Addicted2H2O
Contributor
I did my swims for SDI last night and although I knew what to expect I'm still a bit disappointed. One of my other DMC's advised on using full-foot fins because it helped him take 2 minutes off his time but I couldn't seem to find a pair available to me to use and wasn't about to spend money on them to use one time. So I used a pair of Tusa Zoom splits and was actually pleasantly surprised but how easy they were to kick. I had a pair when I started diving but then decided on a pair of Hollis F1's because they provide more thrust with each stroke and allow frog, backwards, etc. But they're extremely heavy a 3 lbs negative. I think kicking those big heavy fins for nearly two years, though, has helped my legs get stronger because kicking the splits seemed pretty effortless. Needless to say I did pass the 800 MSF but not with a time I'm very happy with. With SDI there's no points rating. It's a pass/fail. I doubt I'll do it again because it's not necessary, but I would've liked a faster time. I started off with a good pace but I'm guessing I slowed up in the latter half. But bottom line....I passed.
Then there's the 400.....I couldn't even finish it. And I attempted it before the 800. I got about 75y into it and my arms just wouldn't pull anymore. I pretty well expected the 400 would be my downfall because I haven't trained for it. And obviously I was right. I attempted it really more than anything just to find out where I stand so I know where I need to improve. And more than building up my arms for it, I need to work on my stroke. They told me my arms were more out to the side rather than straight in front of my head. And when my arm hit the water it pretty much stopped rather than pulling all the way through the stroke. Then there was my breathing. I never could seem to get into a good rhythm. So with all of that combined, I was really probably working harder than I needed to and wore myself out. So time to start getting in the pool and swimming.....I'll get there.
Then there's the 400.....I couldn't even finish it. And I attempted it before the 800. I got about 75y into it and my arms just wouldn't pull anymore. I pretty well expected the 400 would be my downfall because I haven't trained for it. And obviously I was right. I attempted it really more than anything just to find out where I stand so I know where I need to improve. And more than building up my arms for it, I need to work on my stroke. They told me my arms were more out to the side rather than straight in front of my head. And when my arm hit the water it pretty much stopped rather than pulling all the way through the stroke. Then there was my breathing. I never could seem to get into a good rhythm. So with all of that combined, I was really probably working harder than I needed to and wore myself out. So time to start getting in the pool and swimming.....I'll get there.