Swimming Criticism

I was fortunate enough this morning to see my old trainer from the YMCA, Luca. He was filling in at the pool as a lifeguard this morning when I dragged myself to the pool at 5:00 am. Dragging myself to the pool is a whole seperate topic.

I say fortunate because I worked with Luca at the YMCA to lose a good portion of the last bits of weight that I had left. So I saw him every week for 12 weeks and we set up workout plans and he showed me proper techniques in lifting and running and whatnot. I'm comfortable with his observations and constructive criticism.

Since he was lifeguarding and just sitting there he was able to watch me swim. And he noted that I have a nicely balanced, strong stroke and that I keep my body straight. Which I was surprised since I thought both those things sucked. Hooray! Confidence boost number one.

He did note that my breathing was off. I'm working on the three stroke bilateral breathing thing. I'm working on rolling to air and not lifting my head. He did mention for the purpose of the triathlon that lifting the head isn't necessarily a bad thing, I just need to do it much less often. Confidence boost number two!

Otherwise I'm feeling the swimming now, so I know I'm in the right position. I feel it the next day in my hips and core, and surprisingly not in my upper body.

I'm reading Total Immersion, which is a yogic approach to swimming. The balanced breathing and not struggling really appeals to me. I have some drills to do tomorrow and then laps.

Now that I've been up before dawn for over a week sleeping in seems sinful. Today I was going to sleep in and go swimming later in the day, but I dragged my limp body to the pool anyways since I couldn't fall back asleep. Honestly, I was swimming laps in my head! :)

Brick workout after I digest my breakfast. Setting up the minature transition area in the house. Running faster longer today. I must not forget to warm up! :)