I had a special little breakthrough at the pool today.
When I first learned to swim a little over 20 years ago I used a traditional 2 stroke breathing pattern which has you always breathing to the same side. Before I discovered corrective swim goggles this breathing, and thereby seeing on one side only, caused me major problems out in the lake. So I worked hard to develop a 3 stroke pattern, and along with the significantly increased availability of off the shelf corrective goggles, I started swimming in straight lines.
I've used that technique ever since, and while I continue to slow down in my old age, I also continue to swim fairly stress free, and fairly straight.
Then the other day I read something about breathing and relaxing, and so I experimented a bit with breathing every 4 strokes, but still occasionally switching sides in order to watch my line. That kinda worked, but I never could quite get in a rhythm as I would get messed up every time I switched sides. So I experimented with an alternating 4 and 3, and even tried 5 on for size. That felt really, really good actually, but unfortunately I couldn't maintain it.
Or could I?
Today I decided to try.
Eureka!!
I still can't quite believe it, but like the article suggested, for some people this would actually work.
I swam my entire 2000 metres on a 5 stroke pattern, and while I was wearing my buoyant pants, and while I was no faster than ever, I believe this is a minor breakthrough for me. After I got in my rhythm it truly was no more taxing than walking. And while at this point I don't expect any speed dividends, I also ain't ruling it out. Less breathing definitely allows me to focus on my stroke more, and also come race day it's okay if it feels a bit harder than walking.
And armed with this new technique I may even revisit swimming without a buoyancy aid, simply because I could always swim reasonably well if I didn't have to breathe. Like many people, the act of turning to get a breath is what screws me up!
All in all a very nice feeling. A feeling of potential. A feeling of success through persistence.
And everything else continues to go along fine. I was delighted to get out for an easy 25 kms on my bike today, but I made sure to take it easy. Tomorrow is bike interval day, and as crazy as it may seem, I will probably continue to do that inside, regardless of the weather. It's just so much easier to do what I'm supposed to do, as the computrainer does all the thinking for me.
And that's all folks. Life is good!
easy bike 25 kms, swim 2000 metres, weights
"I wonder how many times people give up just before a breakthrough - when they are on the very brink of success."---Joyce Meyer
Love
Peter
When I first learned to swim a little over 20 years ago I used a traditional 2 stroke breathing pattern which has you always breathing to the same side. Before I discovered corrective swim goggles this breathing, and thereby seeing on one side only, caused me major problems out in the lake. So I worked hard to develop a 3 stroke pattern, and along with the significantly increased availability of off the shelf corrective goggles, I started swimming in straight lines.
I've used that technique ever since, and while I continue to slow down in my old age, I also continue to swim fairly stress free, and fairly straight.
Then the other day I read something about breathing and relaxing, and so I experimented a bit with breathing every 4 strokes, but still occasionally switching sides in order to watch my line. That kinda worked, but I never could quite get in a rhythm as I would get messed up every time I switched sides. So I experimented with an alternating 4 and 3, and even tried 5 on for size. That felt really, really good actually, but unfortunately I couldn't maintain it.
Or could I?
Today I decided to try.
Eureka!!
I still can't quite believe it, but like the article suggested, for some people this would actually work.
I swam my entire 2000 metres on a 5 stroke pattern, and while I was wearing my buoyant pants, and while I was no faster than ever, I believe this is a minor breakthrough for me. After I got in my rhythm it truly was no more taxing than walking. And while at this point I don't expect any speed dividends, I also ain't ruling it out. Less breathing definitely allows me to focus on my stroke more, and also come race day it's okay if it feels a bit harder than walking.
And armed with this new technique I may even revisit swimming without a buoyancy aid, simply because I could always swim reasonably well if I didn't have to breathe. Like many people, the act of turning to get a breath is what screws me up!
All in all a very nice feeling. A feeling of potential. A feeling of success through persistence.
And everything else continues to go along fine. I was delighted to get out for an easy 25 kms on my bike today, but I made sure to take it easy. Tomorrow is bike interval day, and as crazy as it may seem, I will probably continue to do that inside, regardless of the weather. It's just so much easier to do what I'm supposed to do, as the computrainer does all the thinking for me.
And that's all folks. Life is good!
easy bike 25 kms, swim 2000 metres, weights
"I wonder how many times people give up just before a breakthrough - when they are on the very brink of success."---Joyce Meyer
Love
Peter
That's great! So exciting to have those aha moments!
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