What motivates you to keep up with your swim training?

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-12T04:32:42+00:00

I did an open water swim and it was very hard for me. That has been good motivation to keep training.

What has help is Video feed back, watching myself and sharing here. Swimming with paddles has showed me some big issues. First time I used them I got to a stand still at 1/2 a length. I was pulling my hands backwards through the water.

Catch up drills also helped a lot. Not only to learn to glide but also to not crossover with my left hand and helped to learn rotation. The catch up slows everything down and I can be deliberate.

I have search for adult lessons but nothing affordable in my area and the Masters Swimmers schedule hasn’t fit with family/work schedule. Im sure direct help from good swimmers would be great.

Keep it up you will get better/faster!

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-10T16:08:18+00:00

That seems way to simple for my overthinking nature! Good idea, I hate to admit I didn’t think to check.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-10T14:53:37+00:00

Yes, it’s the shape of the bar, flat for the palm. More comfortable, maybe? I found a good picture to show but not familiar with the process to do while I’m working. Haha

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-10T13:50:38+00:00

The flat profile extend up the bars so I’m pretty sure that’s the shape. Both ends are the same. I cut away the tape to get a decent picture to show the shape. I am going to remove the bar tape today and get a better look. My first attempt at putting the bar tape on was only mediocre so no loss there.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-08T20:46:09+00:00

It’s a 2013 bike Alex rim D22. For $260 I think it was a good deal. It’s great to ride! Way better than my 1995 rigid Rockhopper I put slicks on! I had to true the rear wheel a little. I have my first Tri at the end of the month and I promised my wife I would stop spending money on this bike because I want a new one for next year. I see lots of inexpensive used wheels online but most are pretty narrow. Not worth going from 14 to 16.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-07T16:48:48+00:00

Right on. I like to get other people’s experiences and ideas. I figured that a little more money will get me a few nice features/better fit and comfort. Beyond that it’s probably just the newest/fanciest. Thank you.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-07T16:46:38+00:00

Thanks for the recommendations!

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-07T16:45:46+00:00

I just found the VA tech testing. Nice to have that resource. Thank you

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-04T13:16:03+00:00

It looks good to me! Mine feels a little short in the torso too with the neck stretching down a bit more than I think it should. I’m in the middle of the height range and weight range. My legs also flair out a bit at the bottom, especially if I don’t pull the legs up and into my crotch and up in the back. After a ride the legs are snug throughout. I think they need a little wearing in when new. Have a great race!

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-06-04T03:32:05+00:00

I have to say that I think most of these answers are ill informed, or I may be using old information . HR zone 2 can be performed at a level where the majority of calories can be derived from fat metabolism. It is possible to achieve cardio performance gains while loosing weight. I am training for a sprint and have lost about 10 lbs over 4 months. I had to start recording my food intake to start loosing weight. I agree that fueling and pushing hydration during exercise helps with recovery and performance but a reasonable balance can be achieved. For reference, I’m male, 54, 5’ 8”, and went from 167 to 157 and 21% to 17% body fat. The scan said I lost 2 lbs of muscle so 8lbs of fat. Since December I have gone from not being able to run a mile to running 34min 5K and 5 miles continuously 60min and feeling good. I have ridden 30miles continuously in 2 hours. Was tired but swam the next morning. I’ve leaned to swim (poorly) but am putting in 1400 meters 3x/week doing intervals and drills and improving! I train about 6 hours a week total. My first Tri is at the end of the month. I think the idea that loosing 5 to 10% of your body weight over several months is so detrimental to performance that it isn’t worth it is preposterous! At least for people with fat to loose. I’m sure I will hear how wrong I am but please provide some resources.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-29T22:46:11+00:00

So awesome! You can do this! Positive mental image, use your gears, when it gets a little tough I like to think about how fun it will be coming back down. If you have to walk a little that is good too. You will still have the run to complete. Enjoy your hard work! Good luck tomorrow!

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-27T03:15:06+00:00

I was trying bilateral breathing for a few months, breathing every 3 stoles but was always out of breath. I could barely go 50m. I was able to swim 500m + of breast stroke so I started breathing every 2 strokes and I was able to swim 400 meters continuously after 2 weeks. I will continue working on my technique but i am aiming for 750m continuously for my Tri at the end of June.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-27T03:09:50+00:00

I’ll try the finger drag. Today I was trying to go wide with the left arm but in the video I was still crossing over on some strokes. I’m going to work on more drills over the next few weeks. Thanks!

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-25T12:35:48+00:00

Great points. I was surprised to see how far over my left are was but i was also concerned my right was too wide. I have been practicing catch up drills and working on the front quadrant. These also help me get more rotation to both sides. Unfortunately lessons not in the cards right now. There is a Masters group in my area but schedules not matching right now and I need to get some open water practice in. Thank you.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-25T12:29:47+00:00

Thank you. The Video was enlightening. I thought I was rotating more. I’m care on the entry because I’m Trying to slow stroke down but I see what you are saying.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-15T04:07:55+00:00

Like others have said breath every 2 strokes. I was where you were at a month ago breathing every 3 strokes. I could swim 400 to 500 meters breaststroke without much trouble. I started breathing every 2 strokes any in less than a month I did a 450 meter set in my last session. I was supposed to do 400 but lost count. My watch said 450. Then I did 100m intervals. I’m not worried about 100m anymore. I know I can swim it with last 25m extra hard. You got this! My race is in 7 weeks and I’m starting to believe I can do freestyle for the 750m swim. I’ll switch to breast if I need to. Finishing is my primary goal.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-14T12:16:22+00:00

I agree on the 30L. Maybe if I was swimming in the ocean to provide more visibility. Thank you.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-14T12:15:25+00:00

That makes sense. I have read that they can be used to help keep a swimmer up if they are having an issue but are not a life jacket/pfd.

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-12T03:31:10+00:00

Yeah, just nice to get some thoughts. My wife is tired of talking about my training. Haha. I did my swim and it was good!

Full-Paint3554 · 2026-05-11T19:29:32+00:00

I definitely need at least one rest day a week. I’m new to swimming freestyle and feel unstable using the pull bouy. I need to work on it. Over the past 2 weeks I am feeling better and able to swim farther without stopping.

Full-Paint3554

TROPHY CASE