6 ways to become a faster swimmer
“God wanted me to swim more so he broke both my legs.” Angel Stone
It’s Spring! This means open-toe sandals, pollen, gelato, and sidewalks packed with runners. For me, Spring means triathlons: bad tan lines, goggle eyes, and a new training regimen. I have increased my swim training 180%. But not by choice; life forced me into the pool. Now, I am swimming faster than ever. I’m stronger and more confident in the water and I’m going to tell you how I did it. If you follow these 6 rules, your performance will soar.
1. Break something. Or two things.
Crash your bike into a cement wall then fall to the ground and watch another cyclist run over your right knee. If this unilateral paralysis doesn’t push you into a pool then start a new exercise program. Go so hard at it that you strain your left achilles tendon. If being cripple in both legs doesn’t compel you to swim more, there is no hope for you. Don’t let that be the case.
2. Train your mind.
For me, swimming was not a physical inability, it was a mental one: I was scared of drowning. Once I realized my mind was my biggest hurdle, I began an aggressive mental training regimen. Every night before swim practice, I picture myself as I’d like to be in the water: long, smooth, and balanced. By the time I get to the pool, I almost believe it. To give you a better idea of what I see in my visions, Watch This
If you want to be good, you’ve got to put your money where your mouth is. I spent last year talking about how I was going to swim more but was doing little. Then things changed, i.e. God pulled my card. Now, I swim at least 3 days a week. Each session starts with drills: catch up, one-arm, side stroke, single arm. etc. If you are not doing drills, you are not going to win. Do them! Drill Video
4. Buy stuff for a reason.
I bought a pink pull buoy on purpose. When I lap a guy, I want him to know I’m a girl.
5. Find an expert.
Find someone who knows more than you do and STALK THEM! I hired a swim coach to analyze my stroke and improve my technique. If you can’t afford a coach, then watch videos of swimmers being coached. Videos provide amazing insight and can aid in your development. Here’s an excellent video of a coach critiquing a swimmer’s stroke: Swim Analysis.
6. Lie to yourself.
I purchased a swim cap that says, “I Love to Swim”. I don’t. But with those words suctioned to my head three times a week, it’s only a matter of time before osmosis occurs.
[Editor's note: I don't recommend step 1. It just happened that way for me.]