Swimming lesson #6

I've completed the block of 6 lessons that I'd booked and have mixed feelings about the time. Today I narrowly missed the 2minute/100m goal but I think it's fair to blame that on other people in the pool who I had to avoid. For some reason there wasn't a lane booked for my session, especially important as the pool was busier than usual, presumably due to half term. 

So how have I found the, rather expensive, sessions? On the positive, my sprint pace in an 18 metre pool has improved but I believe a significant proportion derives from faster and more powerful turns. My evidence for this is that my pace gain in a 22 metre (i.e. 25 yard) pool is far more modest. I have additionally noted that my arms tend to enter the water rather wide and should be streamlined better. Also to breath more promptly and not turn to the side for too long. 

However, I feel the 'intensity' of the coaching has been low. I've barely received a teaching tip per session and those I've had, I've followed-up myself on YouTube to gain more insight. In my opinion, I've spent rather too much of the time on 200 metre sets from which I've developed few insights. Overall, the sessions seem more as though I've swum with a critical friend rather than a professional coach. The former is OK, especially when I don't have an effective swim buddy, but not entirely what I had hoped to be exposed to. The coach himself was very personable and a pleasure to chat with between sets. In retirement it's helpful to meet someone early in their career and making plans for the future. I still have plans but they tend to be shorter term!

I fully appreciate that as an adult learner it's my responsibility to develop, and I have fulfilled that role. I've listened, watched videos and re-read sections of swimming books I've got. Likewise there are physical limitations in my strength and mobility, but as before, I've looked into flexibility exercises and continued with practice swims and my circuits classes.

My data shows a modest improvement in sustained pace which is great, but unfortunately it's not as marked as I'd hoped for. Perhaps it's unrealistic, but I'm still thinking there's a near magical technique tip out there that will break my plateau.