My first Master's swim class

I have been trying to go to this class for weeks. I could never find the building, or parking, then once I was not on the "list" and could not get in. It is through Rice Aquatics. So today, I went early so I could find the stupid building. Someone told me it's the building right behind the tennis courts. There is a lot of construction so I ambled through it and walked the very long way around the building and then saw the pool but could not find the doors to get in, so almost gave up. But then I saw Natalie ! (Team Austria member) who showed me how to get in. Not that hard, I know but I can be quite dumb sometimes.

I'm in the slowpoke lane; that's okay, because I am slow, but what's up with the backstroke drills? I will never swim the backstroke in a triathlon, so don't really care about doing that stroke and water got up my nose and complain, complain, complain. But I think this class will make me a better swimmer.

I think some of my grammar and punctuation is incorrect in the above paragraphs. That really bothers me.

Comments

[Wendy]

Um ... swimming backstroke will usually improve a swimmer's freestyle. It is also a long axis stroke, like freestyle, so the rotation drills are helpful. It helps to balance shoulder muscle group use. It is also extremely useful in improving flutter kick (many less experienced swimmers don't kick enough from the hip and overuse the knees). Just remember to breathe in through your mouth and out through your nose! (Remember, you asked!)

I'm really not sure what you mean by Masters swim class, but it's worth bearing in mind most Masters groups are not tri-specific.

[Tarabay]

No worries, my grammer and spelling is that of a 3rd grader. I dont judge... :)

Backstroke openwater swim?? hum..

[Anthony]

Swimming backstroke is important because it rounds out your frontstroke, and when you get tired swimming the 2.4 miles, you can flip over and swim the back stroke. You will get a lot better at swimming good luck. And have fun

[Kathleen]

I'll take you to twin lakes one day and we can practice the really important IM stroke - sidestroke. MisheleK and I sidestroked an entire lap at Twin Lakes for my one open water swim before IMAZ last year and were able to talk the entire time. Now that is what I call important. I was also relieved to find I'm actually a pretty decent side stroker (that doesn't necessarily sound good) and was glad to know I could sidestroke my way to the IM bike if necessary, all while enjoying the scenery and perhaps some good conversation! (how's that for a run on sentence?)

[Liam]

backstroke is really good for you
quit your bitching!