January Swims

[Susan Otcenas]

First swim of the new year!
____
swim = tempo 2100 yards
warmup: 300 choice then 200 kick (alt between 25 yards dolphin/25 free)
main set:
10 x 100 as:
first 5 100's = negative split. (:20 RI)
second 5 100's do as a TT (:20 RI).
then:
400 FR as (25 sprint/50 tempo/25 recovery) do continuous.

Cooldown 200 yards kick set with TYR fins.
____

So said my coach. I've never done a dolphin kick before, so I had to watch some youtube videos. I couldn't seem to get the hand of it on my warmup. So after my main sets, I tried it on the cooldown with my fins and it was much easier to get the hang of. But, every time I came up for air, I came to a dead stop. Couldn't seem to keep the undulation going while breathing.


second 5 100's do as a TT (:20 RI). was really TOUGH! I held my times fairly well, but man are my shoulders tired. :o

[Selkie]

Did you dolfin underwater for a distance? I haven't tried it yet but it's on my list of many skills to master or at least attempt.

[Bike Chick]

01/04 (Monday)
Got to pool late and only got 400m in before swim team showed up and took over lanes:mad: I wasn't a happy camper. I won't be able to swim tonight because of another commitment. Doesn't look like a good week for swimming.

[Urlea]

Bikechick You aren't the only one having a poor week for swimming. But at least you got 400m in! Such a bummer about the swim team taking over though & it's hard to give them the "evil eye" when you are wearing goggles. ;)

I was supposed to start my HIM training plan this week. Hasn't really happened other than the running. Between car repairs (one car household) & another blizzard today I just haven't been able to make it to the gym.

Tomorrow is a run + Brazilian Jiu-jitsu day, so here's hoping that Friday will be the ticket!

[kacie tri-ing]

My IM training started this week, and right now I am just doing some base endurance training, so I just got in the pool and swam for 45 minutes. No counting, no drills yet, just remembering how it feels to be in the water, since I have been avoiding it for some time :p It actually felt nice to be back in it!

[GLC1968]

Swam for about 40 minutes last night. NO IDEA how many laps because for whatever reason, I am completely deficient at keeping track. Seriously, I'm thinking of bringing in a laminated card and a grease pencil in the future. Overall, the swim was good. I discovered that I MUCH prefer the stretch of the pool that is over the deep part (the lanes cross into the diving area where it gets super deep) - it's much more peaceful out there and easier for me to avoid distractions. I'm easily distracted and that screws up my tenuous grasp on breathing rhythm!

I also ran into another co-worker. He came in just as I was finishing up. Apparently, he swims the same time frame but hasn't been doing so the past month or so (when I have been there!). Funny. I tried to watch him swim a bit as I was leaving and he makes it look effortless. I aspire to be like that someday. ;)

[Susan Otcenas]

. NO IDEA how many laps because for whatever reason, I am completely deficient at keeping track.

Do you have a watch with a lap timer? You could hit it at the end of each lap.

[Susan Otcenas]

Did you dolfin underwater for a distance? I haven't tried it yet but it's on my list of many skills to master or at least attempt.

I did. I could make it about halfway across the pool before surfacing for air. It would be kinda cool to get good enough at it/fit enough to make it all the way across, without drowning....

A friend who is an *amazing* swimmer recommended doing it on my back, on the surface, arms at my side. (some of the videos showed that method)
Builds beautiful abs! There was also a video showing an even harder version of that, which is holding your arms up out of the water, perpendicular ot the water. Apparently you have to work really hard to keep your head above water, and its an amazing core workout.

[GLC1968]

Do you have a watch with a lap timer? You could hit it at the end of each lap.

That's a good idea. I think my old polar has one...I'll have to check. Thanks!

[fatbottomedgurl]

Our pool has been closed for three weeks getting replastered. I saw them filling it today. Yay, it will be open on Monday! But the benefit is I have been hitting the treadmill and the weight room. I started weight training 6 weeks ago. We'll see how swimming responds to my 'new" arms. I still dread the running, indoors or out. But I must admit it is getting...easier. I guess.:)

[Selkie]

Susan - You are "Woman from Atlantis!" That's great!!!!!! I have seen one of the Olympians at the pool doing exactly what you described (on his back, underwater dolphin the entire length).

I've decided to up my weekday swims to 2000m.

Local swim teams and swim clubs take over our pools, too. It's annoying because on Saturday mornings, the HS swim team is allowed to take over two slow lanes at 7:30am. This leaves only one or two slow lanes, which are down in the diving tank area. Usually, I'm finishing up by that time, but still (I do my marathon swim Saturday mornings). The week before Xmas, they took over four lanes, even though they are supposed to only get two.

