's difficult to pull water if you're sloppy.

Yep, like that helmet, but my heads way to big.

I do not qualify as a swim guru, but I use these:

http://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductBrand.asp?Brand=1135&Click=1719049&gclid=CIHfn-SwrqgCFc4M2godMBaYHw

Yep - TJFry uses and recommends these.  I figure if anyone knows what to use, he does.  I use the Red #3s.  TJ uses the #4s.  #5s must be a Phelps only selection.  The red are more than enough for me. 

They look ridiculous on everyone.  Speed is irrelevant.  I'm already out there in a spandex unitard.  How much worse can it get?  (That said I do draw the line at printing my name on my a$$, though.)

What's more normal looking? A goofy pointed helmet, or a spandex suit?

He is "the swimmer" on this board.  I think his best 100 is in the 43 second range.  His last IM swim was 48:xx.  Dude is pretty darn good.

This is what he did to a field in an ITU race down under.

True, we do look pretty goofy anyways!  

I just found a local double century.  Very tempting...

http://www.total200.com/

DAMN!!

Drew, here's a little more on TJ Fry

My swim took a hit this morning. Baby girl had a fever of 103 yesterday and was MISERABLE. Momma needed some relief this morning so I stayed home to help for a bit... Here's to hoping she's back to normal so that I can get back to normal!

I do have a bike/run on tap today though...

VERY happy with my swim this AM.  I didn't hit the splits I was shooting for but the good news was that the 3300 yds didn't wear me out as much as 3000+ swims have recently. 

It was also my first time using paddles.  I found a pair in the bin at the pool.  After yesterday's comments on paddles and using a pair this AM I think I should get some.  In the past I used to just pull w/o the paddles if the plan called for it. 

2 weeks out before the race, this is my mantra, "Dont get hurt, dont get hurt, dont get hurt!"

1 week out, this is all I can think, "dont get sick, dont get sick, dont get sick!"

Jennifer, have you raced at White Lake before? Awesome venue.  I've done several races there. I'm scheduled for the sprint on the 8th, but not sure if I'm gonna make it or not. Prolly be down the weekend you race supporting some friends who are doing the half.

X2

The only advice I have is to remember that by this point you've built your fitness up, and you can't gain much more fitness in the last three weeks.... So like titeloops said, your taper period is all about just staying healthy so that you're well-rested and in top form for your race   Based on your workout from yesterday, it looks like you should be good to go!  From here on out, I would just stick with your planned workouts, and enjoy your taper!  

...Taper is usually also a time where I like to do things that are relaxing, since I have more time on my hands as training volume decreases.  I like going to yoga a lot before a race (but maybe not something you should start if you've never done it), getting a massage, going to my gym's steam room, etc.  Those are all things that calm my nerves before a big race and gives me something to do with the extra free time.

As for helmet, just a normal helmet for me.

Looks like the weather is starting to get on the hot side over this side of "the pond" making for a bit of a sweaty run this morning!

Well I'm happy with my week.  My main goal was to get 9 workouts in, I'm now at 8 with one due tomorrow.  My main goal for the year is to be more consistant with my training.  Last year I didn't have a good base going in my first sprint and finished middle of the pack in my AG.  This year I would like to be more in the top 20%, if not better.

Question for the swimming gurus.  My plan has three swim and once in a while I may be able to add a forth.  When I do, which workout should I repeat the short, medium or long?  Or does anyone have a different workout they recommend?  Maybe one with specific drills like sigthing.  I'm hoping to get in some OWS on occasions if water conditions permit.

Hope everyone is having a great Easter weekend.

Sighting drills are great! Every heard of the Oooba Boooba or the Tarzan? It's a head high front crawl. Swim normal, look up, take 2 strokes, get back to normal. It'll help with sighting. Not too terrible.

Uh, as for your workouts... swim more. lots more. lots lots more.

There's no magic bullet as to what workout will net more gains. However, the more you swim, the more comfortable you'll get, the more effecient you'll get, the faster you'll get. It's a circle.

Some of my favorites and Sands will agree are 200 repeats. There are several ways to do them. One is to rip them as fast as possible, and the other is to go as consistent as possible.
Case 1: 5x200 @4:25 (that's using your 2:05/100 + 15") Do your best to keep all 5 of them within 5 seconds of each other.
Case 2: 5x200 @fast. Rip them off as fast and steady as you can. Take 1-2' RI. Repeat. Again try to keep the times 5-10" of each other.

Another are 50 sprints.

Lastly pyramids. Swim a 500-400-300-200-100-200-300-400-500 pyramid.
Swim the 500. Take a look at your time when you cross 400. That should be your 400 goal.
Swim the 400. Take a look at your time when you cross 300. That should be your 300 goal.
Continue throughout.

Either way, honestly, swim more.