The Even More Reluctant Swimmers Thread « CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum

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The Even More Reluctant Swimmers Thread

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Started 9 years ago by Wilmington's Cow
Latest reply from Frenchy

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Wilmington's Cow
Member

So I'm looking to supplement further the cycling and reluctant running with, urgh, swimming. I can really see the benefits though, so going to start out on Friday mornings before work, since the Commie Pool is on the way. I've actually done big distances in Swimathons years and years back, but I'm slow, get way too knackered from the 'freestyle' (when did it change from the front crawl?), so tend to stick to a leisurely breast stroke.

I'll likely report back in here on just how boring I'm finding it, or how I can suddenly see the difference the point. Just don't expect me to be entering any triathlons any time soon.

Posted 9 years ago #
wingpig
Member

I'd try and do a bit more overarm-recovery stroking if you're thinking about strengthening/increasing the endurability/flexibility of your upper back/neck/shoulders to stop them getting tight and slumpy during cross races.

Freestyle has always been freestyle, at least in competitive nomenclature, just that people always swim front crawl for it.

What's boring about swimming? It's even better for thinking than cycling and walking, as you don't fall over or crash if your attention wanders.

Posted 9 years ago #
steveo
Member

I used to go to Dalry over the winter to try to supplement my very low winter mileage but never really seen any benefit. I suspect I wasn't doing it right I might try again this winter after my running plan is finished.

Posted 9 years ago #
Wilmington's Cow
Member

"What's boring about swimming? It's even better for thinking than cycling and walking, as you don't fall over or crash if your attention wanders."

I'd probably forget how to float if my attention wandered...

You're right though, thinking of it as thinking time might improve matters somewhat.

Posted 9 years ago #
paddyirish
Member

@wingpig

"What's boring about swimming? It's even better for thinking than cycling and walking, as you don't fall over or crash if your attention wanders. "

...but you can get a mouthful of chlorinated water

Posted 9 years ago #
PS
Member

I used to think I was a reasonable swimmer (at school), then didn't do much of it apart from the odd on holiday swim in the sea/pool/river.

Went back to it after my injury and found that cycling had changed my buoyancy somewhat - heavier legs, less body fat seemed to make me much more draggy through the water. Front crawl was no fun and really tiring.

I didn't enjoy it that much, tbh - if I wanted sustained exercise I'd rather run or cycle. 20 minutes of breaststroke is quite relaxing at the end of the day though.

However, I'd probably enjoy it more if I understood the technique better. I've been pointed towards Swim Smooth by a triathlete pal for that. It looks impressive, but I'll confess I haven't looked into it any further.

Posted 9 years ago #
ARobComp
Member

Main thing I learnt was to keep my head down and chest down - this seems to raise my legs and help me go through the water faster. I find swimming a real challenge as my form is all over the place after about 20 lengths and it's knackering. I also find it pretty annoying and quite dull - but recognise that It's probably good for me....

Swimfit work outs are quite good for building technique and stamina. Many pools in Edinburgh have the cards for you to use for free.

Posted 9 years ago #
fimm
Member

I'm genuinely curious as to what people think they'll get from swimming that they don't get from cycling (and running, if you run)?

I don't think I'd swim if I didn't do triathlons...

Posted 9 years ago #
ARobComp
Member

I felt that it was non impactful exercise that actually loosened me off when I was doing lots of cycling training. Seems to help round out shoulders and chest muscles as well. Certainly felt that it helped my breathing recovery time as well!

Posted 9 years ago #
Wilmington's Cow
Member

For me, upper body strength / flexibility.

Edit: and yes, non impact on my dodgy knee - holding up to the running so far, but I don't want to get over-confident.

Posted 9 years ago #
condor2378
Member

I used to swim in my youth a lot. I was not bad, swam at international level a couple of times, 20 years ago now, and my youthful self can attest to the overall body workout you get when swimming correctly. Those people who go in, do a couple of lengths of breaststroke, stop have a chat, another length, stop again, are likely to not be getting much benefit.

It's a cardio workout primarily, and you should feel like it's been hard, but doesn't have the impact on joints as @WC pointed out.

[RANT] Also, a pet peeve of mine, please don't go in the fast lane if you're not able to maintain pace with all the other swimmers in this lane. And if someone taps your feet, that means they want to pass you so please stop at the wall, don't just keep going and holding everyone up.[/RANT]

Posted 9 years ago #
Wilmington's Cow
Member

[RANT] Also, a pet peeve of mine, please don't go in the fast lane if you're not able to maintain pace with all the other swimmers in this lane. And if someone taps your feet, that means they want to pass you so please stop at the wall, don't just keep going and holding everyone up.[/RANT]"

Ohhhh! Years and years back when I last went swimming a got tapped on the foot and I just thought the person behind was really bad at judging distance - if that's a rule they should advertise that one!

I'll definitely be slow lane at the moment.

Another reason to swim would appear to be that 30 minutes in the pool is 'allegedly' worth 45 minutes running. Though I guess there's extra faff / changing time involved...

Posted 9 years ago #
wingpig
Member

"I'm genuinely curious as to what people think they'll get from swimming that they don't get from cycling (and running, if you run)?"

A nice cardio workout which does a lot for your joint-stability without wearing your cartilage very much?

