Are there any CR's who do a bit of swimming?

I know this is a running website but I thought that most runners suffer injury at some stage and have to resort to swimming as an alternative while recovering.

I got into swimming in about August of last year when I couldn't run for about 6 weeks due to knee injuries.
At first I was a terrible swimmer but I gradually developed strength and endurance - not speed though

Once I got back properly running I decided I still wanted to swim once a week to maintain what I'd worked so hard at, and also to give my legs a rest.
So for the past 6 - 8 mths I've become a once-a-week swimmer. I usually do it on the weekends because that way I don't have to get up so early to do it before work (swimming takes longer in the mornings than going for a run).

The other reason is because after a session in the pool (~45 minutes) I am left with some nasty goggle imprints around my eyes. On the weekend it doesn't really matter much and it fades as the day progresses.

Last Saturday I injured my knee again and have been off running. I've taken to swimming now (rather reluctantly) and have been doing so before work - but I am left with 'goggle eyes' which feels really unattractive when I go to work.

Anyone have any suggestions as to how to deal with this?
Is it a side-effect I'd get from any goggles or are some better than others? My goggles are mid-range Speedo brand.

Hi!

I too have found swimming! And I too for one summer practiced and practiced and got it right somehow. Now we are renting a house with a pool and I'm hooked again, swimming works wonders on the upper body strength and tonality that running lacks. I also have been practicing swimming underwater, helping to expand my chest. Check out this post of mine: Brain Bubbles

PS. I bought these swimming goggles that are almost like a mask for snorkeling, no kidding. But I lost them and am too swimming with speedo brand goggles! Back to the swimming masklike goggles: Go over the eyebrows the whole bit, check 'em out at your nearby swimhut or online.

Sunset i have tried many different types of goggles and still look like I've been smacked in both eyes. it is horrid - and is often made worse I think by the fact that the chlorine dries your skin right out. Look forward to hearing the suggestions!!!

I'm not sure what you guys do.

I only get this when I borrow my daughter's googles. I don't want to adjust them as that means daughter has to adjust them and that takes awhile and would be rude of me.

You only need them watertight not bug eyed tight.

i have tried everything! i also get a lot of leaking - perhaps i just have a weird head?

For those Speedo-type, small, "socket-rocket" type goggles, try this -

When putting them on, first open your eyes wide like you've had a big surprise

Then push them into your eye socket till you feel the suction pop a little. Relax your eyes and it will solve your leakage problem PLUS the marks from the rims will follow the 'natural' crease around your eyesocket, making them less visible.

Works for me!

Oh boy, that made me laugh - I always imagine my eyes must be popping out as I press the goggles on so hard it feels like they are being sucked out of their sockets. I just can't seem to get the balance between non-leakage tightness and drain plunger tightness. I end up constantly fiddling with them

I find if you fiddle once, then you will be constantly fiddling the entire session.

I like to get it perfect from the beginning and not touch them.

Sometimes it feels like the suction is getting tighter and tighter as my session progresses but I don't dare touch them or the incessant fiddling will start!

For other freak-show-head type people like our good mate Ellie, here is the type of "goggles" (swim-masks really) which RFL referred to.



Pretty popular amongst triathletes as they also help to absorb the shock of an elbow to the bridge of the nose. Aquasphere is one brand which make them. TYR do as well

I have these View goggles, apparently designed especially for women! I can't vouch for everyones different head-shapes I guess, but they are without a doubt the most comfortable goggles I've ever tried! They are really soft on the face, and leave less of a mark than I have experienced with other goggles. The glass seems extra clear and durable too - although I'm not sure if that is just in comparison to my old pair that were so scratched and misty or something.

New goggles are as good as getting new running shoes!

http://www.tusa.com.au/View/product.asp?rc...ory=3&id=12

I have always been a keen swimmer, not that fast necessarily, but I just love being in the water. I've been doing oceanswims for the last few years in/around sydney and it is just fantastic. After a good summer of swimming improvement, I was planning to keep it up once a week to avoid having to start from scratch again next summer. Unfortunately/fortunately the running has taken over and I haven't kept it up.

