Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Public Enemy #1: Flip Turns - I'm coming for you!!

So we're about 1.5 weeks into my "formal" (meaning actually having a calendar & list of workouts & checking them off) training plan.  So far no major issues! Wheeeww!  As expected, swimming has been challenging.

Does anyone else feel as if they could eat a horse after a swim workout?! I'm not joking, it's BAD! If I swim in the morning, I am hungry ALL DAY LONG! No matter how much I shovel in my mouth.  Any suggestions on commiserations are welcome on this one!

Anyway, I decided to go & talk with the Masters Swim Coach to see if I was "ready".  He eased my fears somewhat, in that they have all levels of swimmers in the class.  Wheewww! I won't be the only slow freestyler, zig zagging backstroker or sinking butterflyer there! :)  What I was/am worried about is flip turns!  UUUGGGHHH!  I've had lessons probably 3 times over the years on mechanics and how to do them, I could probably verbally walk someone through how to do them.  But ask me to perform it & you get a spitting sputtering mess at the bottom of the pool, usually facing the wrong way. :(  So as I was checking out the other "Masters" abilities in the pool, I realized even the guy who looked like he might sink at any moment was flip turning at the wall.  "Oh sh*t!" I thought.  Then, "if that guy can do it, dammit I SHOULD be able to"!

So after my endurance set, I decided that during my cool down I would work on my flip turns.  One flip between freestyle and one into backstroke, 6 sets.  WHY I decided to work on anything form related after swimming 2100m (42laps out & back) is beyond me!  It started out "interesting", a nose full of water, totally missing the wall, pushing off into the bottom of the pool, just as expected.  But as I relaxed (or just got more tired), they started to feel a little better.  I had at least 2 that felt "normal".  Now I'm sure from the side of the pool looking down, I looked like drowning maniac, but it'll do for now.  The day I master the flip turn will be VERY exciting!!! It's been something I've dared not attempt for so long, when I can do it, I win!

So I've decided from each post I write (if applicable), I need a positive & a negative.  Something I can be proud of & something I can work on next time. 

Positive: I swam 51 laps & never had an "I want to quit" moment!!!
Negative: FLIP TURNS!!!!!

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