Drills at Lars, and on Thorpe!

The drills worked very well.

First, the forward hand glide, to meet for a split second before pull... definitely works to slow down the stroke.

Then, there is the elbow. Getting higher on pull, with S-stroke works to reduce the shoulder strain. And this is terrific!

Can't manage the breadths on draw both sides still. That will be next?

Next will be the forward head raise on interval, left breadth draw, and maybe pull-buoy. But that might be really ambitious!!!

The best part of Finch's work is that clarity of the advice given. Total Immersion is great practice when you are dedicated to a coach and water time. But I am totally on my own for this and will have to pace myself and see what works and how comfortable I am.

The thing about Thorpe is precisely what the researchers say: slower and fewer strokes can be more efficient. Also, for better streamlining, to wear trunks one size smaller. Whew, there was a crammed house all 2 km, man!

But the best was that I could swim so much SLOWER and glide through the lap without feeling the draw strain and breadthless exertion! I totally worship Lars Conrad for his style and physique, and Ian Thorpe for that incredible efficiency! Can't wait to get back in... but it will have to wait till after the next few days, no thanks to errands and stuff!