Anyway, the reason I posted was for those struggling with goggle leaking problems, I recommend you should keep trying different styles til you find the ones that fit and suit. You shouldn't have to have them eye-popping tight to avoid the leaks. If you can try them in a shop, they should kinda feel like they suction on by themselves without putting the strap over your head even.

I swim three times and week and after each session I have goggle eyes and actually look a bit like I have been punched as the marks are quite obvious. I have tried quite a few goggles and I make sure the straps are not overly tight. I once popped into the Aqua Shop in Gordon and I remember discussing it with them and they said that there really isn't a way around this. Particularly for women as women's skin around the eyes is much softer and therefore marks easier.

I usually put eye cream on when I get home but I notice that sometimes I wake up the next morning still with a slight marking around the eyes.....just one of those things I'm afraid.

I found my aqua sheres last night in my closet. And, wow, what a difference! Thank you, Miners for adding the photo!

Anyone tried the anti fog goggles?

Yep, my goggles are anti fog. I find that they do occassionally fog up though, not every swim session. They occassionally fog up when after doing free style I turn and start doing back stroke. I also sometimes use the anti fog spray which works really well. Can recommend the anti fog spray.

My two cents for what it is worth,

I also swim, but not so much last couple of months (flu).

Taking some experience from years spear fishing (younger years now), lossen strap and try putting it at the crown, I suppose you would call it or the top of your head. If the strap splits in two put one top and one bottom so it pulls the goggles in and up.

As talked about above, you also need the right pair of goggles with a comfortable seal, after trying every pair on at Rebel and prentending to buy this really funky looking ones while playing around with Mrs Teeds (to be) I ended up getting some speedo Futura and I really like them.

Hi Sunset,

I don't think there is that much you can do about the goggle eyes. I have been swimming for quite a few years now and used lots of different brands. I just go for comfort now. Maybe look at the marks on your eyes as badges of honour for your hard work.

Cheers,

Danny

Good quality silicon seals solved the problem for me. (TYR at the moment). You get what you pay for, also on some models make sure the nose bridge is adjusted correctly.
Maybe you have them way too tight trying to overcome inferior seals ?

I also find the goggles with 2 separate straps around the back of the head seal better over longer sessions, maybe they stay in place more securely, and the tension is distributed better ?

I have always had leakage issues. I ended up finding that the sweedish style goggles do not leak for me. unfortunately, they give massive goggle eyes and if I take a week off, it feels like I have been punched in the face after a session. I now have gone to Blue Seventy goggles. They are outstanding. Aqua shop will have them for sure. No goggle eyes.

I've accepted my situation and bought two months pool membership this morning.

Now I have to be careful not to overtrain in the pool! I normally do 35 - 40 minute sessions. Is 5 times a week too much? Maybe I should just do 4?

it seems the View goggles are very hard to track down!

I was looking at 'Womens' Speedo goggles (about $25/pair). Are they any good?

I have been swiming all my life (Surf Life Saving) and a good trick in choosing goggles is push them onto your face with small amount of pressure and see if they stay there **Dont put the strap around your head** a good pair of goggles that suit your shape will be on the market some where. the goggles should stay there for a couple of seconds and then slowly fall off, even if one stays there that is a good sign, as this means you will not have leaks then you can loosen strap as much as possible to prevent marks on eyes. You will always get marks but mine are generally gone with in 15mins.

* Push goggles on with pressure with out strap
* wait and see if they stay there on there own, if not try next pair and so on..

I use Speedo Futura and a very popular goggle is Speedo Opal as it has 3 - 4 different nose bridges.

Other thing to think of if looking at trying mask type of goggle, the more they sit of your face the more DRAG you have when swimming, you would be surprised about the amount of drag it adds with some of these goggles.

