Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
A new way
The other day I got a copy of the swim stroke analysis video that they used at the Triathlon Boot Camp to analyze my stroke. Unfortunately, there is no "after" video to show the results of the coaching that they provided - which was excellent.
Back in "the day" we were taught to try and keep our elbows pretty low to the water and to swim with our heads tilted ahead and with the waterline roughly across our foreheads. The new way teaches a stroke that gets the elbows very high for a steeper angle on the reach with the head facing straight down with the waterline roughly perpendicular to the top of the head. This allows a much fuller "roll" from one side to the other. The theory is that the stroke is strengthened by engaging and getting power from the hips and the "core". This seems to work very well. If you check out some Olympic swim video and pay attention to this you will be amazed at how full their body turn is - and how high their elbows get out of the water.
The coaches pointed out that while I have a pretty good reach and glide in my stroke there would be a big benefit to getting my forearm set in a more powerful position (bent at the elbow) earlier in the stroke. That makes sense and I've been working on that - along with the other stuff.
I was pretty critical of the fact that my rear end seems to be "dragging" through the water - but, I guess that is a bit of a reflection of the fact that the "Endless Pool" machine tends to move water at the surface only which makes it harder to keep the legs up.
The "vortex" of bubbles from the stroke look pretty cool.
Back in "the day" we were taught to try and keep our elbows pretty low to the water and to swim with our heads tilted ahead and with the waterline roughly across our foreheads. The new way teaches a stroke that gets the elbows very high for a steeper angle on the reach with the head facing straight down with the waterline roughly perpendicular to the top of the head. This allows a much fuller "roll" from one side to the other. The theory is that the stroke is strengthened by engaging and getting power from the hips and the "core". This seems to work very well. If you check out some Olympic swim video and pay attention to this you will be amazed at how full their body turn is - and how high their elbows get out of the water.
The coaches pointed out that while I have a pretty good reach and glide in my stroke there would be a big benefit to getting my forearm set in a more powerful position (bent at the elbow) earlier in the stroke. That makes sense and I've been working on that - along with the other stuff.
I was pretty critical of the fact that my rear end seems to be "dragging" through the water - but, I guess that is a bit of a reflection of the fact that the "Endless Pool" machine tends to move water at the surface only which makes it harder to keep the legs up.
The "vortex" of bubbles from the stroke look pretty cool.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
My mom
Well, today is the one year anniversary of my Mom's passing. "Shirley-Mae" was an incredible mother. She often dreamed bigger dreams for me than I could imagine. Her support, and unconditional love, was always something I cherished - even if I couldn't admit it. So, today was a day for thought.
The relevance of all this to the "tri2dogood" theme is the fact that the whole training thing provided an interesting new way to reflect. This morning I took a couple of calls and worked through some correspondence. Then, about 10am, I got on my bike and took off for a 25 mile ride. We live in a beautiful area. I rode down along the Brandywine River for several miles, then explored some new roads and saw some beautiful country. And, I thought about Mom.
We all have our own ways to listen to that still quiet voice that comforts us. Today, for me, it was riding my bike. For my sister Julie, it was to escape to the spa! Both are excellent.
I spoke to my Dad this evening, and I am so delighted that he has continued to do good (he spent HIS day volunteering at a thrift shop that supports a youth ranch down in Texas - something he did with Mom for years) and has stayed active socially. I'm sure he's had a few emotional moments today - but, he has made the only rational choice - to live!
I love my Dad. I want to be like him.
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