Does anybody swim?

[Ally]

I used to swim competitively when I was younger (< 12 years old) but I have been trying to go every morning (except Tuesdays). Anybody know proper stroke technique (you'd think I'd know this) esp for front stroke? I'm still struggling getting it down pact.

Swimming is a great workout! You should all try doing the Big Swim, www.legrandsplash.ca/ - I did it in 2006 and it was fun working up to it.

[christine]

Hey Ally,
I swim but only recreationally and I will be trying to swim in the 7-9am time as the pool is less busy then as the day goes on it gets to crowded for me. If you think that time works for you let me know and we could swim together and even pool run!! which is a lot of fun with someone to talk to.

[Ally]

I've never heard of pool running!!!

Ya, I've been Wicked this week (argh!) so I haven't felt the greatest and haven't made it out any of the mornings yet Hopefully I can back into the routine after Thanksgiving.

In any case, my bus gets me to the change room by 7:07 and I'm in the pool by 7:15!

[Ally]

also wanted to say that if I have a swim buddy I am less inclined to hit snooze multiple times and just skip it all together... haha sometimes it's hard to get up esp with the weather getting colder.

[carolyn]

oooo! I LOVE to swim. I also used to swim competitively but I defintiely out of practice right now. Like you Ally, I defintiely need a swim buddy to help me get up in the mornings. Were you thinking mornings or when?

I also used to work as a swimming instructor in high school so I might be able to help you with the technique thing.

[Ally]

^ excellent!!! I was thinking mornings, for a couple of reasons...

a) as christine mentioned it gets REALLY busy at the later hours in the day
b) I find it a GREAT way to start my day!!

Let's try and do this every morning (I can't make it Tuesdays though, or prefer not to as I like to be in the pool for at least an hr and I have an 8:30 class but am unwilling to take an earlier bus because 6:34 is just a bit too early)

Do you girls want to aim for Weds Oct 15th as our first swim date? Or do you want to try for this week? I may not join this week since I'm Wicked

[carolyn]

I can't do the 15th because I have a midterm in my 8:30 class, but I'm up for being there on the 16th.

[Ally]

^ okay! Join me/us (Christine do you want to start next week?) for the 16th.

[staxomatix]

elbow out first
skim and reach
pinkie in first
pull with a cocked elbow, I think the power phase you dip inwards with almost a ( motion without crossing an invisible line drawn from your sternum

Thats what I remember from my red cross instructor days, but it has been a while though so I could be completely wrong on the dipping inward part... I would dig out the book and check it but I left it in NS.

Pinkie/elbow is usually the best place to start with technique, makes sure you get clean entry and exit, knifing in and out saves a lot of energy. I remember after that you try to get students to get as much arm out as possible as low as possible so you aren't "windmilling" or losing energy to dragging your arm through the water from back to forward, then last developing a power phase where you actually pull with your cupped hand instead of lazily dragging your arm through the water.
Linking the phases of your stroke to the beats in your flutter kick can help you maintain a steady pace so you don't exhaust yourself, but I was never any good at it. Those who can't teach =p

[christine]

I think next week would be great to start for sure!!

I can't wait swimming buddies!!

[Ally]

OKAY! See you at the pool/change room ~ 7:05 on Weds Oct 15th.

Carolyn, we shall see you on the 16th?

[lindsat]

I also love to swim but i have only done it recreationally, but if yall are going i'd love to join you

[Ally]

yayaya, let's get swimming in the mornings! october 15th. be there!

[gmbcer]

*aquafit

(sorry just thought i`d throw that in there)

[carolyn]

I'm not going to lie, but aquafit is a surprisingly good workout, especially for your core. You get out of it what you put into the class.

[Xtina]

i'll come to some of these swimming meetings...prolly not EVERY am, but some!

[Ally]

Who's up for tomorrow morning? I'll be there!

[carolyn]

have fun tomorrow! I'll cya on the pool deck on Thursday... does anyone know if there are still lockers for rent at the gym?

[Ally]

^ see ya tomorrow!

I have no idea, I figured no so I've just been using day lockers but I could be completely wrong.

[Ally]

heya I'm gonna skip tomorrow b/c I forgot about wanting to try that friday social ride!... I'll be back on monday!!

[christine]

Ok so I am going to try and make it out to the Monday morning swim. Are you guys going for 7am??

Also about the lockers you can ask the front desk if there is any for the semester to rent, but there are day lockers for freee!

day lockers have no lock on them and you just put your lock on it for the day (or else they chop it off..at some point)
lockers to rent are the ones with locks on them (they have a metal guard that can't be cut) and the front desk has the combo.

also you can take out a towel, fyi in case you forget one

[Ally]

My bus will get me in the change room at 7:06 a.m.! I am planning to go tomorrow morning, and I think Carolyn is too!

[carolyn]

I actually won't be there tomorrow morning. sorry.

[Ally]

I'll be at the pool tomorrow, but not Thursday since I'm doing the ladies road ride and squash games right before.
I may or may not be there on Friday as I might be leaving town early

[Ally]

for anybody who is still interested... my swim schedule has changed

monday mornings 7:45 - 9:00
tues/thurs 11:45-12:45

and occasionally on the weekend probably