Happy swimming

Sunset, unless your training for something in swimming I dont think you need to go over 4 sessions in the pool, try making them more quality sessions rarther then going everyday. Otherwise you will get sick of looking at the black line .

Thanks for the tips.

Regarding the number of sessions, the only reason I ask is because usually I exercise 6 days a week. Four of the days is usually running, 1 day for swimming and 1 day for cycling.
That is what I'm used to and I get cranky/miserable if I can't exercise.

My knee is easily upset at the moment. It became achy even after swimming this morning. Cycling tends to aggravate it too.

Sunset

To mix it up a bit, water run as well or instead of your swim...if that dosen't hurt the knee...I don't imagine it would. I run then swim (badly) after to warm up as I get cold in the running part. Plus bonus for me is that I burn a lot of energy in the swimming because I am so bad at it. Also kicking with board without flippers. I too get bad goggle eyes and despite showering can still smell that chlorine aroma all day...mmm. Bonus though I think I have become immune to germs from swallowing all that disgusting heated water.

Water running is even more boring than swimming laps

Plus I'd be concerned it might aggravate my knee even more than straight-legged kicking does.

Sunset - I have done a fair bit of deep water running, and while I agree it can be boring, it has the benefit of being low impact and will hopefully not affect your knee. If I remember correctly you should try to use a normal running gait in DWR, so you are still using the same muscles and action, just doing it in a pool with a bouyancy belt on, rather than on terra firma.
Emruns has been doing a shedload of DWR as she recovers from shin splints in both legs (she has only just started runing again for the first time since about April), along with runjanerun who also did a lot of DWR while injured.
I wouldn't completely rule it out as an option, after all, anything is better than not being able to run at all, and if it is something that will help you get back out there, then it can't be that bad (although I will reiterate, it can be very boring).
All the best with the recovery from injury.

Hmm, went to schwim shkool tonight and spent most of the night fiddling with my leaky goggles... All I could think about was heading down to the shops to get a decent pair! I suspect I will spend most of Thursday evening trying to get goggles to stick to my face without the straps on. I can certainly appreciate how the right pair will make a huge difference - it's just a pity they won't make me swim better

Even though I posted the pick of the aquasphere mask, I actually use the View goggles myself (with the verrrryy small sized socket - probably the opposite of what would be recommended for open water/triathlon). They are really top quality stuff as they're made by Tusa who have long been one of the top brands in the diving game (Scuba, not Greg Louganis).

I know that A-Mart All Sports distribute the View range.

I use view brand ...from my optometrist.

great !!

They do, but only two brisbane stores carry the 820A model (the one recommended for women) AND they won't do stock transfers....

I tried that on my swim yesterday. It wasn't perfect but yes a bit less bad than before, thanks for the tip. I normally do my swims on my lunch time and always go back to work with raccoon eyes that last a few hours. I really hate it too

Sometimes I feel like the moreI swim, the worst I get! Trying out an olympic distance triathlon in 12 weeks and swimming is definitely my weakest link. I for sure wasn't born a fish

I finally found the View goggles - model 820A (womens goggles) and they were on sale! Normally $27 and reduced to $10 - bargain!I'll try them out tomorrow and report back.


On a different note - I'd like to buy a new swimsuit considering I'm at the pool so damn much these days. I only have one and it is a 2 piece speedo set. My other half thinks a 1 piece would be good but I don't think it would be as comfortable.

What's the general opinion on 1 piece versus 2 piece?

I wanted to buy a one piece swimsuit for a while in hope it would keep me a bit warmer considering I always get almost hypothermic when swimming. However I didn't have much luck finding any that would fit me and when I asked at the Surf Shop they said they didn't actually supply them and I only found some in Myer in the woman's clothes department which I could pretty well swim in in a different sense. I found it quite frustrating at the time, I'm sure it is just that I was looking in the wrong place but it seemed almost as though under a certain age and size you were forced to wear a two piece swimsuit, I'm sure I'm just overreacting. The great thing about two piece though is that you can pick and choose the top and the bottom and come up with something more comfortable and creative. I hope you find something you like. I'm sure the perfect one is out there somewhere, it is like that with clothes. It is just sitting there waiting for you.

