Swimming - How to get better

I started participating in triathlons during the early 90's and to be honest was virtually scared of the water. I persisted with my training and over the years gradually became quicker, but I was never at ease in the water. I also reached a stage where I ceased to improve despite how hard I worked. Its usually at this stage that we blame old age catching up. I didnt however feel this was the case. I trained with other people older than me who were better swimmers but not nearly as fit. If age was the reason I was not improving then why were these guys better than me.

It was at this stage I made the staggering discovery (It only took a decade) that no matter how hard I swam during training I was not going to improve. The reason - Its not my fitness which governs the ease and speed of my swimming it is my technique.

I stopped swimming and started swimming drills, attended some drill sessions, and read. I virtually only drilled and worked on body position for around six months then returned to some structured workouts. I now swim as quickly as I did previously but with a lot less effort and a lot more confidence.

If you are not improving STOP. Get a coach work on some drills and try to become a better swimmer rather than a faster one. By continuing in your old ways you will only become better at swimming inefficiently.

Dont fear losing fitness. If you are cycling and running your fitness will be fine. Swimming technique is what will help you and you must work at it. I am sure you will improve if you take my advice.

My training has been curtailed recently. I slightly cut my foot and feel that I should not tempt fate by running in pain and risking injury by an uneven gate. I therefore only rode yesterday - about 25 km and only swam this morning.