"...and found that cycling had changed my buoyancy somewhat..."

I cycled lots when I was small/young and swimming at up-to-school level (which was easier than it sounds as swimming was completely unsupported at school, making it relatively easy to be faster than everyone else) so my legs were probably quite dense back then too, though they're possibly denser now than they were as my shoulders are very noticeably less swimmy these days, but I'm the same weight I was when I was swimming a couple of miles a day during my lunchbreak when lifeguarding when I was 17/18.

Lots of very fit/sporty/competitive people seemed to really struggle with swimming on the few (fewer than fingers on a hand) occasions when PE involved swimming in secondary school. Perhaps, as well as technique, the slightly greater relative buoyancy provided by not obsessing about low body fat helped, though my floaty skin is probably also what helps me to sweat furiously at low rates of exertion during the winter.

Posted 9 years ago #
fimm
Member

Thank you for the responses.

@W.C. there should be a notice somewhere about Rules For Lane Swimming which will mention the foot tap thing.

Otherwise; swimming well is all about technique, technique, technique. This is why I find it so hard - I only learned crawl properly as an adult (admittedly 7 or 8 years ago) and I just get very frustrated with it all!
+1 for Swimsmooth that PS mentions.

Posted 9 years ago #
condor2378
Member

@WV,

IIRC at Warrendar there is a "Rules" sign on the wall somewhere, kind of like the old school "No Bombing" and "No Heavy Petting" etc which does mention the foot tap I think. I'd expect this to be the same at all EL pools but you might have to search for it. Another site here explans other rules

http://loneswimmer.com/2011/02/15/lane-swimming-etiquette/

Also @Finn, you're correct it's about technique, but also stamina, which nowadays I don't have so much. There is a big difference in being fit and being water fit. Younger me couldn't run 5km but could swim all day, it's reversed now, but as with everything, the more you do, the better you get. Usually. :)

Posted 9 years ago #
steveo
Member

Speedo are doing a one off technical skills course around the country in the next few weeks and months, might be worth a look.

Posted 8 years ago #
Charlethepar
Member

Yesterday morning I swam at about 6 in Thriepmuir reservoir. Nothing but me, the sunshine and three swans. That makes all the boring pool hours worthwhile.

Posted 8 years ago #
steveo
Member

Sounds grand!

Posted 8 years ago #
Wilmington's Cow
Member

Better watch out where you leave your clothes!

Posted 8 years ago #
fimm
Member

@Wilmington's Cow, LOL.

I've been in Threipmuir a few times this year now. The week we had really nice sunny weather, the water was really mild and I managed to get two swims. Once it was just me and one other and that was particularly nice.

Posted 8 years ago #
I were right about that saddle
Member

I seriously suspect I'd be quicker descending to the bottom of a swimming pool and advancing along the tiles like a lizard than swimming. I am hydrophobic beyond mere reluctance. I am aquainadequate. I am a swimpleton.

Posted 8 years ago #
gembo
Member

Blue green algae warning up at thriepmuir. I'll kill dogs apparently or is it health and safety?

Posted 8 years ago #
Charlethepar
Member

No sign of algae, and good water quality. But people are welcome to keep their dogs away.

Posted 8 years ago #
gembo
Member

Ah maybe it was one of those Facebook sharing memories from a year ago things? Pentland veterinarians

Posted 8 years ago #
unhurt
Member

Think warning is actually to LOOK for green-blue algae - presumably to cover them in case some shows up when there's no warning signs for it? Wouldn't risk a dog, but would probably go in myself if it looks clear.

Outdoor swimming - "in" as it may be - is really, really satisfying. Plus, in the sea the salt water will help any bouyancy issues. There's a load of folk go in at Porty every Sunday at 09:30 outside the baths - everyone from triathlete types to those more inclined to float about and wave at Fife. (I'm in the latter category - slow slow breast stroke, but enthusiatic about waves and getting in the sea in out of the way places where you meet seals & sea birds up close.)

Posted 8 years ago #
I were right about that saddle
Member

Because it was nice and partly because of the pill-less doctor thing on iPlayer we went swimming at Gullane point.

I try not to swim where I can be seen in case folk dive in to save me or call the coastguard or marine mammal rescue people, but....it has to be said that the effect of thrashing about in crystal clear freezing salt water is unquestionably exhilarating.

Some eider ducks paddled over to help but I told them where to stick their big patronising triangular beaks.

Posted 8 years ago #
gembo
Member

@iwrats, hope you had your grape nuts before you went in

Posted 8 years ago #
wingpig
Member

When I did my open water lifeguard test at Chapel St Leonard's one November one of my co-examinees was so exhilarated he had to stand under a gradually-warming tepid shower for half an hour afterwards.

Posted 8 years ago #
I were right about that saddle
Member

@gembo

I had some soup and a tepid quiche. The luncheon of salty sea-cats the world over.

@wingpig

I stand in awe, but you would have tried to save me were you there during my exhilaration.

Posted 8 years ago #
condor2378
Member

Now that the nights are fair drawin' in, for those who wish to keep on reluctantly swimming, I can recommend the Lanefit sessions from Edinburgh Leisure.

They have floats and pull buoys out should you wish to use them. Also a guide to lane etiquette is included on't webpage here.

Posted 8 years ago #

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