swimming for fitness

Managed 30 lengths lunchtime and was really pleased. I think I'm getting faster.

Only problem is that I didn't have a nose clip and have sneezed all evening. Not sure if it is my allergy returning or another cold.

Well, I ordered it so we shall see!

Sorry you are poorly.

Not yet rights next week I think

Although I'm now ill.. and with a tempo trainer that needs to be got used to...

Hissy did your swimsuit arrive?
I want to order one but don't know what size. I am 5'7" so need a longer fit. It says it's long and boy leg is more forgiving than regular leg if pulling a bit.

Took DS2 to soft play today which overlooks the pool, so I spent quite a bit of time watching the swimmers and trying to see what the pros are doing.

I got aqua sphere googles bargain £13 I think just fitted my face properly like no others had today. I do have a good pair of speedo "race" tinted ones for our local outdoor pool for the summer but they are too dark for indoor use.
I must have 10pairs in the cubboard I'm fed up of trying to find some that fit I even tried those Swedish ones with strings which my sister ex-competition swimmer used but nope couldn't get them to fit either. Love the aqua sphere ones

Who has prescription goggles and which are the best? Mine are at least 7 years old and leak a bit.

big problem is my hair... I have a lion's mane under an XL cap. Hard to adjust the straps just so.
I kind of admire my mane, but I shed like an Irish setter. Plan to shear mane short in April, trying to wait for end of cold winter.

I got the aquasphere vista for xmas and love them.
ljikk just needs a hair to stop the suction working. I had a pair of phantoms that failed after a few weeks and there was a tiny cut in the cup.

Which gogglees are working for you, Biking?
I dunno what to do. My goggles all work sometimes & all fail other times (I can't adjust them to not leak). Same goggles, different days. No pattern to it. Would a £30 pair be any better? Argh.

Thank you so much for the googles recommendation upthread I've struggled for years finding googles to fit, but today I tried out the new ones and they were a comfy fit on the face and no fogging. Brill

I swim 2 to 3 times a week and this thread is so informative. Does anyone know of a stroke or movement I could do in the pool that would strengthen abdominal muscles?

That's why I have the clip! It got to be impossible

The clip means I can swim as much as I like.

I wonder if I need to see how I get on without it now.

I've got a total immersion workshop coming up, they use tempo trainers!

So I got one! I'm going to give it a go tomorrow... anyone else have any experience?

Ah, good idea to have it on a strap, thanks. Will look in the sports shop tomorrow and if no, order.

When I used to swim regularly before, about 6 years ago, I built up a terrible chlorine allergy and as soon as I got out of the pool I'd start sneezing. It was like having a permanent cold. I don't want to end up like that again.

Look at this on eBay:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332010528153

Arena Strap Nose Clip Pro Assorted Colours

best my nose clip is on a rubber thingy, arena is the brand

I've been watching videos on how to do bilateral breathing. Can't wait to try them out.

Did my 20 lengths today and used lljkk's tip about putting a spurt on every 4th length. I had to spend 10 minutes doing my exercises from the physio or I would have done a bit more.

Lost my brand new nose clip after only 3 lengths though. Can anyone recommend one that doesn't slip off?

Thanks rights I'm ordering that

Need to look good on camera...

Booked the swim workshop today, can't wait.

Now I have to practice the TI moves again... although I do incorporate them into my swim if I need to save energy and it's a nice balance between exercising and endurance

But don't tell Tracey Baumann I said that...

Very nice Rights (something to remember on a 20% off day). I know exactly what you mean about drinking water! I think it took at least two weeks of trying out the bilateral breathing (using nice, quiet pool over Christmas) before I got less water and more air! Hope your swim put you in a very good place today xx

www.marksandspencer.com/secret-slimming-printed-short-swimsuit/p/p22499580?image=SD_02_T52_1836_Y4_X_EC_90&color=BLACKMIX&prevPage=plp&pdpredirect

Want!

I've just read the article (quickly, will try and read it properly later). What an amazing woman. Thank you for posting.

While my situation is entirely different, I also came to swimming as an escape from difficulties in my life. It ticked the boxes I needed to give me strength to get through the days and to feel good about myself.

I now love it for what it is, though I am still battling in many ways.

Anyway, I swam 1K this morning, alternating 100m crawl and 100 with the pull buoy. I haven't mastered bilateral breathing but I am making myself do it. Drank a lot of water and got lots up my nose!

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jan/06/open-water-swimming-last-chance-alexandra-heminsley-leap-in

Here's the link to the guardian piece written by Alexandra Heminsley

Very moving!!

In other news, I got an email from the TI coach telling me they're running a speed workshop... would I like a 15% discount....

So that fired me up... got into the pool determined to get a lot done.

Well done Shotgun. My leading arm goes a bit limp when I breath, especially when I breathe on the side I'm not used to (having only just started working on bilateral breathing). I try to focus on pulling my tummy in so that I raise my legs and do some useful kicking during this little pause! It may be completely the wrong thing …

Off to listen to Women's Hour, thank you!

Thanks Singing I did manage to go today actually. Feel much better for it. I'm still trying to build up my front crawl lengths, did 20x25m today, about 2/3 of which were crawl. I was trying to focus on moving forwards and not stalling when I breathe; I'm never sure what's supposed to happen to the leading arm when I turn to breathe,
Did anyone hear Woman'sHour this morning? They interviewed Alexandra Heminsley (she wrote 'Run Like a Girl'); she's now got in to swimming and written a book about it. She's the first guest on if anyone wants to listen on iplayer.

Hello! Our pool still doesn't seem to have been discovered by lots of people with New Year's resolutions so not too busy. Had a good swim today without having to avoid people etc. 50 x 33m lengths in 34:58 (can't seem to get quicker!). Trying to really stretch out for front crawl – just because it seems more efficient! Glad you are better Shotgun and I'm sure you'll be fine getting back to swimming. I had two weeks off with my lurgy and it was no trouble starting again.