If I keep my head out of the water while swimming breast stroke, is it technically called a dog paddle? If so, call me a dog-paddlin' fool.
I discovered in the pool today that, with my head out of the water, I swim more rhythmically, more comfortably, more slowly than I do with my head in the water. Three hundred yards (not all at once) at an easy pace today, and I could have gone on a few more lengths.
This is not a viable long-term strategy. Out in the lake, I'd ship too much water. My body's hanging at a 25- or 30-degree angle in the water; not exactly optimal, hydrodynamically speaking. And I'm pretty sure that, eventually, my neck is going to be stiff.
However, it's giving me the patience to slow down and glide; it's keeping the panic at bay; it's allowing me to work out longer in the pool, which will translate to better aerobic capacity, strength and endurance. And all that will translate into more confidence and better breathing when I start putting my head back in the water.
My stroke should evolve through a hybrid head-out/head-in phase to a proper breast stroke. I might not make it to an effective, consistent front crawl this summer, but for the first time, I'm confident that by August, I'll be able to manage the swim leg of the triathlon.
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Now that you're smelling of chlorine all the time, I was thinking we could try to convince the world you're starting your own fragrance line. Suggested names: Drown, by Dave Webb; Plunge; by Dave Webb; Immersion, by Dave Webb. You're welcome.
ReplyDeleteThey'd be sold on vials shaped like life preservers.
ReplyDeleteare you the same Dave Webb that worked at Plesman and Transcon?
ReplyDeleteI worked with you a million years ago - Sandy.
Welcome to the world of doing stupid athletic things.
Like you, I am training for my first triathlon, but before that a marathon.
Enjoy!
Yep, it's me. How've you been? And what made you lose your mind and try a marathon?
ReplyDeleteMy tri is a super sprint, so should be done in less than an hour -- 400m swim, 10k ride, 2.5k run. Running 42k is just plain crazy. I might do one next year.
I'm turning 40 and thought it would be a fun way to celebrate my birthday.
ReplyDeleteI'll be doing a tri-a-tri and it just might be at the island race. I haven't decided. I have to make sure I don't die during the marathon.
If you are looking for a tri course, the Aurora Running Room is offering one starting June 5. You run/bike on Saturday and open swim on Sunday or vice versus depending on the weather.
I'm taking it because I have no idea how to change a tire - I'll be racing on Cinnamon Bun - a 12-year-old mountain bike - and I have an enormous fear of swimming in open water. Having paid $60 for someone to teach me how to swim in open water will make me get over that fear pretty quick.
BTW, I also didn't know how to swim before January when a friend dragged me to the local pool during lunch. She gave me a couple of pointers, but she gave up in frustration after a couple of days, so I muddled through on my own.
But it has come together by watching a bunch of ironmen whip me in the fast lane and having a coach beat me down once a month - $20 for 30 minutes. Can't beat that!
Love reading your journey!