Wednesday was my first time to commute to the pool. I was actually having second thoughts coz of the overcast skies. And I was right. I got to the pool around 1:30pm but but at 3pm, it rained cats and dogs.
It would've been fun continuing the swim hadn't the thunder scared me coz there was a bit of lightning as well. The pool's at the mall's rooftop and so it's too risky. A middle-aged rotund gentleman fried crisp (by lightning) floating in the pool is not a pretty sight.
Flip Turn Re-Attempts
As I got in the pool house today, a staff worker casually remarked: "Nahuli yata kayo ngayon ah." I wasn't so sure what he meant but I just smiled at him to acknowledge his comment.
Maybe they were just accustomed to seeing me there during lunchtime (noon). That was true many weeks ago but then the sun was too glaring and the sessions quickly sucked my sunscreen lotions.
Since the pool was empty when I came in today, I revisited my flip turn. I still can't get over the pain in the sinus feeling. I still feel disoriented as I do the turn, not sure if I'll be facing the right direction when I go upright.
Ah, but as they say, practice makes perfect. And I'm determined to learn the move especially now that I'm doing 100's more frequently. To put some variety, I do flip turns (no walls) going to one end of the pool and then a regular free coming back.
There were 5 college studes today at the pool for a make-up PE class. One girl, her name's Lota, was simply terrified of the water everytime she attempts the backstroke.
She'd always standup up immediately as her ears submerged. Wow, that's a long way to go. But I helped her float, gently supporting her back with my palms. The studes even thanked me as I got out of the pool.
TMC Update
Last night I club-hopped to the Kimberly Club to deliver my 4th Advanced Speech in the Storytelling Manual - The Touching Story. This is another speech where I used props - this time a 100-peso paper bill.
I thought I really got the audience's attention in my intro and was very well received. It was lively but then my real story had to be "touching".
There was no feedback though on the story's analogy with my intro. Hmmmm. I thought the speech was good though and was excited to deliver it. Here's the link to the speech. Today, I finally forwarded the link to all my speeches online to our Club President.
For the evaluation segment, Ma'm Lolet evaluated me while I evaluated Jess's speech on the Martial Arts. Jess' speech was quite entertaining although I was scared he'd hurt himself with his high kicks - quite a flexible guy.
The club's membership seem to dwindle a bit. There were only 5 of us there last night. We had to scrounge a bit to find a vacant room as the company's busy with SAP implementation.
See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
Maybe they were just accustomed to seeing me there during lunchtime (noon). That was true many weeks ago but then the sun was too glaring and the sessions quickly sucked my sunscreen lotions.
Since the pool was empty when I came in today, I revisited my flip turn. I still can't get over the pain in the sinus feeling. I still feel disoriented as I do the turn, not sure if I'll be facing the right direction when I go upright.
Ah, but as they say, practice makes perfect. And I'm determined to learn the move especially now that I'm doing 100's more frequently. To put some variety, I do flip turns (no walls) going to one end of the pool and then a regular free coming back.
There were 5 college studes today at the pool for a make-up PE class. One girl, her name's Lota, was simply terrified of the water everytime she attempts the backstroke.
She'd always standup up immediately as her ears submerged. Wow, that's a long way to go. But I helped her float, gently supporting her back with my palms. The studes even thanked me as I got out of the pool.
TMC Update
Last night I club-hopped to the Kimberly Club to deliver my 4th Advanced Speech in the Storytelling Manual - The Touching Story. This is another speech where I used props - this time a 100-peso paper bill.
I thought I really got the audience's attention in my intro and was very well received. It was lively but then my real story had to be "touching".
There was no feedback though on the story's analogy with my intro. Hmmmm. I thought the speech was good though and was excited to deliver it. Here's the link to the speech. Today, I finally forwarded the link to all my speeches online to our Club President.
For the evaluation segment, Ma'm Lolet evaluated me while I evaluated Jess's speech on the Martial Arts. Jess' speech was quite entertaining although I was scared he'd hurt himself with his high kicks - quite a flexible guy.
The club's membership seem to dwindle a bit. There were only 5 of us there last night. We had to scrounge a bit to find a vacant room as the company's busy with SAP implementation.
See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
Tire Split Open and Sculling
I went home at noon yesterday and then my rear tire burst. No, it didn't run out of air, but the steel belting just jutted out and hit the siding like mad. This was near the Alaska factory in the South expressway. I moved really slow like I was being towed. Fortunately I was able to have it replaced at the Servitek after withdrawing cash from a BPI atm at Munti. The new tire, Dunlop Japan, set me back by Php3,590. The reason I went home early was to rest coz I had a cold. Or so I thought. It turned out it was again those troublesome allergies. How did I know. Well, I got instant relief (last night up to today) right after taking Virlix. I must've gotten these allergies it after cleaning Unit B at the apartment. I got a lot of dust after cleaning the CR window.
Just did some frees and backs today in the morning. I attempted a flip turn but the water just went up the nose and boy, was it painful. My sinus hasn't really cleared up from the previous nights' sniffles. In the afternoon I did some seated sculling which is nice to do as a break from the usual. Maybe I'll try the other sculls next time.
Thank God our parking lot expansion at the office has been completed. With the rains, it was tough getting parked coz of the mud. And that made me not to go for a second swim coz, it's so hard to find good parking slots.
Just did some frees and backs today in the morning. I attempted a flip turn but the water just went up the nose and boy, was it painful. My sinus hasn't really cleared up from the previous nights' sniffles. In the afternoon I did some seated sculling which is nice to do as a break from the usual. Maybe I'll try the other sculls next time.
Thank God our parking lot expansion at the office has been completed. With the rains, it was tough getting parked coz of the mud. And that made me not to go for a second swim coz, it's so hard to find good parking slots.
A Couple of 100 Free's
I suprrised myself today when I did a couple of laps (50m) twice. I didn't have anything special in mind to do today other than a relaxed swim. I didn't even plan on coming at all. But this nagging thought in my mind just kept saying:
I realized then that I probly exerted too much effort previously in rising off the turn and pushing from the wall when there was no need to. That is, if the purpose is just for long distance swims where the key is a relaxed swim. Well, something in me asked what did I do differently today that allowed me to do this? Was it the Ube-laden Tasty bread (Php55) I bought from Urban Chef at the canteen which was so yummy? I had 3 slices this morning with cream-egg and it was good! Or was it the new breathing style where I exhale through the nose while swimming and blowing out hard after pushing off the wall? Maybe it's the latter.
