JFord's Mentor Group-Closed (Page 8)

That's awesome!  See, it's easy to get back.  If your knee is not up to par, definitely don't push the running.  Think of this time as an easy way to get in lots of bike time.  It is the longest part of the race, so it comes in handy.  I should know, it's by far my worst.

I don't know anyone that prefers to swim.  You're weird.

Swim lesson this am.  I can't breathe for sh*t.  If I could figure that out, I could move on to worrying about all the other problems.  We did do an interesting drill with 5 breathes/25 yds and dropping a breathe each 25 down to 1.  I couldn't manage the one, but 3 felt pretty good.  At 2, I was about to drown.

I'm procrastinating at work, so...

That's an interesting drill?  What is it supposed to do exactly?  I mean, you wouldn't swim like that normally.  Most coaches will probably encourage you to take more breaths.  I'm intrigued.

I'm sorry, I mis-spoke (or typed).  What I meant more was why, if you're just beginning to try to get your rhythm down, would you worry about that.  I guess I can see if you're at a more advanced level.  I just personally think working on your form and breathing regularly, is going to be better use of your time in the pool at this juncture.  But again, just my .02.  I've never done this drill and I come in top 10% in almost all my races in the swim, and I didn't swim at ALL before doing tri's.  I couldn't swim 25 yrds when I started. 

x2 on whatever works for you.  I'm a 4 stroke, right breather (2 stroke while racing).  The only reason lots of people will tell you bilateral breathing is better (3 or 5) is it gives you more flexibility.  i.e. in a race if there are waves from one direction, or the sun in your eyes.  I will say, I did have waves in my face at my HIM last year and it sucked.  But obviously not so much so that I've spent any time since then working on bilateral breathing.  Another thing to note may be that, for me, sometimes my neck gets tired of that same direction by the end of that long of a swim.

As related to the last topic, I will switch to every 2 strokes during a race.  Allows for your body to get more oxygen obviously.  You don't want to deprive yourself of oxygen while racing.  

Anyone else have other opinions?  I am always interested in this topic and people's experiences.  And also always open to trying new things.

Interesting... I don't get cramps so that's never been something I've thought about.  And I see while I'm sighting.  But I'm going to give this a try as a last set before CD.  How long should I incorporate this into my workouts before I would notice a difference?

I'll report back afterward.

For now, I will keep with my opinion that a beginner swimmer doesn't need to worry about such things.  I say swim, practice good form, and throw in some fast sets once you're comfortable.