Monday, February 4, 2013

Day 11

Swam 20 laps today, all but two freestyle - each new records.  I think the pool might be 25 meters, so that's a kilometer!

Last Thursday's lift was a killer -- I was still very sore on Saturday, a little sore on Sunday, but back in business today.   I can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

I've continued to focus on my freestyle technique:

  • I'm asymmetric in my strokes, obviously favoring the side that i breathe on (I breathe every other stroke, and always on my right side rather than the more mature approach of every third and alternating sides -- I just need more air).
  • I can use core muscles: in addition to rotating in the water to to reach further and breathe, I can turn my hips for extra power.  I think i read about this but finally sort of stumbled into it as i swam today.
  • I can stroke more slowly to last longer - i think i started too aggressively and was burning myself out.  A more leisurely pace let me swim more laps, although i do still have to stop to catch my breath after every length.
That breathing is annoying -- initially i wanted to swim to get into better shape.  Now I want to get into better shape so i can swim without constantly stopping.  Jogging may be a good way - there's a lot of air in most jogging areas - but i hate jogging.

I'm encouraged by my progress but apprehensive about having to keep up with it next time i swim.

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