I wanted to do more of these 100's when I noticed in the pool floor what looked like a thin stick. It moved! Uh huh, an earthworm. Now I wouldn't mind these creatures there in with me, but I had my tummy full and so I felt a little queasy. The VCO (virgin coconut oil) I gulped last night isn't helping. Going back after the turn, I switch lanes and there was another smaller earthworm. And so that was it for me and got out.
- "It's still free! Take advantage of it. By August you'd have to pay per entry."
- "It isn't raining. The sun's peering from a distance. It'll be a nice day.
- Buddy, you choose: your work or your health?"
I realized then that I probly exerted too much effort previously in rising off the turn and pushing from the wall when there was no need to. That is, if the purpose is just for long distance swims where the key is a relaxed swim. Well, something in me asked what did I do differently today that allowed me to do this? Was it the Ube-laden Tasty bread (Php55) I bought from Urban Chef at the canteen which was so yummy? I had 3 slices this morning with cream-egg and it was good! Or was it the new breathing style where I exhale through the nose while swimming and blowing out hard after pushing off the wall? Maybe it's the latter.
I wanted to do more of these 100's when I noticed in the pool floor what looked like a thin stick. It moved! Uh huh, an earthworm. Now I wouldn't mind these creatures there in with me, but I had my tummy full and so I felt a little queasy. The VCO (virgin coconut oil) I gulped last night isn't helping. Going back after the turn, I switch lanes and there was another smaller earthworm. And so that was it for me and got out.
Exhale from Nose in the Fly
I'm still on sick leave but after taking the munsci kids to school, I went for a swim. And since there was no hurry, I stayed at the pool until 9am. Yehey! And just to feed me there, I brought 3 bananas and lots of water. The pool floor was still dirty though. I don't think the pool boy was into cleaning thoroughly as he claimed. So I stayed mostly on deepend side where the floor tiles were cleaner. The dirty tiles elsewhere certainly affected how much I wanted to stay and practice. And so it was mostly widths for me today. I would've wanted to do lengths, but ... ugh... yuck.
Today I felt that I wasn't exiting my arms out cleanly in fly. It was as though I had too much water to push out and it was delaying the recovery. And so I experimented on a couple of action items to see if they improve the recovery:
I also experimented on breathing out through the nose rather than the mouth. I felt it cleared easily after finishing a width. I was not used to it before, preferring just exhaling through the mouth. Sigh! Decisions, decision. I can't imagine exhaling FULLY from both at the same time though.
Talking of solutions, here's a book I've been keeping all these years (long before I even got swim lessons). I've had it since college, just kept it, hoping to finally use it someday. Needless to say, it's a rare book now. And it's been a very good reference.
The photos are those of famous swimmers like Mark Spitz, Gary Hall Sr., etc. and the pics, though black and white, are very clear. Here are frame-by-frame shots of the sidestroke. Notice the frayed and splitted middle of the book.
The drawings are a bit crude and funny though. They remind me of the ancient scientific drawings of the renaissance men like Da Vinci's flying machine.
Today I felt that I wasn't exiting my arms out cleanly in fly. It was as though I had too much water to push out and it was delaying the recovery. And so I experimented on a couple of action items to see if they improve the recovery:
- Undulate more. By doing so, the body doesn't stay flat and when the torso rises, the arms should be at a height where they could clear the surface.
- Focus on exiting with the pinkies out. This way, the hand at the last instant, will slice the surface rather than continue pushing more water.
I also experimented on breathing out through the nose rather than the mouth. I felt it cleared easily after finishing a width. I was not used to it before, preferring just exhaling through the mouth. Sigh! Decisions, decision. I can't imagine exhaling FULLY from both at the same time though.
Talking of solutions, here's a book I've been keeping all these years (long before I even got swim lessons). I've had it since college, just kept it, hoping to finally use it someday. Needless to say, it's a rare book now. And it's been a very good reference.
The photos are those of famous swimmers like Mark Spitz, Gary Hall Sr., etc. and the pics, though black and white, are very clear. Here are frame-by-frame shots of the sidestroke. Notice the frayed and splitted middle of the book.
The drawings are a bit crude and funny though. They remind me of the ancient scientific drawings of the renaissance men like Da Vinci's flying machine.
Quick Recovery on the Fly
Fly practice today was at the deepend, although the one-arm fly drills were done on the length as warm-ups. Today's practice was again on form. The width is short so I only do 3 dolphin kicks and these are shallow kicks where I'm closer to the surface. I then do 4 to 5 strokes to complete the width. On the length, I'd do more dolphin kicks, maybe 6 or or more, and coming off deeper from the wall.
Practice was at the deepend width this time. I experimented the straight push-back pattern against the "keyhole" pattern. I thought the keyhole pattern semed more natural for me. I even felt getting faster as the arms were nearing the hips. I think it may be because I've been doing this pattern eversince I started. The pattern seems more complicated and it does call on different shoulder, arm and back muscles unlike the straight pattern.
I noticed today that my arms weren't clearing the water adequately. It was like my upper arms and biceps would hit simultaneously with the finger tips thereby making a huge arm splash. I wanted clean hand entry into the water. I tried recovering the arms quick right after they come out and that spelled the difference.
Practice was at the deepend width this time. I experimented the straight push-back pattern against the "keyhole" pattern. I thought the keyhole pattern semed more natural for me. I even felt getting faster as the arms were nearing the hips. I think it may be because I've been doing this pattern eversince I started. The pattern seems more complicated and it does call on different shoulder, arm and back muscles unlike the straight pattern.
I noticed today that my arms weren't clearing the water adequately. It was like my upper arms and biceps would hit simultaneously with the finger tips thereby making a huge arm splash. I wanted clean hand entry into the water. I tried recovering the arms quick right after they come out and that spelled the difference.
Balancing the Stroke
I recently saw a drill on GoSwim regarding Shoulder Rotation for Freestyle. It dealt with balancing the stroke especially for those who breath unilaterally (one-sided). Since the tendency is to favor the breathing side, the stroke becomes lop-sided or unbalanced. The drill mentions the use of a heads-up free stroke coz it is one sure way to balance the strokes. This is because the head is facing center forward and you can always see the arms clearing the water. I agree with this.
Ever since I started heads-up free, I noticed that my freestyle is now relatively symmetrical even if I breath only on the right side. My problematic left arm now clears the water surface with ease. So when I read the article, I said wow, that makes a lot of sense. This may just be the breakthrough I need to finally learn bilateral breathing.
