- I had horrible form.
- I had never tried to swim competitively.
Last Saturday I attended a swim clinic given by Coach Brett Petersen. It was really informative and made me realize the extent to which I suck at swimming. I got some great tips from Brett and learned some excellent drills. I also got to swim with some present/former/friends of Mideast Elite athletes. Want a humbling experience? Swim with elite athletes. Brett was a rock star though and cut me slack without making me feel like a total loser. (Even though I'm sure he HAD to be thinking "This girl sucks at swimming". Why do I think that's what he thought? I'm projecting - that's TOTALLY what I would have been thinking. OK, all kidding aside, Brett seems way too nice to have thought that - I am certainly much more evil, haha.)
I have my video results that I have yet to watch for two reasons:
- I am a Mac and Dartfish needs a PC.
- I am terrified to see myself swimming on video. (I have PC access, so #1 is really just a red herring.)
So, I'm at an impasse. I know duathlons (biathlons) are not in my future and the Tri is my true love. I love the swim and would never abandon it. But, I'm just so frustrated. I need to bite the bullet and get in the pool, and I need to do it every day. Even Hilary Biscay said she couldn't maintain her swim endurance on only 3 swim workouts a week, and she's been swimming since birth basically.
I did, however, buy the "Swim Workouts in a Binder" book. I'm going to give that a try... but not tonight - I have 3.5 miles to run...
5 comments:
Don't be scared to watch the video of you swimming... it will only help you improve your technique! My swim coach in Texas taught me that!
Swim workouts in a binder is an awesome little book. If you follow the little plan they have you WILL improve your swim.
I coach a number of athletes and I just have them buy the book and I simply schedule in the workouts into their plan. They love it. Plus you can read it along while swimming if anything, though thats not recommended ;)
BTW funny post
I like your post and can relate to your love of water and frustration with swimming. I have Swim Workouts in a Binder and its actually helped me improve. That's my coach, Javier, that commented before me :) The book has also drawn the attention of people at my Y. My favorite was an old lady saying, "what.. now you're reading in the pool?" she clearly didn't notice that it was a swim book.
One other thing, you seem to be stuck on the idea that swimming automatically becomes a competitive sport in for anyone in triathlon. If you're out there to have fun then swimming is just a nice way to relax into your race mode, do some thinking, and get in your groove (as long as you aren't being kicked too much... I stay out of the way). Just have fun with it!
Don't stress out about the swim. In tris, it is such a small part of the overall race that it doesn't have a huge impact on your day.
Focus on good form and having fun. Speed and comfort in the water will some later. I promise.
Now post that video! :-)
C'mon! You know you want to watch it. Hmm, Swim Workouts in a Binder. I'll have to check that out.
Hey, thanks for the comment about the new bike. It DOES have the pushy-kind on the brakes! It's gonna take some getting used to!
- Lora
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