Swim team season ends the last week of February, I think (hope). It'll get even nicer once the outdoor pools open in May. :)

Have many of you seen an influx of New Year's resolution types?

[kacie tri-ing]

There was also a video showing an even harder version of that, which is holding your arms up out of the water, perpendicular ot the water. Apparently you have to work really hard to keep your head above water, and its an amazing core workout.

I can barely even imagine this!

[Susan Otcenas]

1950 yards this morning.

The last 200 I did dolphin kick, arms at my sides, on my back. What a GREAT workout. I could feel it throughout my entire core, front and back. And even though it wasn't only 200, it was really tiring. I'm going to try to incorporate this into all my workouts for a few laps.

I've always wanted nice abs.

[Susan Otcenas]

I can barely even imagine this!

Here's the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA3wI2M_xVs&feature=related

[GLC1968]

I've always wanted nice abs.

Ahem - you already have nice abs, woman!

But that dolpin kick thing on your back sounds like fun, I might give it a try tonight. If I don't check in tomorrow, I probably drowned! :p

[Susan Otcenas]

Ahem - you already have nice abs, woman!

But that dolpin kick thing on your back sounds like fun, I might give it a try tonight. If I don't check in tomorrow, I probably drowned! :p

Well, thank you. :) But still....

I wonder if 200 yards of dolphin kicking will get me abs like Dara Torres...

http://tinyurl.com/yddt9yo

Those are some amazing abs.

[colby]

I have similar swimming schedule challenges... less in the morning (that's usually when I run/ride/strength train) but more in the afternoon/evening. I would love to go around 5:30 or 6, but that's either masters swim or swim team - and some days the swim team goes until 8:30 at night. I don't mind swimming late, but it messes with my sleep schedule, and the gym closing at 10 puts 8:30 on a tight schedule.

That said, the later in the evening swim team does share, but the more regular swim team (for whom it is the home pool) won't really share. I'm considering trying masters swim, but as with all things I enjoy swimming alone - or at least swimming my own workout, even with a buddy there. I don't want to get caught in the competitive-ness of anything.

Anyway, I'm hoping to swim tonight and again on the weekend. I skipped my swim workouts last week, I'm trying to orient myself around daily workouts, and then two workouts a day most days, and the second one is proving to be difficult. ;)

[fatbottomedgurl]

My pool at the Y opens Monday after being closed for repairs for three weeks. Yay! And it's indoors. Yayay! Of course its 63º out today. I feel bad for everyone in the arctic freeze.

[crazycanuck]

Cantwaitcantwaitcantwait...Our Mon night squad starts up again tomorrow after the holiday break :D

I hate the school holiday (Dec-Feb) schedules at the outdoor pools...only one public lane avail...ugh :mad:

BAH!

[channlluv]

I finally have a real swim to report here. I did half a mile in the Y pool yesterday afternoon (18 laps in a 25-yard pool), in 29 minutes. Mixed strokes and only one 2-minute hang-on-the-wall to catch my breath, and that was after a 17-minute mile on the treadmill. I felt pretty awesome.

Roxy

[HillSlugger]

I finally have a real swim to report here. I did half a mile in the Y pool yesterday afternoon (18 laps in a 25-yard pool), in 29 minutes. Mixed strokes and only one 2-minute hang-on-the-wall to catch my breath, and that was after a 17-minute mile on the treadmill. I felt pretty awesome.

Roxy

Congrats! Be proud of your accomplishment!

[channlluv]

I can't wait to try that dolphin kick thing on Monday when I go back. I watched several versions on the video. Thank you, Susan, for recommending it!

Regarding the workouts you ladies are posting here, is there a shorthand deciphering cheat sheet somewhere? Being new to the swimming-on-purpose bit of tri, I don't know all the acronyms. WU?

How do you all keep track of your lap count? I find I've had to focus on one number, like a mantra, there and back, and keep count that way in my head. I repeat it with each stroke ("one, one, one, one...ten, ten, ten, ten...fifteen, fifteen, fifteen, fifteen...") or I lose track pretty quickly. Someone mentioned a watch with a lap counter button. What brand, etc. should I look for there?

Thank you all!

Roxy

[HillSlugger]

For counting laps I use a Sportcount (http://www.sportcount.com). I also tend to count in my head, too, although I often lose track if my mind wanders.

I don't know all the shorthand, but WU=warmup (cd=cooldown)

[channlluv]

Ooooh, warm up and cool down, of course. Ha!

Somebody's going to need to explain that shorthand for the workout descriptions, though. (Syndirelah, can you point me to the site where I can learn the swimming lingo there? I'd love to be able to understand what you're talking about.)

Roxy

[HillSlugger]

Hi Roxy!

