[RunningForT3]

Today I had a huge surprise in the fishbowl. For the first time, I decided to wear the tri shorts, instead of the loose trunks I always wear. From the warmup I noticed I'm taking too few strokes... 17 which is 2 less than normal.<br><br>
Then I did 2 sets of 500y. On a longer set (yeah... that's still long for me) I'd average about 1:05 per lap. But today.... all the laps were between 55-58s (except the first and last which were around 52). The first 500 took me 9:24, the second 9:40. This is the first time I average below one minute/lap in anything longer than 100y. I also did a fast 50y, in 43s, 5s faster than my PR.<br><br>
Is this all just because of the parachutes I was wearing?? I still can't believe this jump in my times. Now I can't wait to do a long swim and see what do I get... next longest swim will be 1,200y.

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

Maybe you should try it naked - you might <i>really</i> fly!

 

[Silly Sally]

Yes, loose shorts increase drag. Get yourself some polyester speedo trunks so you don't ruin your good tri shorts. Then post a pic.<br><br>
Sally

 

[mmoonptdeux]

I didn't believe the stories about how much drag the loosey shorts at first.<br>
But then I bought a pair of cheap jammers and my times went down 10-15 seconds from 1:40 to 1:25-1:30 per 50 yd (still slower than a piece of driftwood, but ya' get the point...)

 

[RunningForT3]

The entire point was not having big things floating around to create drag.

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

C'mon. Even those screamin' America's Cup yachts have a keel!

 

[wyrillco]

<img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
That's great about your times!! Those are really fast!

 

[Brandy]

yes, keep on wearing the parachutes during training. When I was on swimteam, we wore 2 or 3 suits during practice to increase the drag. You then have to work harder and build strength and endurance. When you get to race day and your skin tight stuff, you will be super fast.

 

[mmoonptdeux]

Hmmm...never thought of using poofy swim shorts in that manner before

 

[Silly Sally]

I think most men would want to think that they've got *something else* creating drag and impeding their speed ... <img alt="roll_eyes.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/roll_eyes.gif"><br><br>
Sally

 

[Cashmason]

Chlorine over time will kill your tri shorts. Buy a cheap pair of jammers or continue to wear your parachute suit.

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

I've had good luck with the grab-bags <a href="http://www.swimoutlet.com/Swim_Jammers_s/213.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. (Still hoping for the parrot!)

 

[Kate60]

It constantly surprises me to see what look like fairly serious swimmers wearing baggy shorts. Are they shy or what. It would be like me trying to swim in a dress.<br><br>
Get some jammers, drape your towel in front if you are embarrassed.<br><br>
Great job on the swim improvement for whatver reason.

 

[neil donnelly]

<img alt="" src="http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/04/1983acup/2.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br>
I hope that <i>Chris's Keel</i> doesnt look anything like this<br><br>
Well done Chris

 

[SpartyGirl]

Awesome Chris! Congratulations<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">