So, I started training for tris almost one year ago. Never had any formal swim training/instruction. I've read a lot about technique and figured it can't be that complicated. So, I've spent the last year swimming about 2 days a week average. No consistent focus on drills, just hop in and churn out about a mile of varying intervals. After the first few months, I haven't gotten much faster. So, I'm giving in and going to focus on technique more.
Yesterday I decided to concentrate on a proper catch; hand entering the water just below the surface, reaching forward as far as possible with body rotation, keeping fingers together, slightly bending wrist, bending at elbow while keeping elbow as close to the surface as possible, pull through to the hip to complete the stroke, and repeat.
So, is it a good sign or a bad sign that I have quite a bit of muscle fatigue in my forearms? Or does that indicate anything about proper form?
jhudalla posted in this
jhudalla posted in this thread about an awesome YouTube video. Please check it out...it may answer a couple of your questions: http://www.trifuel.com/forum/16930/getting-started-on-the-swim
I don't know about muscle fatigue in forearms...I haven't had that before, but usually my back/shoulder muscles are the first to fatigue.
Yeah, as you catch
Yeah, as you catch correctly, you catch and pull more water, tiring out your forearms more. It takes getting used to, just like using any new muscle group. They will get stronger. But congrats, that's usually a great sign :)
However, if you are only swimming 2 days a week that might be a limiter - generally 3 days in the water a week allows your body to keep the muscle memory of the action and maintain the feel of the water. More than 3 will help you increase your efficiency much easier. Depending on where you live (and the biking conditions) this might be a great time of year to really work the swim.
I generally have tightness
I generally have tightness in my hands and shoulders after a good workout. I knew I was moving a lot of water with my pull when my hands are tight afterwards. +1 to kylie, if your still just learing how to swim you need to get into the water some more to get your body used to being in the position and get it used to using those muscles like that.