Milaminute and Sparco's Group - Closed (Page 30)

Are you trying to go fast when you swim?  The thing about swimming (and please chime in here, Swimmers) is that you really do need to go slow and get your form down before you have success with improving your time.  Drills, drills, drills and s-l-o-w swimming will help.  I think for those of us who don't hold college records and stuff like that, the point is to get from one end of the pool to the other quickly, often without the benefit of a proper warm-up... you know, cause there's more oxygen available and stuff when you finish a set and are standing upright.  Personally, that's exactly what I did when I started swimming and I'd end up huffing and puffing because I was swimming too fast with less than efficient form.

I also find that it takes some time for me to get into a swim rhythm.  Often my first few laps feel a little awkward as I'm warming up and then settling into a pace, but eventually I get into the groove and go with it. 

When you slow down, your endurance will improve, you'll go further between rests, and there will be more time to shake your groove thing get into the groove. 

Getting into flip turns will help build your endurance as well, because they help to eliminate the urge to stop and rest at the end of a lane.

While I don't do them 100% of the time, I've definately found that they help my endurance, plus it's  little easier to simulate going the distance of a race.

just my 2 cents.

Flip turns aren't that hard to learn. Once you get the hang of them they become fun! (they also break up the monotony of swimming and if done right you get a little stretch in your back ahhhhhh) Great how-to video here:

http://beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1388

Well 29 percent of my running goal for the month completed, none of my strength or bike done, but about 8 percent of my swim.  Pleased given I gave away 5 days this month to sickness.

Planning a long swim tomorrow (maybe even with flips )  and that will put me pretty close to on track for my swim goal.   Gotta get new tires for the bicycle this weekend though so I can get a good ride in.

Cash -- I agree with redlv.  The concept of learning a flip isn't hard, it does take some getting used to, and it will take a while to get down perfect.  But they are worth the effort.

Lived in Huntington Beach and other areas in Orange County for a couple years -- love it there ...  I'll be on a plane in a heartbeat -- you paying for the ticket??  

What part of California you in?

Why does that phrase seem somewhat familiar?

20% of swimming goal down, 29 percent of running goal, and well, let just say goosegg so far on the bike goal!

It'll get there!

At 100% of my swim goal (5,600/5,600 yds)...I'm such a goal padder...yes, I'll think about adjusting my goal...how about 6,000 yds?...

34% of bike, 2.4/7 hours

16% of run (boo)...9.6/60 miles

You're getting it Cash...that's what it's supposed to feel like...

I'm not the best swimmer, but someone once described the arm pull like this:

Pretend like you're laying on the ice on your stomach (something you Californias aren't used to imagining), and are using ice picks to pull yourself across the ice (but reach WAY forward to catch that 1st 'grip').  

This way, you're also using the surface area of your forearm to help you with your pull.  One way you can actually practice this is the 'fist drill.'  Exactly what it sounds like.  Ball your hands up into fists and swim!  You'll figure out how much your forearms can help you with your pull.

Also, on the huff and puff after 50 yds thing.  I was there.  My problem: too much kicking.  Once you develop good balance (check out TI www.totalimmersion.net), you can get by with one kick per stroke, which will allow you to swim a long way without fatigue...

Feel free to chime in swimmers...

Agreed...takes me about 300 yds before I'm warmed up and my breathing becomes more regular...

10 miles running (~6 miles in Z2, 4 miles at marathon race pace--9 min/mi)

Then an hour on the trainer.

Good luck on your race Corey!

GOT THAT RIGHT!!!!   Your goal was SO padded it BOUNCED!!!

Good luck on your race.  

Me -  Probably a little swim/run brick.   Figured out that the bike problem was actually the tire getting old and thus some of the internal tire wire was frayed a little resulting in very quick penetration of the tube -- and then a lovely flat!!!

Probably take the bike into the shop to get the new tires and a tune up.

I'm one of those guys that really likes checking things off lists...

Swim goal completed...check!

Yeah, I was supposed to back off the swimming and biking this month, and concentrate on marathon training, but the half iron's got me really askeered...

I can't stay away from the pool and trainer...eek...

Heeelloooo.  Didjya miss me???

Crazy busy week at home and then an unexpected trip up to D.C.  Hope everyone is doing well.  I will check in when I can while I'm away .

You've been away?  We miss you horribly...

Just got back from a 20 mile ride and a SWIM (burrr) in Lake Mead.

It was my first wet suit swim of the year! I forgot how much effort it takes to put those things on, my HR had to be in the 160's! Honestly it took longer to get the stupid thing ON than I actually swam! 13 minutes in 52 degree water.

I hate wetsuits.