I spent a short time today at the pool. It was back at the lame butterfly strokes. Somehow I still couldn't find the groove of breathing correctly. Since I still don't have the stamina, I always feel tired after 4 strokes. At my last short laps, I remembered about the rule that said "the hips go up when arms enter the water". I tried that and felt the much needed undulation in effect. Wow! Gotta do that more often.
Ever since I started heads-up free, I noticed that my freestyle is now relatively symmetrical even if I breath only on the right side. My problematic left arm now clears the water surface with ease. So when I read the article, I said wow, that makes a lot of sense. This may just be the breakthrough I need to finally learn bilateral breathing.
I spent a short time today at the pool. It was back at the lame butterfly strokes. Somehow I still couldn't find the groove of breathing correctly. Since I still don't have the stamina, I always feel tired after 4 strokes. At my last short laps, I remembered about the rule that said "the hips go up when arms enter the water". I tried that and felt the much needed undulation in effect. Wow! Gotta do that more often.
Butterfly at the Shallow End
Pursuing my quest for that elusive butterfly, I resumed drills today after a couple of days' hiatus. And this hiatus was due in part to the left knee pain (from previous dolphining) and in part to the 'bed' weather. There were a few rainshowers, the first for May.
So for today, I positioned myself at the shallowest part of the pool. I did the left-arm and right-arm drills which were good. I also tried right-side breathing which felt more comfortable and streamlined rather than the front breathing which causes my hips to sink. But wow, what conditioning this stroke requires. Every short lap, I was gasping but I do recover quickly now. I know my lower back would complain with all that dolphin kicking and so I took mefenamic this morning. I even picked up a peso coin at the shallow end. I'm getting to like this butterfly stroke and will do more of it in the next few days. Can the elusive flip-turn be far behind? Ahhh, we shall see.
So for today, I positioned myself at the shallowest part of the pool. I did the left-arm and right-arm drills which were good. I also tried right-side breathing which felt more comfortable and streamlined rather than the front breathing which causes my hips to sink. But wow, what conditioning this stroke requires. Every short lap, I was gasping but I do recover quickly now. I know my lower back would complain with all that dolphin kicking and so I took mefenamic this morning. I even picked up a peso coin at the shallow end. I'm getting to like this butterfly stroke and will do more of it in the next few days. Can the elusive flip-turn be far behind? Ahhh, we shall see.
Folk Tale Speech and Butterfly
Last night was another one of those 'close calls' for speeches. It was already 4pm when I managed to get my speech altogether. Ugh. This has got to stop. Fact is, last Wednesday I almost forgot that the Toastmasters meeting at Henlin/Tomato and Cheese would be the following day. Since I rattled at the thought, DH was rather amused that I DID forget.
Now here's the worst part about late prepared speeches. I can't get the groove of the gestures and body movement. I suppose getting the material in my head in so short a time is already bad. Twice in a row, it was a sore spot in my evaluation - not enough body movement. Though small, I gotta use the floor space more! Another thing is sudden shifting of the head from left to right. Unfortunately I can't help it. The seating configuration is such that you have audience 90 degrees to your left and right. I feel like I'm missing out on eye contact if I don't constantly shift my glances. Next time, I'll take a pic of how we're seated at our venue. One tip though is to pan the head SLOWLY. I'll try that next time.
The props I used (reversible beak of the crow) was rather nifty and it piqued the audience interest. At first I thought I'd be risking it but, heck, it's storytelling and so I went on with the puppet props and with my bird voices, it brought variety to the speech.
I must say the use of a mini-puppet was a risk on my part. Why? Simply because I've not seen anyone do it. Let's just say I wanted to add a little fun on the delivery side and put a little smile (or is that a smirk?) on my audience. Anyhow, I got the idea from a game that the kids play especially Sandra where they'd have an eenie-meenie-mynee-moh on a numbers game written on folded paper. The closing and opening looked like a bird's beak and so I had Sandra fold one for me. It turns out that the "beak" folded paper I wanted used the same folding for making these newspaper hats or boats. With just another fold, it becomes a bird puppet! The nice thing about this puppet is it can become reversible. And it worked wonderfully for the transition when the crow turned from white to black because of the curse. Yah, you gotta read the speech to make sense of what I'm writing here. Anyway, the bird on the left was the white crow and with the flick of the hand, the white crow on the left in Noah's time becomes the black crow on the right as we know it today. Ingenious, isn't it?
I also need to be earlier prepared coz I miss out on conversations before the meeting starts. I wasn't relaxed enough coz I sat or stood in a corner to read/ memorize the speech. The nice thing though is the audience seemed to enjoy my speech entitled "Noah's Bird". This is Advanced Speech #1, Folk Tale, in the Storytelling Manual. I thought my delivery of it though was a bit lacking. Next time!
See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
Just on a whim, I tried to do butterfly strokes today. They were crude I know but it's really just my first time. The AMAZING thing is: I had lots of stamina for it. It isn't the "die-as-you-swim" stroke that I thought it would be! I did laps on the 12.5m width of the pool. Funny, I'm not even feeling pain in my back or knees at all. Hhmmm... I'm getting gung-ho to learning it even though I was avoiding it all this time. Maybe the time is ripe - stamina, experience, maturity and all. I'm excited to revisit and relearn this once again. And this time, it's gonna be permanent.
Now here's the worst part about late prepared speeches. I can't get the groove of the gestures and body movement. I suppose getting the material in my head in so short a time is already bad. Twice in a row, it was a sore spot in my evaluation - not enough body movement. Though small, I gotta use the floor space more! Another thing is sudden shifting of the head from left to right. Unfortunately I can't help it. The seating configuration is such that you have audience 90 degrees to your left and right. I feel like I'm missing out on eye contact if I don't constantly shift my glances. Next time, I'll take a pic of how we're seated at our venue. One tip though is to pan the head SLOWLY. I'll try that next time.
The props I used (reversible beak of the crow) was rather nifty and it piqued the audience interest. At first I thought I'd be risking it but, heck, it's storytelling and so I went on with the puppet props and with my bird voices, it brought variety to the speech.
