Freestyle Question/Breathing

Due to the economic crisis, we were offered a membership in a swim club (waiting lists around here run ~10 years...). We've been to the pool as much as possible, and I'm working on my endurance. Haven't been in the pool, for all intents and purposes, for years.

Breaststroke has been my stroke of choice and I've worked myself up to swimming with only short breaks for 50 minutes straight. Since I'm going for endurance, I would prefer to mix it up with some freestyle. My problem is breathing -- I try to get into a rhythm of three strokes per breath, but I find myself having problems. I think I'm not expelling all my breath underwater so I push to exhale the last bit while breathing in. It feels rushed, almost panicky. This weekend, I was able to do a couple complete lengths of freestyle but I feel myself desperate to reach the other side of the pool during the last few feet. I think this is more mental than anything. Any tips?

I'm taking an "intermediate" swimming class in July, which should help me. My goal is to join the local masters program in the fall, which I hope will help keep my spirits up during the colder/darker months.

I know it's really bad form, but I breathe every stroke and only on my left. My swim coach in college kept working on me to change. I would in practice, but once the race adrenalin kicked in... I was back to my old way.

Relax, take the extra breath as you get near the end if you need to. Be like a little kid for a length or two and blow really big bubbles to get all your air out.

Veronica

You don't have to be rigid about every 3rd breath. Breathe on both sides as feels comfortable. If you feel like you need another breath, then breathe every 2 strokes as you need it. Mix it up as you go.

thanks to Wahine I discovered the 3+2 pattern. This evens out the sides and gives you some more oxygen than a pure 3-stroke pattern. I use this on most long swims and long intervals.

However, you should have exhaled completely before you come up for air. You lose precious "inhalation time".

Taking a class is good. Because with freestyle, it's almost always a matter of technique if you end up breathless at the end of the lane. I'm taking a guess ;): it most likely has to do with body rotation and your water balance, arm recovery and timing, timing, timing... learn to love drills.

Ditto what the rest of the ladies said.

I breathe twice on one side, take three strokes, then switch to the other side. That's what works for me.

One thing to keep in mind is that during a tri a lot can happen in the water that can knock you off your pattern so it's good to be flexible. Getting kicked or punched by others competing, or a wave that catches you right as you roll to take a breath. The key is finding that rhythm again once you've been knocked off it for a time.

It's worth all of the practice though! I did about 1/2 of my OWS during races using the Breaststroke and now that I've finally gotten comfortable/better formed with freestyle I have so much more energy getting out of the water. :)

Let us know how things progress & happy training!

Thanks everyone. I'll take your advice to heart the next time I get to the pool.

Right now, my goal is getting comfortable and being able to make it across the pool consistently. :) I might try your style, Veronica, and go from there. One book on swimming recommends breathing when you see your opposite hand enter the water. I'll see if that helps too because I suspect I'm turning to breath too soon. I'm also watching others do freestyle and watching the training/technique videos on UTube.

I wonder if doing drills would help (Popov drill or some of the ones Urlea posted of her trainer)?

Have to admit, I'm getting strong at breakstoke and am building up some decent swimming fitness. Amazing how a new sport makes you feel out of shape, even if you're extremely fit & strong! It's pretty humbling....

You might try the Total Immersion DVD. Team Estrogen apparently doesn't have them at the moment but they're about $25 on Amazon. I used to have the exact same problem as you and this video has taught me *over the course of patient work over 2+ months* great efficiency, balance, and timing. I am now comfortably swimming for longer than I ever thought possible. The DVD has a set of drills that you master one by one. By the time you're done with all the drills you've learned all about body roll, efficient kicking, calm breathing, and an easy recovery. The DVD even addresses issues of navigation and chop - important points for us triathletes...You just have to be patient and practice exactly as the DVD teaches you...

Fidl - Thanks so much for the tip on TI. A few days ago, I actually looked at their website and thought about taking one of their classes (there's a personal trainer in DC who offers them). Wasn't sure about the videos, but based on your recommendation, I'm going to order one or two (the breathing one and possibly, the freestyle one). I'm also going to get the book.

Great!! I found that DVD was totally all I needed. I too had considered a TI clinic but thought I'd try it DIY first and save the $300.

So I just watched each individual drill over and over and then took notes to take to the pool with me. If you write whatever drills you need for the day on a piece of computer paper you can then use water to "paste" it on your kickboard.

Just be patient and master one drill at a time and you'll be amazed!

The DVDs have been shipped!! :D

By the way, the book is great. I just started into the chapter on drills and am going to try some of this out tomorrow, when I go to the pool.

It seems like a very smart way to swim.

Drills are the only way to go... that's what I meant when i said technique is the key... good luck!

THANKS EVERYONE!! I had a very successful time in the pool yesterday. I swam 70 laps - alternating freestyle & breast stroke - w/very minimal breaks. I was breathing every stroke on freestyle, Veronica-style, but since I was using some of the TI tips that I learned in the book, it didn't feel rushed. Amazing that I didn't feel wiped out, either. I'm going to keep reading the book and when I get the DVDs, study them. I still plan to do the drills.

Congrats on the great improvement!