Swim style
slats
Posts: 11
in General Chat
Comming to tri from a predominately running background, my freestyle tech is pretty poor and being fairly close to forty probably isn't going to get much better. However the one stroke i did learn as a youngster was B/Stroke at which I'm fairly strong. My question is, do that many other triatheles use strokes other than FS. I know that I could 'do' BS in a reasonable time without too much training whereas just to 'do' 1500m FS would take a fair amount of effort to build up to.
From reading various thread, it seems a lot of people come to the sport from other than swimming backgrounds, so I assume my dilema is far from unique.
From reading various thread, it seems a lot of people come to the sport from other than swimming backgrounds, so I assume my dilema is far from unique.
0
Comments
The emergency signal is to float on your back with your hand in the air. If people do BS it could cause confusion.
At least this was the rule in London last year, also Bournemouth Pier-to-Pier swim and any pool-based event I've ever done (although it's probably banned more for collision reasons in the pool).
Note that this is not a British Triathlon Association rule, at least not one that I could find : http://www.britishtriathlon.org/events/rules/introduction.php
(To pick up on another thread about tumble-turning in a pool event: this isn't illegal according to these rules either)
In summary, if you spend all your efforts practising back-stroke and not FS, then you stand a fair chance of not completing the swim. Also, with a bit of time and effort you'll find FS is far easier and more efficient.
I joined a triathlon club that has a coached swimming session on a Friday where I have been given areas of technique to work on each time. Last week I swam 2000m frontcrawl, it's amazing how your body can adapt so quickly.
So I would say: Get some coaching, do some practice on your own and you will be amazed how quickly you improve.
If I can do it anyone can!!!
BS = Breast-stroke then. I see what you mean. For some reason I never even thought of that. I just got all concerned about you turning up to a race prepared to do Back-stroke and being told 'NO!'.
If that is the quickest or, more importantly, the most efficient way for you to swim, then go for it. If you think that with a bit of effort your front-crawl could match it then go and learn. As I'm sure you know, front-crawl is the most efficient stroke you can do, IF you can do it properly. You may go quicker, or you may save energy, or both.... but if you simply can't do front-crawl, and despite practice, coaching and master's classes you still can't do it then go with what you know.
Another thought... breast-stroke knee flexibility (ie lateral and twisting movement) is the opposite of what you need for running and cycling, where you need to keep everything straight. I've always been taught, and have learned from experience, that breast-stroke and running are poor companions.
Finally... in breast-stroke you need to use your legs to keep the stroke going, so you arrive at the finish with knackered legs as well as knackered arms. With front-crawl you can flutter-kick to save your legs (maybe kick hard for the last 400m to warm them up) but you should be much more ready for the bike than with breast-stroke, where you'll get to T1 with sore thighs and twisty knees.
*EDIT* I just re-read nigelt2's post. Armchair to 2k freestyle in what, 8 weeks? Amazing! Just shows what you can achieve with a bit of good advice, some friendly pressure from your mates at a club, and a whole bucket-load of determined attitude. Brilliant work, mate!
Nigel, where in the country are you? what club was it?
still though, there was a load of heros in their blue caps be hind me.
i am now hard at work learing the front crawl.
I started swimming training in January having not swum properly since I was 15 (now 41) and yes it was bloody difficult to start with. I could barely manage 50m.
This week I easily managed 750m FC and my times are improving rapidly (although Mark Spitz hasn't anything to worry about!!!).
Give FC a try for 1 to 2 months and I think you'll improve beyond belief very quickly.
I used an excellent book 'Triathlon Training Swimming' by Steve Tarpinian as a starting point for technique advice and I've just started getting some coaching at the local pool once I'd got a basic style & swim endurance.
How are you getting on with the front crawl now?