I had a bad day at the pool. I’ve been trying the hand entry technique that Mark described, but not having much luck because when I try something new, the other things I have been working on fall apart. I get so frustrated because I am such a slow learner. I think I need to work on one thing at a time until it becomes natural, then move on to another new thing.
Half way through the workout, I stopped and sat poolside feeling quite sucky and wondering why I try so hard and set such high goals for myself. Ultimately what I really want is to stay fit and maintain my weight But of course, staying fit involves working out and burning calories, so I finished my swim. It did get better and by the time it was done, I was in a happier mood.
I have figured out that one of my issues with swimming is weakness in my hands (probably due to arthritis). During the pull phase of the swim stroke, I sense that my hands are not holding a good paddle position. I sometimes drop my elbow and let my arm slip through the water; or other times my fingers spread apart and do not catch water.
So, I went to Target and bought some hand gripper things to work on hand strength. I keep them by my computer and use them a few times a day for 30 seconds.
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Hi again, Carol! I've been busy and am catching up with your blog.
For perceived weakness such as you described I recommend "baby pull-ups" as follows:
Take a pronated (palms facing away) grip on the bar. Try (and initially that may be ALL you manage!) to flex your wrists without bending your elbows, to raise your torso just a tiny bit higher. This trains "firmness" in your wrists which is often absent in swimmers who feel they've a poor pull.
My second recommendation is to swim a length of butterfly every 6 or 8 laps once in a while (unless you swim more butterfly than that!). "Fly" is a terrific antidote to most technical deficiencies in freestyle pull.
Regards!
I have the same hand problem, and I also got the same gripper. Problem is that I don't use it often. Thanks for reminding me to workout my hands!
Bob
Carol: Just found your blog. Ironically, I'd mentioned to my husband last night (my 55th birthday) that I didn't understand the appeal of blogs. I do now. Will spend more time with it (your blog) later. Kudos on the organization (are you a graphics person?) and candor. I've participated (competed is too strong a word) in several sprint triathlons. Was trying to find some more information for the Ramblin' Rose for my sister who is tackling her FIRST sprint this year (in an effort to loose weight). I have directed her to your site. While a blog isn't necessarily in my future, think I will start a training diary today!