SBR Utopia - OPEN (Page 96)

Got in a really nice run today, but my avoidance of the pool the past few weeks showed up when trying to swim tonight.  I felt all over the place and just had no focus.

That's okay.  I was in the pool 6 times last week (can't friggin believe it), and I'm getting slower each week.   I'm reaching a new level of frustration between me and the water.

I am now trying to get a high elbow and feel the catch with the forearm, but finding it really hard, and since I'm concentrating so much on that piece, the rest of the stroke, etc. just seems to fall apart.  Just going to keep plugging away at it, but I end up with more questions than answers.  Should my hand enter here, should I roll more, how about my hips, ....just shoot me!

I miss running.

i would just blame it on the new pool - it must be slower than your old one. Do you have someone that can take a look at your stroke? I was driving myself crazy with exactly the same kind of head games until I started masters and had a regular coach on deck. Another thing to think about is that while your per 100 speed may not be getting faster, your endurance is - have you checked your 500 or 1000 TT time lately? I seem to go back and forth - when one plateaus for a bit, the other seems to get a little better. It will come around.

Neil, I feel your pain in the pool. Every time I think I have one thing worked out, 3 others bite me in the butt.  I have found that it seems to come together for a period of time, and I think it is when I think the least. That's my 2 cents, probably worth about half that

I'm actually still swimming with the Tri group - and go back again today, but likely the last time.  The coach is good at telling me to focus on the underwater piece, but hasn't commented about much else other than the high elbow + catch.  It's just once you're on your own that small things creep back in very quickly - for me, the first thing to go is my reach.  I really have to think about keeping my hand entry closer to my head, otherwise it goes waaay out in front.

Nope that's me too - Something will work and I'll wonder what I did.  In the process of trying to think about it and figure it out, I screw it all up.  I used to do the same thing when I golfed.  I was decent at it, practiced a lot, but once things went south, then I played serious head games trying to correct my swing.  It's just how I'm wired.

And then you wind up levering down to get your pull right, and then everything goes to h@ll in a hurry. Don't ask how I know...

Tested my heel yesterday on bike.  Rode and hour and a half, legs were strong and stamina was good.  Heel felt a  little pain when really pushing, but it was ok   

Glad I can bike hopefully that will strengthen PF and I will be back to normal. 

I cleaned myself up for the finish line photographer.

= awesome

Huh - I still get the old one showing up.

Neil........ has someone gotten a video of your pool swimming? esp. if they "sneak" it when u r tired and not expecting it. I cannot learn from reading or helpful people blah blah stuff at me.....When i saw my movie...welll let's say my first reaction was "that's me swimming?"wtf

This week I FINALLY see some progress with my freestyle. I been listening to the kids coach (other end of pool when we practice) put new perspective on it (he is a gold medalist). It is all coming together esp. the rotation from the core.

He also demonstrated a strength drill of bouncing a medicine ball like a basketball dribble. Its too difficult for me but you guys could prolly do it. You start at the top of your  shoulder and just slam the ball down and then catch it. It was a four pounder. He said it is the nearly exact motion used during the freestyle pull.

I am making a shallower pull and it SO MUCH EASIER and not any slower. I believe the speed is just around the corner. My rotator cuff is only thing slowing me down at this point.

Running is fun...swimming is work....and the other thing..Well...... have a Cervelo what can i say. LOL

I cannot congratulate racers today. too jealous sorry. Sorry hear sick/foot surgery issues. get well fast !

Welcome back. Glad to hear the lions didn't get you. I think I'd be more concerned with the hippos. 

bzgl40 - 2013-02-26 10:41 AM

Asalzwed - 2013-02-26 1:34 PM

bzgl40 - 2013-02-26 1:44 PM Back in the states, although not home yet. No lions out ran me. Lol. Very cool trip. I highly recommend it. Looks luke i have some catching up to do.

Welcome back. Glad to hear the lions didn't get you. I think I'd be more concerned with the hippos. 

That is what others have said but i watched the lions eat and the hippos eat and I'm sticking with the fear of being lion food. I watched the hippos walking and i think i can get out of their way.

Well...Hippos have been known to run up to 30 mph.  Not sure about their agility though.

Okay - this is about a year old at this point, and my swimming has changed somewhat.  I'm a little faster than I was back then, I *think* my kick is a bit more shallow (less scissor), and I'm working hard at getting that damn elbow bent.  First few frames are above water - rest are below water, different angles, different passes.

http://youtu.be/hxW1hC1Fsdg

I switched my run to lunch today because that is coming down now.  I spoke too soon as we are now up to 50+ inches of snow this month alone.

I had 2 days of dry pavement to run on.

Neil, it's pretty good really, the things you mentioned are what you would want to be working on based on that video.  That and ankle flexibility.  

I'm guessing 5-6 inches at least have come down here and still going strong. Most all cars are dragging some along. Neighbors were getting stuck in the driveway and had to shovel & push them through (after the swim session). I'm the only one that can drive right through, so of course I was behind the others coming in. The amount isn't overly extraordinary, but it sure does seem more slick than usual.

Are you sure it wasn't drool?