I must say the use of a mini-puppet was a risk on my part. Why? Simply because I've not seen anyone do it. Let's just say I wanted to add a little fun on the delivery side and put a little smile (or is that a smirk?) on my audience. Anyhow, I got the idea from a game that the kids play especially Sandra where they'd have an eenie-meenie-mynee-moh on a numbers game written on folded paper. The closing and opening looked like a bird's beak and so I had Sandra fold one for me. It turns out that the "beak" folded paper I wanted used the same folding for making these newspaper hats or boats. With just another fold, it becomes a bird puppet! The nice thing about this puppet is it can become reversible. And it worked wonderfully for the transition when the crow turned from white to black because of the curse. Yah, you gotta read the speech to make sense of what I'm writing here. Anyway, the bird on the left was the white crow and with the flick of the hand, the white crow on the left in Noah's time becomes the black crow on the right as we know it today. Ingenious, isn't it?
I also need to be earlier prepared coz I miss out on conversations before the meeting starts. I wasn't relaxed enough coz I sat or stood in a corner to read/ memorize the speech. The nice thing though is the audience seemed to enjoy my speech entitled "Noah's Bird". This is Advanced Speech #1, Folk Tale, in the Storytelling Manual. I thought my delivery of it though was a bit lacking. Next time!
See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
Just on a whim, I tried to do butterfly strokes today. They were crude I know but it's really just my first time. The AMAZING thing is: I had lots of stamina for it. It isn't the "die-as-you-swim" stroke that I thought it would be! I did laps on the 12.5m width of the pool. Funny, I'm not even feeling pain in my back or knees at all. Hhmmm... I'm getting gung-ho to learning it even though I was avoiding it all this time. Maybe the time is ripe - stamina, experience, maturity and all. I'm excited to revisit and relearn this once again. And this time, it's gonna be permanent.
In a Stump
For a couple of days now I've been doing a good 5 laps of freestyle as a start. I don't go for speed and just concentrate on slow and relaxed strokes focusing on technique. It's also the time to scour the pool's bottom for any coins. So I cover all 5 lanes in the pool. Thereafter, I do 5 laps of alternating breaststroke and backstroke. From then on it's just a play of free-back switches, sidestrokes and heads-up free. Yah, it's rather boring. It's so boring that I'm thinking of revisiting the butterfly stroke. That is if my back can take it. The way one coach there does it, it's so graceful and relaxed - not the big noisy splashers that competetive swimmers do.
So I cover all 5 lanes in the pool. Thereafter, I do 5 laps of alternating breaststroke and backstroke. From then on it's just a play of free-back switches, sidestrokes and heads-up free. Yah, it's rather boring. It's so boring that I'm thinking of revisiting the butterfly stroke. That is if my back can take it. The way one coach there does it, it's so graceful and relaxed - not the big noisy splashers that competetive swimmers do. Free-Back Switch
The free swimming kids at the pool were early today. It seemed like they'd have some sort of competition coz the basketball coach kept mentioning it early on. Wait a sec, basketball coach? Yah. One of the coaches doesn't wear a swimsuit to teach swimming. Nopes, she'd wear these humongous basketball tops and shorts to teach swimming. Only 4 words, lady. What's... up... with... that???
Anyway, as I was going out, I casually said to Cecille: "Wow, ang aga nila ngayon ah". To which she repled exasperatingly: "Oo nga po eh!". Those "lessons" look more like rowdy outings.
Yesterday, I re-attempted a stroke combination that, 2 years ago, I had wanted to do. This is the alternate freestyle and backstroke. I've read it somewhere but I'm not sure if I've seen a video. I imagined it though to be a cool cool smooth stroke. Well, today, I'm close to getting into the groove of it.
I think I did 5 lengths of it today. I start a freestyle, change to backstroke and then return to freestyle. It goes like this:
Yah. One of the coaches doesn't wear a swimsuit to teach swimming. Nopes, she'd wear these humongous basketball tops and shorts to teach swimming. Only 4 words, lady. What's... up... with... that???Anyway, as I was going out, I casually said to Cecille: "Wow, ang aga nila ngayon ah". To which she repled exasperatingly: "Oo nga po eh!". Those "lessons" look more like rowdy outings.
Yesterday, I re-attempted a stroke combination that, 2 years ago, I had wanted to do. This is the alternate freestyle and backstroke. I've read it somewhere but I'm not sure if I've seen a video. I imagined it though to be a cool cool smooth stroke. Well, today, I'm close to getting into the groove of it.
I think I did 5 lengths of it today. I start a freestyle, change to backstroke and then return to freestyle. It goes like this:- Start with a regular freestyle for a few armpulls.
- After the right hand recovers and falls on the water straight, stretch it slightly and rotate the body to your left. At this time, you're face is out of the water.
- Begin the catch with the right hand and start pulling as a backstroke.
- Recover the left and continue the backstroke for a few armpulls.
- When the left hand recovers and drops to the water, just let it stay there and straighten a bit.
- Recover the right hand out of the water while continuing to rotate the body.
- When the body is almost facing down, start pulling with the left hand.
- The right hand should now do a catch-up style of freestyle so that the body retains its straight position.
The Essence of a Relaxing Backstroke
I knew it! Last night, I walked with DH to Mercury Tunasan (my first time there!) to buy new batteries for the radio. I was hoping to get Energizer but there weren't any. I suppose they'd cost so much for size D. Anyway, I tried them at the pool today and I was right. The old batteries were dying and this was the cause of my losing the right radio frequency and the fading volume. The radio was on maximum volume recently but still couldn't hear it. So I was a happy camper. At least it wasn't a failed or broken potentiometer or some innards of the radio. Sadly though the topic today sucks - it was so mushy and fluffy.
Today's coaching at the pool, I realized something that coaches teach students and seems prevalent. Prevalent, in that I experienced it too when I was getting lessons. And this is the coach telling students to splash a lot of water when beginning lessons in freestyle. They want the legs out of the water, faster kicks, stronger kicks, really kicking up a storm! And then, when the students are fairly advanced, the coaches (and swim literature even) tell them not to raise the legs out of the water. What's UP with THAT?
The lady student must've had some difficulty straightening her legs on the freestyle kicks coz here's the coach tying on something that look like splints so as not to bend the knees too much. I've been wondering what the coach was fiddling with the student's legs. It turns out to be some kind of cardboard wrapped with packing tape. This method is certainly new to me!
Here's the lady kicking furiously as coach instructed. No wonder she gets all winded and tired - as I was when I started getting lessons.
