As I’ve documented previously, I have been swimming on the Masters team at the Kerr YMCA.  It seems I am continously learning how to utilize TI technique into these workouts, which run about 2250 yds.  One continuous challenge for me is to maintain good body position, rhythmic breathing, and avoid returning to the old ways of pulling and kicking for propulsion. 

Today was focused on freestyle, while last week was IM.  Thought last week would have been exciting doing all the strokes, but negative.  I attempted to swim in the fast lane and struggled just to make intervals.  Today, back to lane 7, where I belong.  After some 200s, Coach Andy had us swim some 50s.  I really enjoyed these, since it felt like the first time I was able garner some speed utilizing my TI.  I was able to lead the lane in several of the sets, and felt a genuine sense of accomplishment.  

The focal point that seemed to do the trick was arm recovery, or lifting my elbow out of the water before my arm is full length by my leg.  Holding skate and bringing up the elbow and spearing to target before beginning to pull on skate arm, was what enabled me to feel a sense of turnover with TI strokes.  I haven’t been able to achieve this feeling until now. I was mindful of my SPL, and though they tended to increase when I was sprinting, they often stayed within my range, 11-13. 

Good day of swimming.  Hello to hip drive.