[hahaoya]

...or maybe it's the way it is. I'm constantly analyzing my stroke, from catch, entry, pull, recovery. Am I rotating enough? Is my recovery arm relaxed? Fingers dragging? During the entry, am I entering the water too far ahead? Too close? Are my fingers together during the pull? Am I releasing my arm too soon at the end of the pull? And on and on and on. And I do this every stroke.<br><br>
I know the best way to progress is to chunk each segment up and do drills, but I confess that I suck at this. I'm comfortable in the water, just don't seem to be at that automatic point where I just go. Or maybe I won't get to that point. Freestyle is all about technique, and that part I LOVE. Technique is cool; that's what I love about freestyle. Parts of the whole are neat things in general.<br><br>
But I want to get to where I am when I run: Just relaxed and...automatic. Does that come with more time in the pool? Is it just not the nature of swimming?

 

[Tithers]

they say it takes 10 000 strokes to make it a habit

 

[sistergoldenhair]

I don't necessarily do drills, but try to pick one thing to focus on for X number of laps, because there seems to be endless technique points that can be improved but it's impossible to focus on it all at once.<br><br>
The strange thing is people compliment my technique regularly, but I am so slow. If my technique is good, then why am I not faster?

 

[mmoonptdeux]

I know I didn't start to progress significantly until I did start to do some drills. I just basically selected a few that I felt would help me with the issues I was having (mainly raising my head to breathe) and I just concentrated on doing those well.<br><br>
Now that a tri is getting closer, I am trying to build the endurance, but I am still trying to keep the head thing in the back of my conscience. In a way, I think of it like cadence while I'm running. Every now and then, my mind will click back to see how I'm doing in that regard, and if it's lagging, I put a little bit more focus on it.

 

[McTortle]

I try to alternate laps - one lap technique, one lap just relax (even if I have to repeat I am relaxing now I am relaxing now. . . ) I start then to focus on the joy of moving rather than the thought of swimming. . .

 

[hahaoya]

That's where I'm hoping I get to one day: Less thought, more joy. A year ago I was thinking, "Just don't sink to the bottom of the pool."<br><br>
So I've progressed. <i>Really</i> progressed.

 

[McTortle]

And, you will continue to. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[wherestheportojohn]

I don't think, I just panic.<br><br>
Best I can do is pop around like a bobber in one spot; then I get tired from treading, then get out and watch everyone else swim.<br><br><img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

 

[hahaoya]

<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
Like you, I want to brave an OWS. Your thread really inspired me.<br><br>
I know I'll get there. I want it bad enough. Part of my frustration is...well because I think so darn much, I have to use my Timex IM watch to count laps because I lose count.<br><br>
Thanks for the replies everyone. I appreciate the feedback. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[mmoonptdeux]

hahaoya - if you can find a foolproof way to count laps, please pass that along. Most of my workouts are guesstimates in terms of that (I know, not terribly helpful, but you do what you do...)

 

[fox-runr]

I hear ya sista'<br><br>
But you know, watching helps. I'm counting on it. I've watched my kids for 10 years. Now they tell me "mom your hands shouldn't enter by your head" "mom, you don't need to lift your head, roll and breathe" "mom, relax" "mom, now you know how hard swimming 2000 meters is" (not yet first hand, but maybe someday)

 

[hahaoya]

These are all good pointers. You got smart kiddos. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
I did 1000 meters today. That's the longest swim yet and I felt very relaxed and tried to just move through the water. Yes!!! I think I've broken through a mental barrier of sorts.

 

[hahaoya]

The only foolproof method I have is to use my lap feature on my watch. It works for me just fine. I know lots of people who bring pennies and use them to keep track. Looks to me like a lot of work, but it seems a popular method.