Kneeling at the Alter of Youth…
Another swim class in the can! Last night I got some personal coaching from a high school student who is a competitive swimmer, lifeguard, and newly certified instructor. He was a little shy at first but I really pushed him to tell me what I was doing wrong with my strokes - because I was sure there was plenty. He finally told me I had a “chicken wing” front crawl (I bring my bent elbow out of the water on the upstroke rather than following through with a straight arm). How cute is that (the kid, not my chicken wings - well, maybe the chicken wings are a little cute too). He told me all about how his coach makes him do 20-25’s - whatever the hell that is, and then jump out and do push-ups. And that I should do push-ups *snort* because it will help my stroke. And if I really want to build endurance I should blah blah blah. But if I want to gain speed I should blah dee blah. You can’t buy that kind of enthusiasm - but it can be given freely: I managed a few chicken-free strokes, then went home and did 10 push-ups (girl push-ups but it’s a start).
In case you’re wondering why I’m not mentioning the bike, it’s because I’m too ascared to take it off the trainer. The notion of snapping my feet into the pedals while trying to maintain forward motion, and my center of gravity, is freaking me out. A lady from the local bike club has kindly offered to come out with me and give me some pointers. All I have to do is pick up the phone and get the hell out there. And not tip over. I’ll get there.
Comment by mark
Thursday April 20 2006 @ 9:44 am
Why do you HAVE to clip in? Can’t you ride with “normal” pedals and work up to that?
I’m not very knowledgeable so my question may be doltish.