Timed 100 @ 1:45ish. I can also tell the difference between fast and slow in the pool now. So yay for that. Haha.
Swimming is by far the area of triathlon racing that I stand to improve the most in a short period of time. The first real milestone actually may have been a few practices ago where I actually felt like I was *swimming* instead of *not drowning*... My goals have progressed each week and now just about every time I get in the pool I feel like I'm getting more comfortable and faster (which is the goal - ha!).
Lately, I've been practicing a method called Total Immersion (the site was recommended to me by Coach Chris at the OTC Mills swim workouts), which the basic gist I've gathered is as follows:
1. Relax the recovery arm (high elbow, but fingertips almost drag along the water's surface before dropping into the water)
2. Emphasize feeling the surface area of the arm catch the water at a target point in front of shoulder
3. Kick once at the same time and with the same leg as the entry arm upon entry
Now, this last point is what has helped me the most with my anxiety in the water. If ever I feel scared like I might drown I just go back to this rhythm (kick and stroke same side just once together!)... This really helps my body calm down. I'm not sure what it is about this that actually works, but - for some reason seriously I have no idea why - it calms my whole body down and gives me the confidence I need to keep going. If my kicking is frantic and I'm gasping for air, I just go back to this easy rhythm (kick and stroke on the same side together). It brings my heart rate down immediately and I'm able to focus on other things like relaxing my neck and catching the water and rotating my body to take breaths. Anyways, I'm definitely learning a lot in the pool. I'm starting to crave harder workouts, but I know I still just need to hit my stride...
Showing posts with label timing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label timing. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Friday, May 2, 2014
The Waiting Game
I realize that this blog has been, at times, depressingly self-important. Haha! Since August, blogging about my experiences here has been a linear connection to home (and a very therapeutic one I might add!). Though the content has been pretty positive, the whole story is that it hasn't always been puppies and rainbows. I've experienced homesickness (missing Billy and my family and friends), along with loneliness and *lots* of waiting. In fact, looking back, so much of my time here has been - in one way or another - a lesson in waiting.
In terms of volleyball, waiting is such an important part of training; not just in terms of resting and recovering properly after workouts, but also technically on defense, hitting, and blocking. Not unlike many sports, volleyball is a game where a lot has to happen between touches in order for a team to be successful. The incredible saves you see... the impossible kills... they all occur because of 1. the incredible ability of a team to perform explosive synchronized actions in a split second and 2. the ability of individuals to wait for the exact correct moment to come into contact with the ball.
In terms of life, I've been counting down the days until my return home since Billy left in February. Looking around this place I've inhabited since August, my bags are finally packed. I'm now counting down the hours before I leave France (maybe forever). It's a strangely familiar feeling... My two beautiful sisters, Sarah and Meghan, were here in Paris with me this week... in a way, ushering me back into my life in California. The waiting will soon be over. That will be a feeling I haven't felt in a while!
In terms of volleyball, waiting is such an important part of training; not just in terms of resting and recovering properly after workouts, but also technically on defense, hitting, and blocking. Not unlike many sports, volleyball is a game where a lot has to happen between touches in order for a team to be successful. The incredible saves you see... the impossible kills... they all occur because of 1. the incredible ability of a team to perform explosive synchronized actions in a split second and 2. the ability of individuals to wait for the exact correct moment to come into contact with the ball.
In terms of life, I've been counting down the days until my return home since Billy left in February. Looking around this place I've inhabited since August, my bags are finally packed. I'm now counting down the hours before I leave France (maybe forever). It's a strangely familiar feeling... My two beautiful sisters, Sarah and Meghan, were here in Paris with me this week... in a way, ushering me back into my life in California. The waiting will soon be over. That will be a feeling I haven't felt in a while!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
I Need a Miracle
Riding back from my second weight lifting seance with a team mate, this song was stuck in my head...
Mostly because it was the last song playing at the gym before we left, but also because it's really how I feel about how much better I want to be at volleyball. I need a miracle! Ahahah...
After our tournament Saturday (we won six straight sets!), it's clear that I need to work on front row defense, defending the tip, and serve-receive passing! Maggie helped me with two concepts: 1. serving between players (making them move and make decisions) and 2. speeding up my arm swing when my timing and the set are right. "BEAM!" she said. Haha!
I'm really excited to work hard at practice tonight... That's all for now. More later!
Mostly because it was the last song playing at the gym before we left, but also because it's really how I feel about how much better I want to be at volleyball. I need a miracle! Ahahah...
After our tournament Saturday (we won six straight sets!), it's clear that I need to work on front row defense, defending the tip, and serve-receive passing! Maggie helped me with two concepts: 1. serving between players (making them move and make decisions) and 2. speeding up my arm swing when my timing and the set are right. "BEAM!" she said. Haha!
I'm really excited to work hard at practice tonight... That's all for now. More later!
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