I do most of my workouts on a timed interval--

so, 3 x 100 = swim 100 meters (or yards, depending on the pool) three times, leaving every 1:45. So, if I do a 100 in 1:35 (a minute thirty five secs), I'll get ten seconds rest before the next one. If I go slower, say 1:39, I get less rest and STILL leave every 1:45. (so the second hand will be on the :30 the second time, :15 the third time, etc).

It will vary with distance-- for example, 50's I'll do every :55 or :00 (minute).

Adding some interval structure to the work out is a great way to up the intensity and make some progress in your overall endurance--MUCH more so than just swimming laps. A lot of people will just try and increase the distance they swim overall...which is OK up to a point. If you're interested in starting something like that let me know, I can try to talk you through finding the base time for you-- (there might be sites that talk about it ont he US Masters Swimming web pages too).

I've recently started using proscribed rest intervals and it really ups the intensity and degree of difficulty ;) I only wish I could do 100's on 1:45! I once managed 6x100 on 2:00, but can do 12 on 2:05. It's shown me that I can hold a faster pace longer than I thought and has improved my overall speed. 1:45, something to aspire to! :cool:

[sgf726]

I took last week off since I was traveling on business and had no good access to a pool. This week I am starting a new 6 week plan with a coach I have been working with, I just finished the first 6 weeks and sense some improvement but I am still pretty inefficient.

I am getting more comfortable with my stroke and he said its looking better, my problems seem to exaggerate when I add the legs back in. When I do the pull bouy and just focus on arms I feel like I can get into a groove (sometimes) when I start kicking it just seems like my legs don't know when to move.

Any tricks? How often do you kick, is there a recommendated stroke/kick ratio? Of course between counting strokes, laps and keeping my form there just seems to be so much to think about...

[Susan Otcenas]

I've recently started using proscribed rest intervals and it really ups the intensity and degree of difficulty ;) I only wish I could do 100's on 1:45! I once managed 6x100 on 2:00, but can do 12 on 2:05. It's shown me that I can hold a faster pace longer than I thought and has improved my overall speed. 1:45, something to aspire to! :cool:

My coach gives me prescribed rest intervals (RI for Roxy :) ) So, she might give me 6 x 100 at a certain pace, with a :10 RI. I like that I always get the same RI, especially as I start to tire later in the set.

[Urlea]

Officially started my 70.3 training today! A week late, because I got arm-barred during brazilian jiu-jitsu class and didn't think it was wise to use aero bars & free-style swim until my arm felt normal again. Thankfully it didn't take long. :)

Decided to ease back into it and swim a set amount of time, not distance. So, 15minutes of swimming which was about 750yds. My form isn't where it was last season, but I was surprised at how comfortable I felt in the water. Energy was good & nothing hurt.

Thanks for being my inspiration to get back at it ladies! :D

[Susan Otcenas]

I had a redux of last week's workout yesterday:

swim = tempo 2100 yards
warmup: 300 choice then 200 kick (alt between 25 yards dolphin/25 free)
main set:
10 x 100 as:
first 5 100's = negative split. (:20 RI)
second 5 100's do as a TT (:20 RI).
then:
400 FR as (25 sprint/50 tempo/25 recovery) do continuous.

Cooldown 200 yards kick set with TYR fins.

Again did the "cooldown" as a dolphin kick on my back. I still can't get over what a great ab workout that is. I was still sore from some core work I did in the gym on Monday, so it was definitely fatiguing. But I really like it, so I plan to keep it up.

URLEA - I suspect you'll be back in form in no time. You're so dedicated!

Susan

[channlluv]

I swam another half-mile today at the pool - it was a beautiful afternoon. The sun came out just as I arrived, so I went to the outdoor pool, and because it was supposed to be raining all day, there weren't many people there, so I got my own lane.

It took me 35 minutes to swim 900 yards today, mixed strokes. I'm not sure why the difference from the other day, unless maybe I just miscounted. I'll have to take an average when I go next time.

Susan, I tried your back dolphin kick, but I don't have fins, so mine was pretty slow, and a bit off-center, but it was fun and I'll do it again.

Roxy

[Selkie]

I started really focusing on my catch and have found that my arms/shoulders are fatiguing (getting better every swim, but still, it surprised me since I lift weights and am strong). Before I began working on this, my technique was a decidedly "dropped elbow" swimmer. By keeping my elbow higher, I find my stroke is more efficient and I have a more effective glide in the water.

There's a lot to remember---hand entry, hand/elbow position, when to start my catch, and then the pull. Is it easier to break it down and add on as you make the improved technique part a "mindless" part of your stroke? Any tips from those w/decent technique---the most important thing I should focus on?

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan, I tried your back dolphin kick, but I don't have fins, so mine was pretty slow, and a bit off-center, but it was fun and I'll do it again.