Felisaffie, did you try the usual places - Rebel Sport, A-mart Allsports, etc?

The new goggles - I tried them this morning. Anti-fog and wide viewage was nice. The imprint was less noticeable. BUT they started hurting my face near my nose. I only did a short session too (35 minutes).

two piece suits usually suit women who have trouble getting suit which doesn't cut you in half at the crotch,ie long body,after that it is just preference really

Yeah, you're definitely a triathlete, then!

I checked my dial after my swim this morning, hardly any marks and by the time I was dressed there was only the imprint of the nose clip left to see, cool. I use the TYR goggles and they fit around my eyes really good and I don't do the strap at all tight

The TYR googles are the first goggles I have ever used that havn't leaked, fogged up or driven me mad with adjusting them. I was so happy when I tried them on in the shop as I had to pull them off my face to break the seal, that I bought two! (which was good because the following week I left a pair in the changing room and lost them)

Just thought I would let those you doubt themselves know that it is indeed possible to get better at swimming.

I've done 4 or 5 sessions a week for only two weeks now and I'm already getting so much stronger in the pool. This morning I did a 60 lap session (25 m laps) in 29 minutes and managed to keep my heart-rate quite high (av 158bpm - this is similar to a running session for me).
One week ago I did 60 laps in 33 minutes and an av HR of 146 bpm.

(Granted, I was trying hard this morning versus the other day, but that is still a great improvement).

Wow! Good for you, Sunset!!!

I too am a believer in one's skills at swimming improving markedly over time. My wife says she saw a marked improvement in my freestyle stroke recently, considering I did not grow up swimming very much and didn't receive proper training until I was an adult. And I am noticing the benefits of swimming. Mainly that in half an hour's time I am able to work my heart out as well as if I ran for an hour.

PS. Let us know when you've swam the English Channel. Possibly sooner than later!

I tried on a few different pairs of goggles at the Speedo shop over the weekend and ended up buying a not-so-cheap pair that seemed to stay stuck to my face forever without the straps. They were great in terms of no leakage but I found that the "sealy stuff" (or what ever it's called), really cut into the skin below my eyes and although BB insisted "It doesn't look too bad..." (bless him) it looked like someone had been at my face with a cookie cutter

I wonder if the straps were too tight??? They really were stuck right on without much effort so loosening them won't mean they fall off...

On the one piece Vs two-piece issue, I ended up wearing my two-piece last night (first time as far too self conscious) - waaay more comfy than the one piece and I figured I'm in the water so no one can see my wobbly belly

I'm only makin it to the pool once a week at the moment (for my class) and I know I need to get there more often to really improve (I wouldn't expect to be a good runner only training once a week), but I could feel a difference last night - slightly more crammed into the class than previous weeks but didn't feel like as much hard work and I didn't feel knackered after getting out of the water - maybe I'll get the hang of this thing after all!

Next question: how to deal with chlorine!

Swimming 5 times a week is taking it's toll. I can use heaps of moisturizer on my skin but the one place that it is really irritating is my scalp.

My scalp is so dry and it hurts and is giving me headaches. Washing my hair everyday can't be helping, but I think the chlorine might be irritating it.

I wear a cap but water still gets in of course. I've head some people oil their scalp before swimming?

Hi pplz,

I recently had bilateral knee surgery so I have been swimming 1-2 times per week for the past 3 weeks. I did some time trials before my op (when I was able to kick), and then again after my op (When I couldn't kick, I still am unable to do so). I have found that my times are pretty much exactly the same, in 2 cases actually 1-2 seconds faster over 50m and 100m when I 'm not kicking. Obviously my kicking technique is up the creek. Any tips on improving it?

Cheers

I didn't oil my scalp but I oiled my hair with stuff the hairdresser gave me. Turned out it was mineral oil - eugh! But it did the trick. I'd recommend a massage oil base - maybe sweet almond oil? You can get it plain at the Body Shop and probably lots of other places too.

