I’m a runner. I thought going into this endeavor that I’d want to stop saying that and start saying that I’m a triathlete. But you know what? I’m a runner, and I think it’s going to be great to embrace that throughout this process.

And, I actually am enjoying swimming more than I thought I would. Although swimming is currently the only one of the sports capable of sending me on a roller coaster of an emotional journey in just one single workout session. 🙂

So…I thought I’d put together this list! Why running is better than swimming!

And…in all fairness, I will soon create a “Why swimming is better than running” list. I promise, swimmers, I’ll write it. I may even already know a thing or 2 I can put on it. But first…

Running is better than swimming because…

• I can zone out, think about things, brainstorm, work through problems on a run – while swimming I can’t even think about what all the pieces of my body are supposed to be doing all at the same time!
• You can get somewhere – you can run to a destination (Okay, maybe I’ll be able to do that when I get to open water swims, but right now it’s just back and forth…)
• You don’t get translucent fingernails that peel apart
• When running, you can breathe whenever, however you want
• There are more clothing options for a runner, more of a chance of looking cute
• You can wear your running clothes around about town
• You can run with others and chat, reach out and touch them, really be together
• And…immediately go to Starbucks afterwards!
• You can pick different running routes all the time
• You can take in beautiful surroundings
• You can work up a visible, smelly sweat!
• You have the option of listening to music while running
• You’re supposed to shower before getting in the pool…

What else running friends? What makes running your sport of choice??

 

Did a swim session today. I was renewed and ready to push myself again.

I completed my 750m of drills in 36 minutes, while keeping to bilateral breathing!!! (and not sneaking in breaths on every arm stroke)

Last week, to complete the drills in 36 or 37 minutes, I slipped into breathing every arm stroke a few times. Not today!

Notable progress. I’m delighted.

There’s a long way to go. I’ve got to keep pushing through the discomfort to increase my endurance, but today, there was notable progress. Yippeee!

Had my third (I think!) swimming lesson on Friday.

I’m improving!! My instructor, Kirsten, can see progress!! Yay! Had a “good feeling” experience in the pool. This is reason to celebrate people!

Now to the details…

Breathing – Kirsten says my technique of exhaling a little bit on each arm stroke, although unique, should work just fine. As long as it has me fully exhaling underwater so that I’m not exhaling out of the water, she feels it can work.

I’m still all awkward with my breathing during drills. Yet, I’ve had the thought since my lesson of exhaling on the same rhythm, even though drills are sometimes not involving an arm stroke. I can exhale on that rhythm and come up every third exhale. We’ll see if this can help!

Kicks – Better, I’m no longer fully riding a bicycle underwater. Do need to go faster and lessen the back and forth motion. I think I can feel how this should go, although I worry it’ll get my upper body rhythm all off.

Also need to loosen up my ankles. Not sure how to do this. I’m going to be doing some 10-minute kick board drills, so we’ll see if I can feel or figure anything during these.

Arms – Better!! I’m bending at the elbow like I should for most arm strokes. Often gets off when I’m breathing. (One thing at a time, I guess!!)

I was bending too early. I want to make sure to get my whole stroke done under water, then just bend out of the water. Okay, I felt how that works.

And…we did a “catch up” drill. This is terrific! So much easier. It’s amazing how leaving that arm out front a little longer really helps you. (Evidently, I was moving my arms way to balanced out like a sprinter… ha! not what we’re going for…)

Okay…swimmers out there can feel free to chuckle about and comment on my elementary descriptions. Also straighten me out if I’ve written anything misleading. (I know there’s a good chance of this!!)

Going forward – My instructor created a sequential set of drills for me to go through. Here it is…

50 side kick, one length on each side

50 side kick with shark fin, one length on each side

50 8/3/8 drill with normal side kick (remember you can breathe during the kicking)

50 8/3/8 drill with shark fins

50 catch up

2 x 50 freestyle- focusing on bilateral breathing, good technique, and not stopping to rest or catch your breath

4 x 25 freestyle breathing patterns, alternate 3 and 5

2 x 50 freestyle “build”- as you swim the 50, increase the pace and effort of your kick (this will be hard, but it will make you think about your kicking and build some endurance since you’ll be engaging the large leg muscles) 

100 kick on your back in streamline

100 kick with a board 

This totals 750 meters. If you think this is too much to start with, we can try 500 meters for the first month, and work on increasing from there.

I really like having a swim session plan all outlined like that. Otherwise I get in there, scatter things around, and question whether I’m doing what I should.

Although, I did just re-read that, and I’m a little overwhelmed since I’m going to go get in the pool in about an hour!! That freestyle to kick part might not be anywhere close to possible right now. Yet this is what Kirsten said, it’s time to get uncomfortable and build up my endurance. So…here we go!!