It's been quite a while since I reported a breakthrough or milestone in this blog and was afraid that I've been plateauing my improvements. But just when I least expect it, I've reached one again. Today, I think I've mastered the art of a relaxing backstroke and discovered to do this, you need to be able to do a super slow stroke. I found this almost impossible to do in the past (as in last year). But today, I could do it at will, anytime! I was so happy that I figured I could do the square workout with the slow backstroke as I did when I was drilling with the heads-up freestyle. Man, today's workout was awesome. I did a couple of these square workouts - one clockwise, the other counterclockwise. At first, I was thinking how best to do the turns coz backstroke is so disorienting, not knowing where you're headed and therefore when to turn. So what I did was simply to pause when it's safe to turn, do a mild heads-up breast and then resume the backstroke. Nonetheless, the square workout was successful and I'm sure I could improve more on it.
After I got out of the pool, rain clouds formed and in the shower, I thought it would rain and was worried for the radio. Well it didn't, but it did drizzle as I was driving out. Whew!
Today's coaching at the pool, I realized something that coaches teach students and seems prevalent. Prevalent, in that I experienced it too when I was getting lessons. And this is the coach telling students to splash a lot of water when beginning lessons in freestyle. They want the legs out of the water, faster kicks, stronger kicks, really kicking up a storm! And then, when the students are fairly advanced, the coaches (and swim literature even) tell them not to raise the legs out of the water. What's UP with THAT?
The lady student must've had some difficulty straightening her legs on the freestyle kicks coz here's the coach tying on something that look like splints so as not to bend the knees too much. I've been wondering what the coach was fiddling with the student's legs. It turns out to be some kind of cardboard wrapped with packing tape. This method is certainly new to me!
Here's the lady kicking furiously as coach instructed. No wonder she gets all winded and tired - as I was when I started getting lessons.
It's been quite a while since I reported a breakthrough or milestone in this blog and was afraid that I've been plateauing my improvements. But just when I least expect it, I've reached one again.
Today, I think I've mastered the art of a relaxing backstroke and discovered to do this, you need to be able to do a super slow stroke. I found this almost impossible to do in the past (as in last year). But today, I could do it at will, anytime! I was so happy that I figured I could do the square workout with the slow backstroke as I did when I was drilling with the heads-up freestyle. Man, today's workout was awesome. I did a couple of these square workouts - one clockwise, the other counterclockwise. At first, I was thinking how best to do the turns coz backstroke is so disorienting, not knowing where you're headed and therefore when to turn. So what I did was simply to pause when it's safe to turn, do a mild heads-up breast and then resume the backstroke. Nonetheless, the square workout was successful and I'm sure I could improve more on it.After I got out of the pool, rain clouds formed and in the shower, I thought it would rain and was worried for the radio. Well it didn't, but it did drizzle as I was driving out. Whew!
Whole Length Backstroke
pc1/91/80-100
Today I attempted a whole length for backstroke. I faltered near the ladder where I got water in my nose. Will try more tomorrow though. I'm also starting to rotate more. So, that's good. Here are the banners by the gate. Note that the swim lessons on top banner costs so much while the banner below, it's free!
Tonight, we decided to take the usual walk after dinner. Sandra and Renz joined us. Corz the "brisk walking" we did quickly deteteriorated into a stroll of sorts with Renz walking so slowly with small steps. Anyway, we passed some really big and nice houses. Both Sandra and Renz were in awe. This conversation ensued between Renz and DH:
Something just didn't sound right. DH and I were saving for the kids' education and having a nice big house isn't the biggest priority right now.
Today I attempted a whole length for backstroke. I faltered near the ladder where I got water in my nose. Will try more tomorrow though. I'm also starting to rotate more. So, that's good. Here are the banners by the gate. Note that the swim lessons on top banner costs so much while the banner below, it's free!
Tonight, we decided to take the usual walk after dinner. Sandra and Renz joined us. Corz the "brisk walking" we did quickly deteteriorated into a stroll of sorts with Renz walking so slowly with small steps. Anyway, we passed some really big and nice houses. Both Sandra and Renz were in awe. This conversation ensued between Renz and DH:
Renz: Mama, bakit po sila mayaman?
DH: Kasi masipag sila.
Renz: Tayo po, hindi?
Something just didn't sound right. DH and I were saving for the kids' education and having a nice big house isn't the biggest priority right now.
Coin on the Forehead
Yesterday:
Water's green, new water came in and it's cooler. How about using coins on the forehead as I read? Here's a nice post on the drill by Donna in the USMS forum. It's rather long, but the lady knows her stuff:
"I was a backstroker so I will pass along to you how I swam this stroke. I never was low or flat to the water. The waterline hit my head at about the crown area which means I was both looking up and looking somewhat down toward my knees at the same time. And kicking with backstroke is crucial. My head never moved from side-to-side. I accomplished a non-moving head by putting coins on my forehead and swam with them. If they fell off, I had to much upper body or head movement. You can also do this with goggles on your head, but they are larger and won't fall off as easily, so they are not a true test.
I used nickels, dimes, quarters. And when I felt like I really had no movement, I would pile a lot of them on my forehead and swim a 25. When all coins stayed put, I had this portion of the stroke "memorized" in my brain and body (I could feel it). As for breathing in backstroke, the only water I ever experienced was water I generated as my arm strokes came above my head; not from other people, and maybe this is because I was not low in the water like people swim today. During the last Olympics, I didn't see many backstrokers flat in the water; they were slightly elevated.
It's also easy to bounce when swimming backstroke and this is due to the effort one is trying to produce. But bouncing is off-limits, too. Ideally, smooth, long and fast strokes with hip rotation and a quiet head will suit a person very well."
Today:
I brought a coin for the coin-on-the-forehead drill in backstroke. But I chickened out. I've yet to master backstroke to maintain head stability throughout.
I joined the ACT club meeting last night. I was a little surprised that they held it at the ground floor. The last time I attended, it was on the second floor. I wasn't expecting it, but I was requested by Khris to evaluate Hanika's Prepared Speech "Driving Lessons" as Hanika was to compete on Saturday for the Area level. Norrie and Jess from Kimberly Clark were there too. Past 7pm, it became noisier. There was a bigger crowd (many foreigners) and it was a challenge to listen and give my speech evaluation. Hope they could get a better venue. Here's me giving my evaluation on Hanika's speech. (photo courtesy of Jess)
See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
Water's green, new water came in and it's cooler. How about using coins on the forehead as I read? Here's a nice post on the drill by Donna in the USMS forum. It's rather long, but the lady knows her stuff:
"I was a backstroker so I will pass along to you how I swam this stroke. I never was low or flat to the water. The waterline hit my head at about the crown area which means I was both looking up and looking somewhat down toward my knees at the same time. And kicking with backstroke is crucial. My head never moved from side-to-side. I accomplished a non-moving head by putting coins on my forehead and swam with them. If they fell off, I had to much upper body or head movement. You can also do this with goggles on your head, but they are larger and won't fall off as easily, so they are not a true test.
