Matt Gilmartin's Group- CLOSED~ we're swimming! (Page 11)

Hmmm---I still fall in the category of rare individuals who absolutely DESPISE the bike.  I'm trying to be open-minded about it, though. 

So give it to me straight---is my a$$ supposed to hurt this much or should I look into a new saddle?

Hmmm---I still fall in the category of rare individuals who absolutely DESPISE the bike.  I'm trying to be open-minded about it, though.

So give it to me straight---is my a$$ supposed to hurt this much or should I look into a new saddle?

<form action="/discussion/forums/thread-post.asp?action=postreply" method="post"> catiek - 2012-01-08 1:28 AM Matt and everyone,Just a question on kicking when swimming (as opposed to when I kick while I am running..  ). I need to improve my kick and am not too sure how to go about it. When I am in training and doing some kicking laps (excuse my complete lack of technical language) I seem to fall to the back of the group. How do I get my kick a bit stronger so I am not lagging behind the others?   Catie, without seeing you kick I am not sure what your mechanics are like.  I can tell you the following about kicking: 1) Initiate the movement from your hip flexors, not your calves. 2) Get your feet as parallel with your body as possible.  Think of making a "straight line" with your leg into your foot.  As a human being, your feet are 90 degrees from your body to help you stand up.  You don't need to stand in water though- you need to cut through it as fast as possible and be streamlined.  This is a challenge for many people, but probably the one that will make you immediately faster. 3) Kick drills- do them, and do them a lot!  Freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and dolphin kicking will make you stronger. 4) Strength train.  Quad extensions, hamstrings, glute/ham curls, and calf presses will make you strong. 5) Get a pair of Zoomers- they will improve your kick immediately.  Trust me on this, I'm a loyal user!

Thanks Matt,

I had a tri coach take a look at me from the sidelines (I work with him and he happens to coach at the same pool that I swim at) and he said my technique was pretty much spot on, but that I had to work on my strength and 'fitness' - I think he meant lose a few kilos and do some weights.

I do think that perhaps when I am being lazy or am tired I start kicking from my knees rather than my hips.  Something I will definitely keep in mind when training.  I will also start doing more kicking drills as well.

Just one quick one... when you say Zoomers do you mean fins?  I haven't heard the word zoomer before.

Catie

Hey Mariah,

Thought I would answer your FB question here about my nephews so then everyone else here knows...  My nephews (4 of them so far + 1 niece) all have perfect hearing.  I however, am hearing impaired.  I wear a hearing aid (sometimes) and although I am fluent in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) I am oral.

My main issue is speech discrimination.  This means that I can hear sounds I just cannot understand what the sound is.  This means that I hear the wrong thing when people speak to me, which can sometimes be funny, but I think is mostly annoying because I constantly ask people to repeat themselves.

Catie

Catie,

Zoomers are a specific brand of fins.  I'd recommend them over any other fin.  They will definitely build your leg strength, too:

http://www.finisinc.com/zoomers-gold.html

Robin,

Ha!  I thought you were just letting us all know about just how much you hate cycling and butt pain.

There are many reasons your butt could hurt.  A new saddle could help.  Are you wearing cycling shorts?  I'd really look into a bike fitting.. there are so many ways to go wrong with saddle position, any one variable can cause pain.  Tell me more about your equipment, though.

Thanks for the video.  What is the "goal" of this drill? AKA What should I be focusing on?

Hi all!

   A new LA Fitness just opened up close to home - that is great and the fact that I can run there (about 2 miles) is also great.  However, I never knew how many sick people work out!  That has got to be the most unhealthy environment in the world.  I was on the treadmill next to some guy hacking up a lung and now I've got the crud as well.

   The other real question is the pool water quality...pretty clean and clear in the AM but by the afternoon or evening the thing is "fuzzy".  Not clear, kind of foggy.  Gives me a bit of the heebie jeebies to swim in it.  Am I right that it is really dirty or am I overly sensitive.  Needless to say the staff are not real helpful about cleaning schedules, water quality measures etc. yet.

Thanks!  M

Aaron, to be totally honest I've never been a fan of sculling, or used it in my training.  My thought is that it's great for new swimmers to get a feeling for where their hands should be while in the water... all the way through the stroke.

And I was correct(!)- check out this page for more info:

http://www.goswim.tv/entries/5654/all-strokes---the-ins-and-outs-of-sculling.html

Melinda,

First thought- use the hand sanitizer at the gym... the places are usually filthy!~ also, the guy on the treadmill next to you coughing up a lung was probably trying to get in shape.  I see that a lot at my club too- newbs that are really out of shape choke a lot.  

As for the pool, ask the management right away.  The "murky and cloudy" usually is the result of too much chlorine.  Does the whole pool area smell when you walk in?  The new staff might not have a clue what they are doing.  As far as the "codes", I'm sure they have some standards they need to follow, you need to make sure they're actually following them.  Most health club managers are attentive and want to deliver a positive experience, definitely ask ASAP.  Let us know what they say.

Mariah, don't sweat it.  To be a fastie you need to train with fasties.  Look at all the knowledge and opportunity to learn from some seasoned folks as a positive.  Enjoy every minute of it, and laugh next year when someone new is in your shoes, and you can mentor them!

Good point Matt - and thanks for the support! I think I just freaked out a bit and felt a little overwhelmed! I'm supposed to swim with them tomorrow and will have a better idea afterwards what I need to work on for the swim portion. Will keep everyone updated! Thanks again

Thanks for the second video. 

I may do a little "sculling" but I know if I'll fully bring them in to my swim training.  I think I have an okay "feel for the water", insomuch that I can feel my catch and change my pull a little to change the direction of my force.

Sounds good.  I've got a pretty thin upper body from running, so building larger deltoids and lats is something that will help.

OK, so I need to tell everyone about my "pool" experience.  Im getting ready to get in the pool for laps last Friday (first time in 10 years and I'm so excited I can't wait) and this friendly little lady says to me before I walk out to the pool "honey, you're gonna freeze in the pool today".  I said "really, why?" and she says "one of the heaters isn't working and it's freezing".  I reply "oh, ok, well, how warm do they usually keep the pool" (I remember back in the day-it was 72 degrees or less, usually 68-70), and she says "about 80".   

Is that normal?  Am I gonna have a heat stroke. LOLOLOL               

April,

That's hilarious!  80 degrees is warm for any pool, let alone a lap pool.  On the bright side, the warm water is more inviting than cold water.  I doubt you'll have a heat stroke, but you might burn up energy faster with that high heat.

Robin, that is terrible.  I am so sorry to hear that.  I'll keep your Dad in my thoughts and prayers.  Take care of yourself, too. Triathlon is a great stress reliever, and it sounds like you will need some soon.  Keep us updated, and best of luck.

So sorry to hear that Robin. Will keep your dad (and you and the rest of your family) in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted.