u/InternationalTrust59

I get it that flip turns is the craze but a concise touch turn is very underrated which many beginners execute incorrectly or cheat on or take for granted.

I am mainly an open water swimmer and prefer the touch turn because I can execute it 100% of the time and not going in with high speed (1:45/100m).

Sprints and interval I would flip turns but even then, I can only get 1-2 dolphin kicks off.

What are your personal thoughts?

Seems like the trend nowadays are two beat kick, bi-lateral breathing and high elbow recovery.

The kick equates to 10-15% propulsion and that is assuming it is done correctly. Otherwise, it is added drag and wasted energy.

This is why I don’t understand why beginners are so fascinated with “powerful” kicks?

I am a fan of drilling bi-lateral breathing but it is not my preferred race breathing pattern due to the oxygen demand for an Ironman swim (3.8km).

The high elbow recovery I can see to encourage a high elbow catch/early vertical forearm but the high elbow recovery isn’t for everyone due to physical limitations or not even a prerequisite for distance swimming.

It has been interesting to compare how I learned to swim in the 90s we’re a gallop stroke and s-pull wasn’t abnormal and nowadays it is shunned.

Anybody else have quirky issues when breathing from the opposite side?

My natural stroke is an asymmetrical gallop x two beat kick.

Back into the pool today because open water season is winding down and continue to drill opposite side breathing and bi-lateral by the lengths.

Today, I noticed my bilateral stroke is a continuous 6 beat kick and my opposite side breathing stroke is a 4 beat kick.

I’m not against this but it’ll be interesting how things develop in the offseason.

Am I silly to crave a 3.8km open water swim?

The only person that feels how momentous this accomplishment would be is my wife, best friend and brother.

The in-laws, not that I care about them are oblivious so I didn’t visit them due to my swimmer ears healing up; doctors order.

Do you care what about your family and friends think about your swimming aspirations?

Curious what breathing patterns you guys are using?

Do you think breathing every 4th stroke is sustainable up to 10km?

I had a fun lesson yesterday with a lifeguard because he struggled with front crawl but is a great breast stroker.

We had a good laugh because I suck at breast stroke.

Solved his problem and demonstrated a couple of drills to correct his body position and breathing issues.

Funny how swimming can be.

Anybody with experience or recommendations for an affordable divorce?

Assuming it’s uncontested.

Asking for a relative of course….

Is the water quality safe?

I want to avoid Green Acres today because it was packed yesterday due to being free when there is a heat wave.

You can call the facilities if they are free today if you feel like swimming.

I have been lacking kicking in the last two months for building up endurance (open water) and yesterday was a kick session in a long time while.

My hips are sore today.

Where do you guys get sore?

Yesterday, was once of my worst swims (all over the place, horrible breathing, focus and coordination) in a long while.

I can blame it to life stresses , it’s a legit excuse after reflection.

Today was much better.

Does life stresses affect your swimming?

Have you guys developed weird habits?

The last few months I have been preparing for open water season; had my first excursion a few days ago and learned what I have to work on further but also found success.

1. My default stroke is a 1 beat kick (one kick for every two arms strokes) and a 6-beat varying the amplitude when I need to accelerate.

2. I am working on opposite side and by-lateral breathing; the waves exploited me.

3. More breaststroke work for sighting

Overall I am happy that my form, endurance and efficiency held up; ready for our next excursion in two weeks where my buddy will kayak beside me in a more scenic and rugged environment.

Are your basements dry?

I had to unclog the street sewer drain because it was clogged with recent pollen, seeds and leaves; wish I caught it earlier.

Curious, how many dolphin kicks you guys are doing off a flip turn?

I was experimenting with 2-4 into a 6 beat kick and into a steady 2-beat.

Anybody else play high intensity sports?

I picked up basketball again and my conditioning needs work.