Its funny how dedicating yourself to trying something new can be so rewarding. During Wednesday mornings swim workout, I actually felt like a swimmer .. it was kind of like that moment when I started running so many years ago when it stopped being work and started being enjoyable. I still have a lot more work to do to really become good, but its come a long way already. I think my dedication of making sure I get in the pool at least 3 times a week, and really pushing myself the last two weeks, it has paid off.
The one swimming skill i’d like to learn though is how to do the “flip-turn” when i get to the end of the pool… right now I kind of stop and quickly turn around and I know thats not the right way to do it, but its all I know. One of these days i’ll get in the activity pool and practice it..
As for the rest of the week, 25 miles in spin class, and the introduction of circuit training are the highlights of the week. I like the circuit training a little more than the boot camp, but its a different kind of workout .. boot camp is more “grunt” type stuff.. either way, we’ll see how it goes. I finally ran today and expect to run again tomorrow after my swim workout before wrapping it up on Saturday with some cycling and running..
Flip-turns! You should take a swim lesson. I used to be a swimmer, so for me it comes naturally. To try on your own, here are some tips:
1. Stand in the shallow end and practice doing a front flip just from standing. When you can do that, move on.
2. Stand facing the wall, a few feet away. Flip over and reach for the wall with your feet. Try to push off. Repeat until it becomes easier.
3. As it becomes easier, focus on form: make sure you are making a “box” with the wall. You want flip completely, and then plant your feet (BOTH FEET!) flat on the wall. Push off as hard as you can, and rotate back onto your stomach. Your goal is to make a 90 degree angle – feet planted, and knees bent at 90 degrees – a perfect box. Do not rotate onto your stomach until you’ve completely pushed off of the wall – when you rotate and flip, you lose speed.
4. Swim a length of the pool. When you get to the wall (about the distance you need for the turn) stop. Prepare. Flip and continue swimming another length. Keep doing this until you feel comfortable swimming to your sweet spot, flipping and pushing off.
5. A few other items to be aware of (there is so much involved with swimming!): when you push off, kick hard and have your hands directly extended in front of you – watch this video and pay attention to her first flip turn in the beginning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m771PnexCgI&feature=channel
Good luck! Swimming is really hard until you get the form down…then it is a piece of cake 🙂 You are doing great!