Beth and Yanti's New Manatees - FULL! :-) (Page 8)

No kidding! I wonder who it is ...

Ed: someone named ruthannbaur.

Ed2: Thank you for the new table, Bethie Love!

LOL!  You're welcome!  I'm going to have to practice this html stuff - somehow I left of one little number :/

aawwwww you guys are too nice!

{{BLUSH!}}

I'm sorry.......I'll be back in a few minutes because it is getting REALLY DEEP in here.

Steve

LOLOL!  awww come on Steve, we were about to have a group hug

ps

I'm still trying to figure out why the link to the thread won't work :/

Thanks Dee!

ok, Manatees this should be the final table - all the links work now

x2....and you too Beth.

Steve

whew!

we can put the table to rest and get back to the business of talking about training and inspiring each other

 x4! It is great to be part of such an active group (was not the case in my two other experiences here on BT). The total number of posts so far in this thread is higher than I've ever see on my mentor groups! Pretty cool BTW!

Ronen, I'm so glad you love all the posting! 

this is going to be a great 'off season'!

Right on!

Beth and I are known to be, well, chatty

And we have a phenomenal group including some senior Manatees as well, so lots of wonderful experience and advice to go around.

Plus ... we really care about each one of you as people, as well as triathletes.

Morning Manatees - in the first installment of the Manatees, I posted some swim tips, I'd be happy to do so again if there is interest

ditto....I was hesitant to try the mentor group route as a result.  I am happy I gave it another chance.  I love what goes on in this group.

Yes please. 

Swim Talk

First things first, if you find the swim to be the most difficult/challenging part of the triathlon, you are not alone.  This is the case for a lot people.

I thought I'd start with a few guidelines about learning to swim or mastering the swim for you to think about.

I think these apply no matter what your current level is.

1. Learning to swim well takes time.  You need to give yourself permission to learn and improve your sroke (it's really easy for us to want to focus on speed and distance)
2. Dedicate the time needed to work on your swimming - you should get in the water a minimum of 3 times a week.
3. Start by learning the correct technique, if at all possible from an experienced coach or swim instructor.  If you don't have access to, or can't afford a swim coach, seek out videos and material that can help you visualize what the stroke should look like.
4. Don't worry about distance when you are starting out.  Your focus should be on learning the technique and building your base.
5. Join a masters swimming group if possible - a masters program is going to include group support and structured workouts
6. Start at the right level for you - don't try and overdo it
7. Depending on where you are starting from, try and gradually increase your time in the pool over time (most training plans are going to help you follow this guideline)
8. If possible have your stroke video taped and analyzed (again ideally by a qualified coach)  Seeing yourself will really help you see what you are doing right and where you need to make changes in your stroke mechanics
9. Watch experienced swimmers, read and visualize yourself making these changes
10. Devote time to drills as a part of your workouts (this applies to both beginners and experienced swimmers). 
11. When you are learning the techniques of swimming, focus on one or two things at a time, once you've mastered one move on to the next. 
12. Don't get caught up in trying to swim faster until you've mastered the correct technique
13. Work on gradually stretching and strengthening the triceps, shoulders, chest, and upper back.  This will help you to swim with a more effective and less tiring technique

In the early stages mastering the correct technique is more important than increasing your yardage too quickly.

The difference between the best swimmers and the average swimmers is technique.  If you focus on proper technique, you will achieve higher performance levels, have fewer exercise induced injuries, and feel more comfortable swimming (maybe even enjoy it )