I've been frequently visiting Rebel sport in the hope that they might FINALLY get some new swimwear in stock.

It seems that if you want to swim in winter, you have to be a size 14 or 16 (that was all they had left, and in limited quantities/colours).

They told me yesterday that they are getting their new stock in over the next couple of weeks. YAY!

I'm going to buy exactly the same as what I already have - a Speedo 2 piece, but in a different colour. And perhaps I'll get slightly larger briefs as I fear my behind is no longer a size 8...

Hi Lex,
Your result is probably not too surprising, from what I've read/seen kicking is a way to use up a lot of energy without much extra gain (and hopefully the effort doesn't make you slower if the rest of the stroke goes down the drain!). If you look at long-distance swimmers, their legs pretty much only "kick" as a way to keep balanced in the water. That said, of course if you are a sprinter you need every bit of extra help so have to get the kick working.

From my own experience, I would say focus on your overall technique to learn to go faster not just kicking. I found myself making huge improvements over last summer when I
-adjusted my arm stroke under the water (arm a little bent to use the bicep and tricep, not straight trying to touch the bottom and only tricep power);
-got the hip-snap working better (glide on each "edge", the "hips flat" position is only the transition on the way from one side to the other).
-kick with my whole leg (more from the upper leg), and don't bend them much at all - not really sure about this, but if I think about it this way, I don't get a cramp in my foot.

Once your knee is better, I'd say get a kickboard and do some kicking laps to see what works (Never done this training myself - weirdly I love swim training and the black line, but just kicking up and down seems soooo boring. Maybe its because I can't see the black line with my head up )

Finally, I found this website really helpful - might as well learn from the best right. (There's a lot of other really useful pages on this site so explore!)
http://www.limmatsharks.com/CrawlAnalysis/

See you on the line...

Thanks virtualkerri, I'll give these technique pointers a go today! Yes, I find kickboard training boring as well, it takes me forever to do one lap! But will give it a go when kicking is an option. I also get the cramps when I kick, so I will be looking forward to seeing how the 'upper leg' kick works.

Here's my little story with regard to swimming efficiency.

I can normally keep up with whoever is swimming in the lane beside me, so found it frustrating to have a guy in the lane next to me going faster than me and still appear to be just cruising. From the effort he was putting in, it appeard as though he was doing a few warmup laps. When we finished, and had a chat, he told me he was using a new swimming technique called "total immersion". When looked it up on the net it I found a very slick marketing machine and I was doubtful about the technique. I had a poke around on the net and picked up on the basics of the technique (wiki, u-tube) and started to make some changes to my style.

-only kick for balance
-don't kick during the glide phase of the stroke
-keep your head down (assists in keeping legs up without kicking)
-focus on the glide, and get the most out of each stroke before starting the next.

On their website, they talk about being comfortable and relaxed in the water. You shouldn't have to fight to stay afloat, and this is one of the main things that i have noticed. When I was getting to the end of a long swim I would start to get a sinking feeling, and it was difficult to get air, now I feel relatively fresh. Apparently this technique is good for triathletes as it is supposed to be more efficient and saves your legs for the ride/run.

Do a search of CR for "total immersion" and have a bit of a look, I found the following post to be a good one.

I Am Sick Of Being A Terrible Swimmer...help !, swimming in Triathlons

Happy swimming, Mike

My hairdresser also suggested putting conditioner on your hair before putting on the swim cap - as apparently your hair will absorb what it is in contact with and it is better to be conditioner than chlorine.

I finally found the perfect pair of goggles for my face - speedo vanquisher I think they were called - I bought them in the USA, and like a complete twit I lost them at the pool the other day. The lifeguard told me I could choose another pair out of the lost property basket!! Gross!!

With kicking we are always told to kick from the hips and not too big. Kicking from the hips also helps prevent cramping (as does building up slowly).