200 Freestyle??

Yes, it's true. I am going to swim the 200 yd free in a Masters meet on Saturday. Not too big a deal for most competitive swimmers, but it is for me. Reason being is I never race freestlye events, except in relays. I've always done better with strokes, particularly backstroke. Because of recent "success" in my Masters swimming utilizing TI technique, time to test the freestyle waters.

I am more excited than anxious about attempting the 200 free, which is notable since the last time I swam it competitively was in my freshman year at Monmouth College. I was the only swimmer for our team, against three beasts from Villanova. Great memories. And, since having more efficiency and less resistance in the water, I don't fear running out of air. Nice.

I am also swimming the 50 & 100 back, and 50 breastroke. We'll see what Saturday brings!

Arm Recovery and Speed

As I've documented previously, I have been swimming on the Masters team at the Kerr YMCA. It seems I am continously learning how to utilize TI technique into these workouts, which run about 2250 yds. One continuous challenge for me is to maintain good body position, rhythmic breathing, and avoid returning to the old ways of pulling and kicking for propulsion.

Today was focused on freestyle, while last week was IM. Thought last week would have been exciting doing all the strokes, but negative. I attempted to swim in the fast lane and struggled just to make intervals. Today, back to lane 7, where I belong. After some 200s, Coach Andy had us swim some 50s. I really enjoyed these, since it felt like the first time I was able garner some speed utilizing my TI. I was able to lead the lane in several of the sets, and felt a genuine sense of accomplishment.

The focal point that seemed to do the trick was arm recovery, or lifting my elbow out of the water before my arm is full length by my leg. Holding skate and bringin up the elbow and spearing to target before beginning to pull on skate arm, was what enabled me to feel a sense of turnover. w/ TI strokes. I haven't been able to achieve this feeling until now. I was mindful of my SPL, and though they tended to increase when I was sprinting, they often stayed within my range, 11-13.

Good day of swimming. Hello to hip drive.

Swimming Heart

This post is to share the good news that my mid-year heart transplant appointment went well. My labs were all within normal limits, and my echocardiagram revealed my heart's pumping function remains strong. This being the case, preparing for the World Transplant Games is the plan! I will continue to practice w/ the Masters at Kerr Y on Saturday am's, and begin some competition events at swim meets.

God is good.

A Beginner's Success

This post includes an excerpt from one of the graduates of the January TI lessons at Kerr YMCA. She came with a very limited swimming background, including a near drowning experience as a child at a water park. Breathing was a significant concern for her at the outset, which is common for many of the adults Bridget and I teach. By the end of our six lessons, she was able to swim a full length of full stroke freestyle, utilizing advanced breathing skills! This stay-at-home mom has inspired me as an instructor, and I know her comments will inspire other swimmers, and those who want to begin swimming.

We observed her swim while we had out lessons this past Wednesday, at approximatley 7:30 pm. Of course, we cheered congrats to her.

"I only heard a little because I had my MP3 player on. The thing is wonderful for doing laps! I didn't stop until 9:00, and I felt great! I never thought I would be able to swim that long. I probably could have kept going, but decided I was getting a little tired. Thanks to you and Bridget for helping me learn a better way of swimming."
PS. "I've dropped 10 lbs so far swimming 2-3 times a week. Yay ME!"

Yay for her, and for Total Immersion!