I've been seriously dedicating my workouts lately to refining my swim technique. I've read various
things here in the ng (very helpful) and am also thinking about and trying stuff I read in a recent
Triathlete magazine.
Some findings and questions:
Q: Does one keep their eyes looking straight down at the bottom of the pool while the rest of the
body rolls (besides when taking a breath, when the head must obviously turn as well)?
After "spearing" the hand into the water, I reach, reach, reach - putting weight on my armpit area
(as per the magazine suggestion). This seems to lighten the rest of my body, including my
"weightless" hand/arm, and more naturally leads to the over-the-barrel position of the arm and the
subsequent pull.
After several sessions of VERY slow swimming, working on a long glide on the outstretched leading
arm, reducing stroke count, I have found that when I speed up now, the form is still there and I am
definitely working more efficiently. Fewer strokes (though the count is still higher than when I
swim slowly) and I am experiencing a smoother, faster turnover as well.
So when I do some speedwork, I am sure to incorporate these things. Also, when I do a longer
continuous swim (these days, only about 15-20 minutes worth), I hold this form throughout, or at
least am very aware of how I am doing with it.
The trick for me is remembering to snap the hips to generate more power in the roll, but when I
do, man... it's like I've acquired a new bionic body! Great stuff, and great to see the
improvement. I can't wait until my first triathlon next year, after a winter of practising all of
this. I will wup some!
Cam
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Not every race can be a perfect experience, but every race can be a learning experience.