I used nickels, dimes, quarters. And when I felt like I really had no movement, I would pile a lot of them on my forehead and swim a 25. When all coins stayed put, I had this portion of the stroke "memorized" in my brain and body (I could feel it). As for breathing in backstroke, the only water I ever experienced was water I generated as my arm strokes came above my head; not from other people, and maybe this is because I was not low in the water like people swim today. During the last Olympics, I didn't see many backstrokers flat in the water; they were slightly elevated.
It's also easy to bounce when swimming backstroke and this is due to the effort one is trying to produce. But bouncing is off-limits, too. Ideally, smooth, long and fast strokes with hip rotation and a quiet head will suit a person very well."
Today:
I brought a coin for the coin-on-the-forehead drill in backstroke. But I chickened out. I've yet to master backstroke to maintain head stability throughout.
I joined the ACT club meeting last night. I was a little surprised that they held it at the ground floor. The last time I attended, it was on the second floor. I wasn't expecting it, but I was requested by Khris to evaluate Hanika's Prepared Speech "Driving Lessons" as Hanika was to compete on Saturday for the Area level. Norrie and Jess from Kimberly Clark were there too. Past 7pm, it became noisier. There was a bigger crowd (many foreigners) and it was a challenge to listen and give my speech evaluation. Hope they could get a better venue. Here's me giving my evaluation on Hanika's speech. (photo courtesy of Jess)
See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
Good Backstroke, Heavy Pool Weight!
I think I did 4 really good backstroke short lengths today. I've been attempting backstroke for a long time now but then my poor conditioning was getting in the way! Well, today I'm building this conditioning coz I'm not stopping to rest. No sir. By that I mean after a length I active rest using eggbeater kicks, never putting the feet on the floor.
I also did a couple of HUfree squares today - 1 clockwise (CW) and the other, counter clockwise (CCW). Here's how it's done for a CW square:
Today I also used the weight I built for treading exercises to strenghten the legs. Oh wow, it's heavy in the water! I could only manage half a short length with it and that's about 6m. After the very short workout I felt the burn in my quads. For a moment there I was thinking that I was carrying 2 5kg and not 2 5lb plates. Yah, it's silly and I was working out the math in my head like, this can't be JUST 10 lbs! I quickly raised the bag with the pool weight and rested it on the pool deck. I let out the water coz a lot has gone in. Then reality sunked in. Yup, it's ONLY 10 lbs and yes, it's THAT heavy. Ah well, it'll certainly take a LOT of practice. But heck, if others can do it, then so can I!
I need to rethink the old diet. I'm become so accustomed to the morning half-rice routine but I'm now considering stopping it. Maybe it's the better conditioning, but I'm not as tired and hungry as I was before. So, yesterday and today, I tried fruits instead. I had turnips (singkamas) yesterday and ripe mangoes today. It's tough yesterday coz I had a big rice serving for the morning lunch. But today, I managed with a half.
I also did a couple of HUfree squares today - 1 clockwise (CW) and the other, counter clockwise (CCW). Here's how it's done for a CW square:
- HUfree for 12.5m
- At the end of the 12.5 turn counterclockwise (while treading).
- Swim again HUfree for 12.5 and turn ccw at the end.
- Continue doing this until a square is formed.
Today I also used the weight I built for treading exercises to strenghten the legs. Oh wow, it's heavy in the water! I could only manage half a short length with it and that's about 6m. After the very short workout I felt the burn in my quads. For a moment there I was thinking that I was carrying 2 5kg and not 2 5lb plates. Yah, it's silly and I was working out the math in my head like, this can't be JUST 10 lbs! I quickly raised the bag with the pool weight and rested it on the pool deck. I let out the water coz a lot has gone in. Then reality sunked in. Yup, it's ONLY 10 lbs and yes, it's THAT heavy. Ah well, it'll certainly take a LOT of practice. But heck, if others can do it, then so can I!
I need to rethink the old diet. I'm become so accustomed to the morning half-rice routine but I'm now considering stopping it. Maybe it's the better conditioning, but I'm not as tired and hungry as I was before. So, yesterday and today, I tried fruits instead. I had turnips (singkamas) yesterday and ripe mangoes today. It's tough yesterday coz I had a big rice serving for the morning lunch. But today, I managed with a half.
12.5m is too short
No swim the other day coz it was drizzling and really cold.
No swim yesterday coz I took Sandra early to school as their class was sponsoring the mass. It was still too early (and dark!) to go to the pool though. But as I got to the office, I thought I should've brought some walking shorts and shirt coz it was a nice, cool morning to walk and stretch. Maybe next time. The air was cool this morning even without a breeze. I could feel the cold air after the shower.
With better conditioning, I'm finding the 12.5m length at the deepend is getting too short or 10-bits for hufree (headsup freestyle or polo freestyle). This morning I did a couple of hufree by turning quickly at one corner and then coming back hufree again. I'd rather not use the entire 25m length of the pool coz the shallow end is too shallow for any effective eggbeater kicks. And that is how I want to rest actively - doing eggbeater kicks - and no stepping on the floor. Maybe tomorrow I'd do laps (2 lengths of 12.5m) doing hufree while fresh. Then I could proceed with the other utility strokes.
I tried positioning the radio near the pool today for a better signal. I noticed that the signal becomes worse when I put it on the ground near the pool's gutter. It's better when it's on a table in the cottage which is a little further and that's where it was today. Corz I had to turn it fullblast for me to hear it clearly. Tomorrow I'll put a string on the radio and tie it a little higher up in one of the poles there to see if I get a better reception. Putting it on the ground anywhere seems a no-no. Either that or the pool water may have something to do with it. I've read that ripples in a pond could affect reception with something called "multi-path distortion". Ah well, I'll just give it a try just the same.
Ah, problems and shitty stuff. With what we pay for and the bunch of hassles we go through with govt servants at the municipal hall to get the biz permits, we should be considered either martyrs or fools. This kept bugging me for much of yesterday. Somehow today, after swimming, I feel better somewhat.
No swim yesterday coz I took Sandra early to school as their class was sponsoring the mass. It was still too early (and dark!) to go to the pool though. But as I got to the office, I thought I should've brought some walking shorts and shirt coz it was a nice, cool morning to walk and stretch. Maybe next time. The air was cool this morning even without a breeze. I could feel the cold air after the shower.
