Slip Or Slide

by Coach Mat | 26 Nov, 2012

This post is in response to a question (in the comments section) I just received on my blog post Power From The Core. It’s building upon what was discussed in the previous post, Measuring The Catch. There’s much more on this blog, you can just do a little...

Measuring The Catch

by Coach Mat | 23 Nov, 2012

Here is a question I just received on my post Power From The Core… Is it possible to guess how much difference there are between a good and a bad catch, if counting SPL and if other factors are equal? My answer is given here to provide a better chance that it...

Work Smarter

by Coach Mat | 21 Nov, 2012

In support of what I wrote in the last post, coincidentally, here is an excerpt from what Coach Terry sent out to TI Coaches worldwide today: Do you recall the TI Swimming Success Algorithm? It comes from data collected by USA Swimming at the Olympic Swim Trials from...

Improving Stroke Timing

by Coach Mat | 21 Nov, 2012

I’ve been experimenting with a new way to use the Tempo Trainer in adjusting the stroke timing, in order to preserve a long stroke at faster tempos. In TI we use a Focal Point called the Patient Front Arm to help train this skill. This long stroke skill is...

Cool Discomfort Zone

by Coach Mat | 17 Nov, 2012

Last spring, as the cool Mediterranean Sea was gradually warming up under the sun, I noted this observation: I was more chilled in 23 C (74 F)water than in 22 C (72 F). I had started swimming in March when the water was 19 C (67 F) and used my quickjohn sleeveless...

Freak or Heroine?

by Coach Mat | 17 Nov, 2012

Here is a recommendation for you: On the topic of cold water swimming I think Lynn Cox’s book Swimming To Antartica is really informative and inspirational. She is, afterall, the modern pioneer in extreme cold water swimming. And from my impressions in the book,...

Crest Or Slump

by Coach Mat | 12 Nov, 2012

I imagine that most who are drawn to Total Immersion are fairly motivated people. We see inspiring common threads in the kind of people who attend our training events. But I am sure even greatly motivated people struggle to keep the momentum of training or exercise...

Easing Into Cool/Cold Water

by Coach Mat | 9 Nov, 2012

I want to launch a little discussion (in your head at least) about how to get acclimated to colder water. Let me review my proposed temperature grades: Cool Water = 20 C to 16 C (68 to 61 F) Cold Water = 15 C to 10 C (60 to 50 F) But really, what matters is how you...

Left = Right = Excellent

by Coach Mat | 5 Nov, 2012

Every swimmer I’ve ever asked has agreed that they have one side that is easier to breathe on than the other. And just about every swimmer I have ever observed shows some sort of difference between their left side stroke and the right side. It is very common and...

Why Do I Slow Down?

by Coach Mat | 2 Nov, 2012

Why do I get tired and slow down as the swim progresses? Interpretation #1 Well, I got tired and so I slowed down. I must therefore work out harder to get in better shape so I can hold consistent pace at this distance.   Interpretation #2 I lost concentration on...