Roxy


Yay! Glad you had fun with it. I did another 200 yards of it during my swim this morning. My abs were thoroughly whipped by the end. :o All this hard work will pay off for us!

[kacie tri-ing]

2 more 45 minute endurance swims. I am trying to teach myself to flip turn, but I don't really have enough control yet to do it while someone else in in the lane with me. Any tips?

[Bike Chick]

Good luck with the flip turns. I just do a touch and push off the wall. Since all i'm doing will be a triathlon and not a lap race I've saved myself from trying to learn that one. I tried it a couple of times and decided it wasn't something I needed to learn in my lifetime.

I have a question from you experienced swimmers too. How do you get faster? Is it practice, techinique, drills, strength? I can swim a mile now with no problem but I am so slow. Will this improve over time?

[Bike Chick]

Oh and I did 2 x 200
50m kick
2 x 200
50m kick
1 x 400
1 x 800 this morning

[Selkie]

Successful in meeting my goals this week: 2,000 yds/day Monday - Friday, and exceeded my goal by 250 yards today (3,250). Because a local club had a meet which shut down "my" pool for the day, I ended up having to swim at one of the other HS's, in a vintage 1970s pool/facility. Made me really appreciate the brand new pool, locker room, showers, etc., that I regularly use!

Ironically, the old pool was much cleaner, probably because it doesn't see as much action as the new one. The water was warmer! It also was deep to shallow, which was kind of nice. I usually swim in the 6'6" section of the pool instead of in the lanes located in the diving tank area with the drop off to 12'.

Best of all, it was practically deserted. Didn't even have to split a lane!!! HEAVEN, particularly since it was crowded enough to require circle swimming every day except Friday.

[HillSlugger]

Good luck with the flip turns. I just do a touch and push off the wall. Since all i'm doing will be a triathlon and not a lap race I've saved myself from trying to learn that one. I tried it a couple of times and decided it wasn't something I needed to learn in my lifetime.

I have a question from you experienced swimmers too. How do you get faster? Is it practice, techinique, drills, strength? I can swim a mile now with no problem but I am so slow. Will this improve over time?

I think speed always comes after endurance. I think it helps to push yourself faster every so often, like doing sprints in running. By doing 100m repeats I recently discovered that I can sustain faster speeds longer than I thought.

[Bike Chick]

I think speed always comes after endurance. I think it helps to push yourself faster every so often, like doing sprints in running. By doing 100m repeats I recently discovered that I can sustain faster speeds longer than I thought.

Excuse me for sounding like a real newbie here (which I am), by 100m repeats you mean you swim as hard and fast as you can for 100m, rest, then do it again? Do you time yourself each time or just push yourself and swim? I've tried swimming 50m as hard as i can and really pushing myself, especially if there's a good swimmer in the lane next to me; I will race against them. I feel like I'm really getting it and then when I see myself on video, realize how darned slow I really am. Are you saying that by doing this on a regular basis, my speed and endurance will increase?

[Veronica]

I'm checking out a new gym so I actually swam today. Nothing major - 500 swim, 300 kick, 200 pull.

I'm such a geek that I kept track of my 100 splits on the swim though, just to kind of gauge where I'm at: 1:40, 1:48, 1:50, 1:54 and 1:50. Not too shabby for just hopping in and not working too hard. The last time I swam was in September when I did a sprint tri.

This gym has some coached swim times, which has some appeal. I had been thinking I'd use the city pool when it opened back up in Feb., but their open lap times just don't mesh with my schedule.

So as long as I don't wake up with a runny nose, I'll be joining a new gym. :D

Veronica

[Susan Otcenas]

I'm such a geek that I kept track of my 100 splits on the swim though, just to kind of gauge where I'm at: 1:40, 1:48, 1:50, 1:54 and 1:50. Not too shabby for just hopping in and not working too hard.

I keep all my times in a spreadsheet. Yup, geeky here too! :o

BTW, I would LOVE to have those times!! My best 100 so far has been 1:52. Consistently doing 1:55 these days and I WORK to get those. Eight weeks ago was more like 2:05 to 2:10, so I'm making progress. (BTW, these times are yards, not meters....)

[Veronica]

BTW, I would LOVE to have those times!! My best 100 so far has been 1:52. Consistently doing 1:55 these days and I WORK to get those. Eight weeks ago was more like 2:05 to 2:10, so I'm making progress. (BTW, these times are yards, not meters....)

Thanks! You'll get there. Just remember tris aren't won on the swim. I have yet to watch one on tv where the first person out of the water was first at the end. :D I'd just like to get my three events a little more evenly balanced.

Yards for my times too.

Veronica

[HillSlugger]

I'm checking out a new gym so I actually swam today. Nothing major - 500 swim, 300 kick, 200 pull.

