The Triathlon Optimist » Swimming

Workout Journal #8

Howie — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:04:55 +0000

On Saturday I had the opportunity to work out with a group of YMCA Tri-club member in a swim clinic. I find these types of events really have helped me improve. Every time I participate in training like this I always get something out of it and is time well spent.

The objective of the clinic was to learn how to learn how to correctly do some basic swimming drills to incorporate into our training program as well as some time to discuss how to create a tailored training program. This is the second clinic I have attended with swimming coach Tina Foeri.

One of the main fundamental drills covered in the swimming clinic were:

Swimming Balance

This is a difficult drill is not as easy as it may seem.

I can’t believe the progress I have made in the last few months. It is nice to see some of my hard work pay off.

Swimming: Fist Drills

Howie — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:22:07 +0000

My goal this morning was to do 2000y in the pool but only completed 800y. Sometimes it is not the quantity of the workout but the quality. It is even better when you have an experienced Ironman looking over your shoulder to help you along. Today my stroke was broken down and some basic technique issues were identified. One of the things that was suggested to help me address some of my swimming stroke shortcomings was the fist drill. I had never done this before but it was a great learning experience.

We talked about two problems. First my pull through was poor because I was not fully maximizing each stroke. The other issue was I was crossing over causing me to wobble in my glide. I my own evaluation I felt like I had very little glide. The fist drill really builds awareness on how to use the full arm to power the pull but also how to engage the water earlier in a stroke helping both the glide and pull.

Tri-newbies online has a excellent article and analogy about this drill. The article compared the swimming stroke to a canoe paddle. This totally made sense to me having compelted the drills earlier today. Take a read of this article and view the short video below. I think it is worth the time if you are unfamiliar with these swimming drills.

Let me know any other tips or resources.

Swimming Video: Fist Drill

Open Water Swimming

Howie — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:32:19 +0000

This weekend I had the opportunity to do an open water swim with a group of experienced swimmers. I met my group by the bank of the Manasquan River in Point Pleasant. There was a nice little beach and I jumped right in. While I was the only swimmer without a wet suit I was excited about the experience and was not going to be deterred by a little 67 degree water.

This was the first time in my swimming training that I was out of the pool. As would be expected the experience swimming in the open water is totally different than swimming in a pool. The pool is clear with well marked lanes and a painted line on the pool floor to follow.

The river was dark and cold with no clear markers. There was also a slight tide to contend with. As I started out on my swim I found it extremely difficult to stay on course. I was consistently wider to the left or right of my markers.

All in all this was a great learning experience. I know my swimming has improved greatly over the last few months. I have been putting my extra training day to my swimming and it has been paying off. I will have the opportunity to do a few more open water swimming clinic before my first race and I am going to take advantage of them. Focus on open water navigation.

Workout Journal

Howie — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:59:52 +0000

I opted for the pool this morning and felt pretty good although I was pressed for time. I grabbed my gear and my (work) suit and right into the pool. I did a 200y warm up followed by 4×50, 4×100, 2×150, and a long 1×350. Rest varied between sets I wanted to make sure I had the juice to keep my form a good as possible.

I really tried to focus on keeping my head down and in the water and rotating during my breathing. Just attempting to relax and improve my form. I know that swimming in open water will be a totally different story but I am up for the task.

Right now I need to keep my effort level up and look forward to having our coaches help with some of the basics. 10 and a half weeks to my first event, ever.