With better conditioning, I'm finding the 12.5m length at the deepend is getting too short or 10-bits for hufree (headsup freestyle or polo freestyle). This morning I did a couple of hufree by turning quickly at one corner and then coming back hufree again. I'd rather not use the entire 25m length of the pool coz the shallow end is too shallow for any effective eggbeater kicks. And that is how I want to rest actively - doing eggbeater kicks - and no stepping on the floor. Maybe tomorrow I'd do laps (2 lengths of 12.5m) doing hufree while fresh. Then I could proceed with the other utility strokes.
I tried positioning the radio near the pool today for a better signal. I noticed that the signal becomes worse when I put it on the ground near the pool's gutter. It's better when it's on a table in the cottage which is a little further and that's where it was today. Corz I had to turn it fullblast for me to hear it clearly. Tomorrow I'll put a string on the radio and tie it a little higher up in one of the poles there to see if I get a better reception. Putting it on the ground anywhere seems a no-no. Either that or the pool water may have something to do with it. I've read that ripples in a pond could affect reception with something called "multi-path distortion". Ah well, I'll just give it a try just the same.
Ah, problems and shitty stuff. With what we pay for and the bunch of hassles we go through with govt servants at the municipal hall to get the biz permits, we should be considered either martyrs or fools. This kept bugging me for much of yesterday. Somehow today, after swimming, I feel better somewhat.
The Running Man
Traffic jam at the junction was bad. There was a stalled van but the road was really just wide enough for 2 lanes - no shoulder, no dirt, nothing. That strip is being widened but it seems so long to finish. Luckily there were a couple of drivers who seem to know what they were doing and asked folks to back up (me included). Anyway, after 10 minutes, I managed to pull out from the gridlock.
It drizzled today at the pool and the water's colder I think. But I don't mind it anymore. I thought of a stroke that's similar to walking or running and managed to do it. It's pumping the arms with close fists and feet so it does look like running but tilted more forward - hence, the "Running Man". It's cool. The body sinks a little more but can be managed with relaxation and proper breathing. Although the hand is closed to a fist, the forearms and upperarms actually help in the thrust.
It drizzled today at the pool and the water's colder I think. But I don't mind it anymore. I thought of a stroke that's similar to walking or running and managed to do it. It's pumping the arms with close fists and feet so it does look like running but tilted more forward - hence, the "Running Man". It's cool. The body sinks a little more but can be managed with relaxation and proper breathing. Although the hand is closed to a fist, the forearms and upperarms actually help in the thrust.
Coldest so far
PC1/8/8
I have to say that the water today is the co-co-ccccooooldest so far. It was so cold that it took 3 laps around just to warm up and tolerate the temp. By this time, even the pool staff probably wonder how I could go in and swim practically everyday with the cold weather. Well, I'm already losing weight so why stop now? I shaved before showering today.
I tried eggbeating while on my back. Other than it was faster than I thought, it also wasn't splashy. There was no bouncing unlike the previous inverted scissors. I think it is because in the previous inverted scissors, the legs kicked simultaneously and so when the recovered simultaneously, a BIGGER wave is moved/splashed back. I also did the transition of carrying on my right, transition to back, transition to left.
Another thing I tried today was just pumping my legs up and down like climbing a stair. My arms were pumping vertically too. It sounds and looked so simple. It's easy to do but can only do it with easy, relaxed and controlled breathing. This drill is a welcome break to the "foot-outside-the-knees-outside-the-hips" bending. I'll be using this as a mainstay so as not to overuse the knees.
I have to say that the water today is the co-co-ccccooooldest so far. It was so cold that it took 3 laps around just to warm up and tolerate the temp. By this time, even the pool staff probably wonder how I could go in and swim practically everyday with the cold weather. Well, I'm already losing weight so why stop now? I shaved before showering today.
I tried eggbeating while on my back. Other than it was faster than I thought, it also wasn't splashy. There was no bouncing unlike the previous inverted scissors. I think it is because in the previous inverted scissors, the legs kicked simultaneously and so when the recovered simultaneously, a BIGGER wave is moved/splashed back. I also did the transition of carrying on my right, transition to back, transition to left.
Another thing I tried today was just pumping my legs up and down like climbing a stair. My arms were pumping vertically too. It sounds and looked so simple. It's easy to do but can only do it with easy, relaxed and controlled breathing. This drill is a welcome break to the "foot-outside-the-knees-outside-the-hips" bending. I'll be using this as a mainstay so as not to overuse the knees.
Pool Radio
January 10, 2007
This must be my longest workout so far - One hour and 20 mins. I started at 7:20 and finished at 8:40 and this is to catch the Bgay Clearance which again wasn't available yet at 9am.
The runner just didn't come back so I left the bgay hall since I was supposed to have a TM meeting at 9:30am which I later found was moved back.
Anyway, for today's workout, I adjusted the carrying arm. I put it on my waist with the elbow pointing upwards. Sounds easy, but what a difference it makes. The head sinks more because the cog (center of gravity) now moves towards the chest and with the elbow out, its heavier. It's now just the face that shows.
The radio signal was much better today. I just didn't notice that the sun's gone up and the radio was NOT in shade. Maybe it's better to remember to put the radio directly under the palmeras. But then again, I don't swim THAT late everyday.
There was a lola with several kids strolling at the poolside today. The kids were particularly excited to see a pool so I gathered that they weren't from the village. I asked lola where they were from and was told that they just lived very near the pool and yes, it's the first time they saw it.
The lola asked me why I was alone. I said I'm always alone. The cold mornings and cold water probly deter people from swimming. Yup, I don't think anybody will be swimming here for quite a while.
Later in the morning I went back to the hall and finally got the clearance. That's 4 visits in 2 days! They were very apologetic but... I could only just shake my head.
Later in the afternoon, I was feeling warmer than usual and broke into a light sweat. Not only that I was also thirsty. So I bought this Tropicana Twister drink from Pepsi. Bad mistake. It was too sweet and sugary. Ugh. It didn't even have the proper ingredient labeling. And it's a Pepsi product at that. So much for that. I'll just take water.
Surprisingly, I'm no longer getting that terrible "pain-in-the-neck" feeling at work. Maybe my back and neck muscles are more flexible and stronger now because of the "heads-up" drills. Now, I'm no longer quick to ask for paracetamol and mefenamic acid just for the neck soreness. I also don't rub and massage my traps with Tiger Balm which may be soothing to me but annoy others at the office with the smell.