I'm such a geek that I kept track of my 100 splits on the swim though, just to kind of gauge where I'm at: 1:40, 1:48, 1:50, 1:54 and 1:50. Not too shabby for just hopping in and not working too hard. The last time I swam was in September when I did a sprint tri.

This gym has some coached swim times, which has some appeal. I had been thinking I'd use the city pool when it opened back up in Feb., but their open lap times just don't mesh with my schedule.

So as long as I don't wake up with a runny nose, I'll be joining a new gym. :D

Veronica

I can hit those times but I would be working VERY hard! :eek:

I record all of my set times on Beginner Triathlete.

[Susan Otcenas]

Just remember tris aren't won on the swim.

So true!

I took a tri-oriented swim class last year. His stated goal was NOT to make us faster. Rather, he wanted to make us more efficient at a given pace, so that we would feel fresher at the end of the swim, thus enable us to better get through T1 in better shape and to bike & run well. I thought this was a very practical approach.

[GLC1968]

Finally got to the pool again last night. I managed 12 laps in less than 30 minutes (including resting). It was SUPER crowded, so I found that I had to do a lot of waiting at the walls for the person in front of me to get a little futher ahead. I also had my old HRM watch on, so I was able to accurately count laps (yay!). I was willing to do more than those 12 laps, but really, dodging all the kids was getting more than a little tiresome, so I quit. Oh, and a guy in the next lane was swiming occasional laps of butterfly, so I defintely got a little 'choppy water' practice in!

I also did a few laps with a pull buoy. For the first time since I started swimming, I actually felt a little fatigued in my muscles because of it. So far, my lungs are really the only thing getting a workout here...but with that, I was able to slightly tax my upper body. I might have to get myself a kick board to try and do the same to my legs.

[tribogota]

Paddles paddles paddles, haven´t swum without them for 14 days, am on "strengthening" according to coach. Boy do I have some TIRED arms, but while I am teaching sometimes I look at my arm and triceps while I am writing on the board, and smile to myself...muscle geek, well worth those paddles

[Pika]

ohhh I am with you on the sore arms, I have been swimming with the masters 1x/wk and on my own another 2x/wk. On the weekend we did the most difficult set for me yet- after a lengthy warm up and some drill sets the main set was
5 x 200 free descending on 3:30 and repeat!:eek:
I must admit the only thing that was descending on the 2nd set of 5 200's was my rest time!!! I was glad I made it though:) even if my head seemed a long way to lift my arms for shampooing afterward:o

[fatbottomedgurl]

Last time I was in the pool was the day before Thanksgiving! This morning I did a 400 yd warmup, 5x100s, and 250 pull. My arms were tired during the swim, even though I have been in the weight room 3x a week. I noticed perceived effort in the pool is much higher than when running or cycling. Was checking the HR between 100s and it was less than 70% of max yet I felt like I was dying during the effort. This helps to know- that I'm not actually dying! Or drowning!

I have been a running fool, though. Signed up for a 5k in February and a 10k in March.

[Susan Otcenas]

I got up at 4 am on Tuesday so that I could get in my swim before my 8:30am flight. Yes, I'm dedicated! My coach gave me a pyramid to swim. I felt pretty good about my pace the whole workout! It was one of those days when I really felt like things came together.


Swim 1/19/2010
Lap Yards TimeRest Interval 100 yd pace
Warmup 500 10:14 00:42 02:03
Lap 1 50 00:57 00:15 01:54
Lap 2 100 01:54 00:19 01:54
Lap 3 150 02:53 00:25 01:55
Lap 4 200 03:53 00:30 01:57
Lap 5 250 04:59 00:49 02:00
Lap 6 200 03:49 00:42 01:55
Lap 7 150 02:56 00:26 01:57
Lap 8 100 01:54 00:17 01:54
Lap 9 50 00:56 01:29 01:52
Lap 10 350 07:03 01:28 02:01
Cooldown 200 05:26 02:43
Totals 2300 46:54 07:22
Elapsed 54:16

Susan

[GLC1968]

This will sound super wimpy following Susan's post but hey...I'm trying! ;)

I managed 15 laps in 40 minutes (with lots of rest) - my longest swim yet at 750 meters. I had on my new HRM watch and hit the lap timer with each return to the start, so I know that my counts are correct AND what my times were. My goal is to reduce the rest interval, increase the number of laps and then eventually, increase the swim speed.

To that end, I signed up for swim lessons starting on Monday. There are only three of us signed up for the class, so I should get some decent one on one time. I hope this helps and isn't a waste of my $! I also like that the lessons are at 5:30pm, so I will be forced to leave work on time. I hope to build a habit (and break in my boss and the others I work with to accept that I leave by 5 two days a week!).

