I do 1,500 to 2,000 meters, three or four times a week. But I’m self-taught, and I know my technique could be much better if I had some type of workout routine to follow, or something. I see people swimming next to me, and they glide beautifully, while I’m just fighting the stuff and wasting too much energy.
Am I making any sense? Do you have any recommendations or suggestions?
I’d recommend to contact a PT and get some classes. You won’t be able to fix your technique alone as you don’t see yourself and you are unable to notice your mistakes.
I used to race when I was a kid, so I have decent swimming technique. But I also struggle a little with breathing when I get beyond a certain distance, so my technique starts to flail a little. When you’re pushing yourself enough to maintain a decent heart rate or pace commensurate with the kind of workout you want (not overdoing it but maintaining a solid aerobic effort) it’s not so easy to maintain a disciplined technique unless you’ve gotten to a point where your fitness is such that you can swim in your style no matter what.
However, if you’re self-taught, then it’s likely you’re in need of improving your technique. Like other things in life where you teach yourself something (i.e., a musical instrument where you pick up some bad habits), you might need to work on proper technique and unlearn some of your bad habits you’ve picked up in your swimming routine. Perhaps wind it back a little and take it slower, working on form and technique, video yourself to see where you need improvement, and continue with your revised technique until you get up to speed.
I’m nearing 50 now, so I’m not the spring chicken I once was. It’s clear I’ve needed to work on my technique to improve my breathing (changing from 3 strokes to 2-3-2 to get more air) and trying to glide more through the water utilizing each stroke and decreasing energy spent on each stroke. Not easy when you’re 100 kgs lol.
Also, Swimming Without Stress Blog Archives - Swimming Without Stress and they have short videos on YouTube. They really focus on the mindset of being comfortable and relaxed in the water while maintaining good body positions for easy breathing and movement.
While everyone saying get a coach is right, while you’re doing that, learn to really feel your body in the water. You can feel when something is holding you back and when something else feels better. At least when your technique really leaves something to be desired. Being aware of your body will also help you when your coach starts giving you tips because you’ll feel how their tips are affecting you and if you’re doing it right.
Do yourself a favour and get lessons. I swim good distances in the open water but still go to both a coached squad group and 1-1 lessons because (if you are able to pay for it, though the sessions I attend are not expensive) why wouldn’t you just seek the input of an expert?