January 9, 2007
Twice Today
Funny, but this morning my skin felt warm like feverish. But I didn't mind it too much and jumped into the pool just the same. The wind chill factor was bad, but that won't matter when I'm in the pool already. After a couple of laps around the pool, it was all good. The radio signal was not too good with the radio station frequency mixing up with another.
. Yesterday, it was just working fine. Maybe I should just position it near the gutter, so I could readjust the channel/tuner if need be. It's just a waste having the radio on without understanding anything. Corz the downside is the risk that it might get hit or splashed by the hose or the pool boy.
Because of the damned Barangay Clearance, I went back to the Hall but still didn't get the clearance. I did get the Php100 change owed to DH though. The guys there were Ding and Toma Cruz. Since I was already there, I went back to the pool and swam for 20 mins for some stress-relieving exercise. The water was still cool at 2:30pm. From there, I went to Arlene's Clinic and gave her a check for Php3736. This is their rent refund.
I did learn a cool move though. Today, I put together a sequence for a simulated save and this comprises an approach, leveling and the carry.
January 8, 2007
Radio at the Pool
I brought the radio to the pool today. Sometimes though I wonder if I should've gotten the 2-speaker portable instead. But then I only use it for a few minutes in a day. I suppose it's loud enough if I am at the deepend where the radio is. And what's more important is that I get the correct frequency. The reception isn't as good as when I'm at home. Ah well. at least it works.
DH was there today to get the Barangay Clearance and the renewed DTI Certificate. She got the DTI certificate for a hefty Php900, but only Php300's written on the receipt. Yup, THAT bad.
This must be my longest workout so far - One hour and 20 mins. I started at 7:20 and finished at 8:40 and this is to catch the Bgay Clearance which again wasn't available yet at 9am.
The runner just didn't come back so I left the bgay hall since I was supposed to have a TM meeting at 9:30am which I later found was moved back.Anyway, for today's workout, I adjusted the carrying arm. I put it on my waist with the elbow pointing upwards. Sounds easy, but what a difference it makes. The head sinks more because the cog (center of gravity) now moves towards the chest and with the elbow out, its heavier. It's now just the face that shows.
The radio signal was much better today. I just didn't notice that the sun's gone up and the radio was NOT in shade. Maybe it's better to remember to put the radio directly under the palmeras. But then again, I don't swim THAT late everyday.
There was a lola with several kids strolling at the poolside today. The kids were particularly excited to see a pool so I gathered that they weren't from the village. I asked lola where they were from and was told that they just lived very near the pool and yes, it's the first time they saw it.
The lola asked me why I was alone. I said I'm always alone. The cold mornings and cold water probly deter people from swimming. Yup, I don't think anybody will be swimming here for quite a while.Later in the morning I went back to the hall and finally got the clearance. That's 4 visits in 2 days! They were very apologetic but... I could only just shake my head.
Later in the afternoon, I was feeling warmer than usual and broke into a light sweat. Not only that I was also thirsty. So I bought this Tropicana Twister drink from Pepsi. Bad mistake. It was too sweet and sugary. Ugh. It didn't even have the proper ingredient labeling. And it's a Pepsi product at that. So much for that. I'll just take water.
Surprisingly, I'm no longer getting that terrible "pain-in-the-neck" feeling at work. Maybe my back and neck muscles are more flexible and stronger now because of the "heads-up" drills. Now, I'm no longer quick to ask for paracetamol and mefenamic acid just for the neck soreness. I also don't rub and massage my traps with Tiger Balm which may be soothing to me but annoy others at the office with the smell.
January 9, 2007
Twice Today
Funny, but this morning my skin felt warm like feverish. But I didn't mind it too much and jumped into the pool just the same. The wind chill factor was bad, but that won't matter when I'm in the pool already. After a couple of laps around the pool, it was all good. The radio signal was not too good with the radio station frequency mixing up with another.
. Yesterday, it was just working fine. Maybe I should just position it near the gutter, so I could readjust the channel/tuner if need be. It's just a waste having the radio on without understanding anything. Corz the downside is the risk that it might get hit or splashed by the hose or the pool boy.Because of the damned Barangay Clearance, I went back to the Hall but still didn't get the clearance. I did get the Php100 change owed to DH though. The guys there were Ding and Toma Cruz. Since I was already there, I went back to the pool and swam for 20 mins for some stress-relieving exercise. The water was still cool at 2:30pm. From there, I went to Arlene's Clinic and gave her a check for Php3736. This is their rent refund.
I did learn a cool move though. Today, I put together a sequence for a simulated save and this comprises an approach, leveling and the carry.
- The approach is done by a polo freestyle to one end.
- The simulated leveling is done by eggbeatering in place and raising the left arm (or both arms) up.
- The carry is done by doing an inverted scissors on the back and the right arm doing shallow sculling. The left arm is horizontal and is above water.
January 8, 2007
Radio at the Pool
I brought the radio to the pool today. Sometimes though I wonder if I should've gotten the 2-speaker portable instead. But then I only use it for a few minutes in a day. I suppose it's loud enough if I am at the deepend where the radio is. And what's more important is that I get the correct frequency. The reception isn't as good as when I'm at home. Ah well. at least it works.
DH was there today to get the Barangay Clearance and the renewed DTI Certificate. She got the DTI certificate for a hefty Php900, but only Php300's written on the receipt. Yup, THAT bad.
Cold but no Tomas
Gosh it was cold today. Easterly winds were strong and I thought we'd have a typhoon in "Tomas". Luckily it wasn't strong enough. But the overcast skies yesterday were enough to chill the pool water.
I just learned a new workout session after a brief warm-up. It goes like this:
After a long time of working out alone, there was a lad there today who I thought was one of the kids who had advanced coaching last summmer. He did the usual, free and breast. He must've been wondering what the heck it was I was doing.
I just learned a new workout session after a brief warm-up. It goes like this:
- At the deep end, tread for 5 to 10 minutes using the eggbeater kick.
- From the deep end, start to move to the shallow end with a heads-up breast.
- Continue moving towards the shallow end using sidestroke or elemback (or you could be a little more flexible here).
- Upon reaching the shallow end, reverse using a heads-up breast.
- After gaining a little speed, continue with a fierce polo freestyle.
- Upon reaching the deep end, do the eggbeater treading again.
After a long time of working out alone, there was a lad there today who I thought was one of the kids who had advanced coaching last summmer. He did the usual, free and breast. He must've been wondering what the heck it was I was doing.