[Selkie]

This will sound super wimpy following Susan's post but hey...I'm trying! ;)



I think you are doing great! Good luck with the lessons, too. :):):)

By the way, staying late at work is a Mortal Sin!

It was busy all week at my pool. Luckily, today it wasn't too bad so I was able to swim 3,250 yards before they shut down "my" lane to let the swim team practice. Even though I'm working on speed, all the time in the water is making me faster (relatively speaking, haha!).

[Susan Otcenas]

This will sound super wimpy following Susan's post but hey...I'm trying! ;)


I think you are doing GREAT! You're coming at this after a long absence from the pool, so I think you should feel really good about what you're accomplishing. 750 yards is fantastic for someone just getting back into it. Speed and endurance will come with practice.

Awesome news on the lessons! I'm sure you will get alot out of the class. The lessons I took last year were one of the very best things I could have done for myself. It made a big difference in how I move through the water.

I went swimming with one of my younger sisters when I was in NJ last week. She hasn't swum a lap since we were kids. She did 3 laps and called it a day. I was super proud of her for getting in there and for starting out nice and easy, and staying within her comfort zone to start. She's already talking about doing a "super sprint" tri this fall (.25 mile swim, 6 mile bike and 2.5 mile run) and I told her I would fly back home to do it with her (at HER pace) if she signed up. :)

Susan

[Jones]

Nice swim Susan, i love pyramids. It is remarkable that both your 100's had the same time and your second 200 was faster than your first.

We have had lots of rain(record breaking) and the pool for some reason closes when there is too much rain so I have swam since Tuesday. Anyway, today I signed up for an adult swim meet in Palm Desert Ca, on Feb 7. 100 free, 100 IM and 50 free. I am very nervous, I have never swam in a swim meet before so I have no times and in tri's I am always hyperventilating during the swim because of the dark scary water. I'll let you know how it goes.

Today is the last day to sign up in case anyone wants to join me. http://www.cvrpd.ca.gov/isf/
I would say come enjoy the beautiful California Desert but yesterday it was colder here than Seattle.

[Susan Otcenas]

Jones - I have another (longer) one tomorrow. I love 'em too! :)

Very brave of you to sign up for a swim meet! You'd have to pay me alot of money to do that....

[GLC1968]

I used to love swim meets! They were the only reason I stuck it out with the swim team back when I was a kid...'cause I sure hated/dreaded practice! :p The meets were so exciting and I felt so 'professional' even though I wasn't any good.

Today was my first lesson. After seeing me swim, the instructor said "I'm not sure what I'm going to be able to teach you". Oy. I guess I'm doing ok and I just need to keep swimming. :confused:

After the class (during which I basically just swam slow laps), I did a short swim. It was crowded and my DH didn't want to circle swim, so he waited for me in the lobby. This made me feel guilty, so I cut it short. I did 450m and I kept my rests between laps to less than 45 seconds. I also did a couple of laps with a kick board - I think my kicking is my weakest (funny considering the size of my legs!), so I wanted to spend a little time on it.

I hope I get more out of the class on Wednesday. :(

[Susan Otcenas]

2500 yard pyramid this morning. Same as last Tuesday, except the pyramid built to 300 instead of 250.

I did NOT have my swim mojo this morning. Without fail, every single interval, whether long or short, was 7-10 seconds slower per hundred yards than last week's pyramid. Not sure why that would be. I did have a double yesterday (run in am, high cadence turbo interval bike workout in pm) and got a little less than 6 hours sleep last night. But on the other hand, that's not that unusual for me... :o I guess I'll chalk it up to having an "off" day and just move on.

On the bright side, this was my longest swim workout yet! And although I wasn't super speedy, I actually feel great now. No muscle soreness or tiredness.

[HillSlugger]

I used to love swim meets! They were the only reason I stuck it out with the swim team back when I was a kid...'cause I sure hated/dreaded practice! :p The meets were so exciting and I felt so 'professional' even though I wasn't any good.

Today was my first lesson. After seeing me swim, the instructor said "I'm not sure what I'm going to be able to teach you". Oy. I guess I'm doing ok and I just need to keep swimming. :confused:

After the class (during which I basically just swam slow laps), I did a short swim. It was crowded and my DH didn't want to circle swim, so he waited for me in the lobby. This made me feel guilty, so I cut it short. I did 450m and I kept my rests between laps to less than 45 seconds. I also did a couple of laps with a kick board - I think my kicking is my weakest (funny considering the size of my legs!), so I wanted to spend a little time on it.

I hope I get more out of the class on Wednesday. :(
I basically have no kick at all; an average swimmer only gets about 10% of their propulsion from their kick so I don't worry about it.

