Get My Swim On

I'm not a good swimmer.  I get by.  I'm middle of the pack. 

I've been able to compensate my slower swim times by being quicker on the bike and with good improvements in my run technique and consequently, my faster run times.

I've been extremely frustrated by my swimming.  I just really don't know how to "fix" what needs to be fixed to have better technique.  Swimming is so much like golf.  You just can't swing harder to hit the ball farther...

This off-season is my time to get my technique down.  I've hired a swim coach and made a commitment to swim a minimum of 3x (goal of 4x) a week, applying what he is teaching me.

It's good to be "uncomfortable" in the water.  What I mean is that with the things I'm working on, they aren't normal feeling to me, so it is uncomfortable; unfamiliar.  At least for now, until it is a habit, it's uncomfortable.

One of things I'm working on is my entry point.  Lots of catch-up drills to get this right...

Curt and I have met up to swim and specifically work on our technique. Instead of just "hammering" out a swim workout, we'll ask each other "what are you working on".  It's a good reminder to keep the form in mind, instead of just the yards.

Comments

[Donnie Walker]

Dude, I'm right there with you. I took Guy's swim class before Alcatraz and it helped a ton. Prior to that, I couldn't even bring myself to get in the water because I felt like I was reinforcing horrible habits. The filming was enlightening and I feel good about my swim going into CDA, provided I get my bloated arse off the couch and in the pool. I'm shooting for a 1:15 at CDA.

Let's go swim sometime.

[David Mcc]

Dude keep up the work it will pay off. Swimming is so much technique and it takes time in the pool. Good job

[Jim Lukanich]

Todd,
Great to hear you are embracing working on your technique. It is a good time to work on this. I hope your coach is emphasizing body position and rotation above all else. You can have a perfect stroke but have poor position and go nowhere.
THe suggested workouts for your IM program will have one workout per week which focuses on almost nothing but technique. Since this will generally not coincide with what the group you swim with might do you may have to go solo on those unless you can coordinate with others in the group who swim where you do.
Be sure to order fist gloves you will need them.