[Jones]

GLC1968 If you were on swim team as a youth I bet you will increase your yardage fast.
My DD's are on again off again with swim team and one loves meets and hates practice and one just wants to go work out and never compete. The thought of walking on a pool deck in front of an audience just makes my stomach flutter and not in a good way. For me that might be the worst part.


The pool is open and today we swam 1800 yards and then worked on starts and turns. It is a little scary being on the block but diving in and getting all that distance with out a stroke is great.

[GLC1968]

Had my second swim 'lesson' last night. The instructor came better prepared and had some drills for us. One more person joined us and he is in the exact same boat as me - knows 'how' to swim but needs stroke improvment for doing his first sprint tri in May. Funny! So she had my H, me and this new guy doing the same stuff and then she worked one on one with the other woman who is more beginner.

We did a bunch of drills - one was a side kick one where you do it on one side for 8 kicks, flip over, the other side for 8 kicks and then repeat for a lap. Then do repeat for 6 kicks and then for 4. I had real trouble with the 8 because I could not keep the water out of my sinuses but 6 and 4 went well. She also had me work on keeping my head down and a few other drills. In 30 minutes, we actually got in a good workout which is good since we had to leave immediately after that and couldn't swim on our own today. Unfortunately, she's not real experienced, so isn't very good at answering our questions or helping with specific things. I'm glad we didn't pay very much for these lessons - I guess you get what you pay for, huh?

I also discovered that I am about 2 weeks out from needing to start wearing a swim cap. My hair is *almost* long enough to get caught in my goggles and it's annoying.

Speaking of which - does a swim cap help keep water out of the ears at all?

[HillSlugger]

Had my second swim 'lesson' last night. The instructor came better prepared and had some drills for us. One more person joined us and he is in the exact same boat as me - knows 'how' to swim but needs stroke improvment for doing his first sprint tri in May. Funny! So she had my H, me and this new guy doing the same stuff and then she worked one on one with the other woman who is more beginner.

We did a bunch of drills - one was a side kick one where you do it on one side for 8 kicks, flip over, the other side for 8 kicks and then repeat for a lap. Then do repeat for 6 kicks and then for 4. I had real trouble with the 8 because I could not keep the water out of my sinuses but 6 and 4 went well. She also had me work on keeping my head down and a few other drills. In 30 minutes, we actually got in a good workout which is good since we had to leave immediately after that and couldn't swim on our own today. Unfortunately, she's not real experienced, so isn't very good at answering our questions or helping with specific things. I'm glad we didn't pay very much for these lessons - I guess you get what you pay for, huh?

I also discovered that I am about 2 weeks out from needing to start wearing a swim cap. My hair is *almost* long enough to get caught in my goggles and it's annoying.

Speaking of which - does a swim cap help keep water out of the ears at all?

It helps some, but I find that the cap doesn't always stay in exactly the right place. If you are really wanting to keep water out of your ears you'll be better off getting some earplugs.

[Urlea]

I've been sick with a cold & wisdom teeth issues all week so today was my first day out of the house since Saturday. Of course the first place I went was the gym, then the grocery store. :D

The Bike/Run/Swim brick went better than I could have hoped! Since I've been congested I was a little worried that breathing during the swim would have been difficult, but it wasn't. After the first 750yds I decided it felt too good and I had to take advantage so I went another 750. Woohoo!! Definitely felt like I was back to my old routine today.

Of course I'm a little more worn out right now that normal after that kind of brick. The cold/teeth are still not 100%. So glad I train for triathlon though, loved it today!

GLC My swim-cap doesn't keep the water out of my ears at all, but you get used to having water in them. Even though I had chronic ear infections growing up I decided to forgo earplugs for tri training. It's just another element you have to worry about on race day that could be avoided so I skip them and thankfully haven't had any infections yet.

[HillSlugger]

I've been sick with a cold & wisdom teeth issues all week so today was my first day out of the house since Saturday. Of course the first place I went was the gym, then the grocery store. :D

The Bike/Run/Swim brick went better than I could have hoped! Since I've been congested I was a little worried that breathing during the swim would have been difficult, but it wasn't. After the first 750yds I decided it felt too good and I had to take advantage so I went another 750. Woohoo!! Definitely felt like I was back to my old routine today.

Of course I'm a little more worn out right now that normal after that kind of brick. The cold/teeth are still not 100%. So glad I train for triathlon though, loved it today!

GLC My swim-cap doesn't keep the water out of my ears at all, but you get used to having water in them. Even though I had chronic ear infections growing up I decided to forgo earplugs for tri training. It's just another element you have to worry about on race day that could be avoided so I skip them and thankfully haven't had any infections yet.

I have some inner ear issues and water in my ears drives me crazy :mad: I have custom ear plugs I use in the pool; I use drug store plugs for OWS and races.

[martinkap]

Susan,

What do you use to measure your times like that?

I definitely like the pyramid swims - but never was able to work out my pace.

Thanks,

Martina

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan,

What do you use to measure your times like that?

I definitely like the pyramid swims - but never was able to work out my pace.

Thanks,

Martina

My HRM watch has a lap timer on it. Once I start it, I hit the button every time I start a swim or rest interval. It keeps all the lap times plus a total elapsed. Really convenient. It also downloads to trainingpeaks.com

Funny enough, we also carry it at TE! :D

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodTM_T5K264.html

I've been really happy with it.

Susan

[Selkie]

Got to the pool bright & early, before the snow started. It was deserted, so I had a lane to myself for nearly my entire swim. :):):) I swam 3,500 yards plus 200 yards kicking.

January total - 34.06 miles!!

[roadie gal]

I met with my new coach for the first time yesterday. I was very impressed. Unlike the last time I tried coaching, this guy didn't just give me drills while he sat on the end of the pool. He actually got in the water with me and swam alongside me. I got feedback at the end of each lap. We did a few drills: finger drag, one arm swim and side swim. He even explained what he wanted me to work on with the drills. I think I'll be sticking with this guy for a while, even though it's an hour and a half drive to get to him.

[GLC1968]

I am so annoyed. We got up and drove to the pool reasonable early today only to discover some crazy huge swim meet and no open pool time at all. We had to make due with getting the oil changed in the car instead! I just checked and tomorrow is more of the same meet...so in theory, no swimming for us.

BUT...get this... we just got an email from BCBS and with this new program they are offering, we can pay $29/mo and get full access to a bunch of area athletic clubs for everyone covered under the policy (so, DH and me). We checked the list of included clubs and not only is our current club on the list, so are all the local 24-hour fitness clubs AND all the Bally clubs! So we signed up and will print out a temporary pass tonight. Tomorrow, we will head to the 24-hour fitness and try out their lap pool (which I've heard is salt, not chlorine - yay!). Keep your fingers crossed for me that we get to swim tomorrow!

(and seriously, $29/mo for both of us? That's way cheaper than what we are paying now and we only have access to one club...not all of them...across the country, too! Plus, for every club visit we make, we earn points that we can use to get fitness related stuff. How cool is that?)

[kacie tri-ing]

Susan--does that watch work with a mac?

Roadie--that coach sounds great! Are you doing lessons or a training plan together?

I got two more 45 minute (slow) sets in this week. My students seem to be passing a bug around, so I spent some time fighting it this week, and I HATE swimming congested. So my goal was to just get in the pool, and get it over with :rolleyes:

I will be out of town on a field trip next week, but I guess we will have a february swimming thread going then! Checking off the month in the pool! It will be worth it in the spring/summer of events! :p

[roadie gal]

Roadie--that coach sounds great! Are you doing lessons or a training plan together?

Right now we're just doing swim lessons. My main exercise focus is cross country skiing this time of year. In a few months we'll probably get a tri plan together.

Good luck with that cold. Swimming congested is a drag!

[Shiraz]

Hi Ladies,
Just wanted to post a link to a finger lap counter that I have really enjoyed. It tracks laps, time and lots of other cool things depending on what you are looking for. I like it because I can concentrate on my swim instead of counting.


https://www.sportcount.com/index.php

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan--does that watch work with a mac?




I'm at home at the moment, but I'm 98% certain the answer is yes. One of the gals in my office uses the same HRM and I know she has a Mac at home. I'll double check with her.

Susan

[GLC1968]

So for my last swim of January - I did it at 24-hour fitness in their lap pool. What a difference!! It was quiet and I was really able to concentrate and get in a good workout. Plus, the most recent things my instructor showed me were nicely falling into place.

I did 17 laps total for 850 yards. I believe this pool is in yards based on my lap times - they were just a little too good compared to what I do at our regular swim club (which is meters). ;)

The best part about this new club (besides a much nicer locker room) is the fact that the pool is open for lap swim pretty much 24x7. There is one water aerobics class for an hour each day, but that's easy to avoid. And if I want to swim at 11 pm, I can! I love it!!

Oh, I also wore a swim cap for the first time. It was really nice to not have to worry about my hair getting stuck in my goggles all the time. I wore it because I just had my hair colored and I didn't want to leave a red streak in the water behind me as I swam. ;) As you all warned me, it pretty much did nothing for keeping the water out of my ears though.

[Susan Otcenas]

I'm at home at the moment, but I'm 98% certain the answer is yes. One of the gals in my office uses the same HRM and I know she has a Mac at home. I'll double check with her.

Susan


According to our Timex rep, the software for this HRM became Mac-compatible in June 2009!

HTH,

Susan