I train and swim 3-4 km per session... i sing songs in my head... what do you do?
211969
The song technique is one of the best that almost all swimmers use.  I've also heard that thinking of something that makes you angry also works because it causes you to take your stress out on the water... hehe I've used that technique a few times also, you feel nice and relaxed when you finish =D
656144
It take practice and trial and error to get it right for "you".  I put quotes for the word "you" because each of us are built different. Some people will have a easier time kicking while others will have a difficult time. Take me for instance. I have legs that are like sinkers. If I float on top of the water relaxed my legs will gradually sink.    :D  Anyway, relax. I had the same experience like you when I first learn to swim where everyone have walked around the pool and I was the only one left on the other side. Because I was committed to learn how to swim I was one of the best swimmers by the end of the class. I even go further and became a lifeguard in 2 years. So relax and try variation of kicking to get what's right for you. Also, you might look at how fish and other people swim. See what they're doing and imagine you doing it. Seeing is learning too. That's how we have dophlin kick as part of a swimming stroke. The movement (kicking) should be graceful unless you're racing in the Olympus. If I have to discribe which muscles to use I would say 60% hip, 30% knee, and 10% ankle for the freestyle; 35% hip 35% knee 30% ankle for the breaststroke kick;.... Hope this helps. It really depends on which style you're doing.
607510
Get a few people and run (yes, run the best you can in the water) around the edges together with your arms extended out on both sides. Push your self as hard as you can through the water, and when you get tired, float around the edges until you've got strength again.
304299
Firstly I suggest you run 5 miles/day, while training six days/week. That way you get to have a day off, preferably sunday. I am a professional athlete, I swim for my country. I motivate myself every morning by picturing myself standing on the victory podium! That helps me, well most of the time at least. Maybe a MP3 player will be a good companion on those lonely miles :) \nGood luck!
104611
Great exercise and therapy:\n\n Swimming can be very demanding for the beginner. Exercise at a comfortable pace and periodically check your heart rate to make sure you're staying in your training range. It is recommended that beginners swim 12-20 minutes, building endurance with time. As you progress, you'll be able to swim farther and faster at each workout, and the efficiency of your strokes will improve. Intermediate swimmers should swim 20-30 minutes and advanced swimmers 30-60 minutes. The freestyle, or crawl, is the most efficient and strenuous stroke. A 150 pound person burns about 8.5 calories, a minute, swimming freestyle. \n\n If you get tired, switch to a less strenuous stroke, such as the sidestroke or breaststroke, or swim a few laps with a kickboard. Swimming in sets - 4 laps freestyle, 4 laps breaststroke, 4 laps backstroke, for example - will make your workout more interesting and will exercise more muscles\n\nSimple Water Exercises:\n\n Kick with a kickboard or holding on to the side of the pool to tone legs, back and stomach. \n\n Leg lifts also condition legs, back and stomach. \n\n Holding on to the side of the pool, lift each leg 10 times in front of you, behind you and to each side. \n\n Running in the water increases your heart rate just as swimming does. Many people who can't run on land can run in the water without a problem. Because of the water's resistance, the impact on your body is far less. In chest-high water, begin by running with your hands on your head, and as you become more fit, paddle with your arms. You can alternate running with skipping, hopping, or even dancing in the water.\n\n Bobbing up and down in the water improves breathing and muscle tone. \n\n Treading in the water improves arm and leg strength. Whatever your level of ability, remember to cool down afterwards with water or stretching exercises
651020
i think some people misunderstand you and think your talking about actually running inside the pool.\n\nhowever, as another swimmer, i believe you are talking about actually running outside of the pool. \n\nin my opinion, i think it helps somewhat. you really should be doing both strength training and endurance training. i dont believe running helps all that much because first of all, it does not really help your kicking muscles at all. and second, all it does is increase your heart rate. so, what i reccomend, is running maybe 3 times a week for just 20 minutes in addition to your workouts.
101270
im a pretty bad singer, but im one of those ppl who gets an overwelming urge to sing if i just happen to know any of the words to whatever is being played, i try not to when other ppl are round, but sumtimes i just cant help myself!! really! i cant!
567002
i would walk around alot in the day to built up your leg strength and when you get home just pretend you are swimming by swinging your arms like the swimming stroke....this way you are building up you arm strength.........you might want to also try lifting weights for a little bit in your spare time.\n\nhope you get your laps finished!!!
293757
First of all, try to get someone to explain to you in person, trainer or soething like that, then make sure that you do any exercise to improve the technique as using a pull or something, then after you are prtty sure you are getting into it, try to do 1/4 of laps more than you use to do, then do 1/2 laps more\n\nWithin a month or two(swimming everyday) You won't have any problem with it and you'll improve your technique and the only matter will be the speed that ypu'll be swimming
24023
If you are trying to swim freestyle (crawl), switch to an easier stroke, like the sidestroke while you increase your endurance. If you can only swim 20m, then swim 20m, rest, and swim 20m again. Repeat that process.  You can time your rests and shorten your rests as you get stronger and increase the number of repititions you do each session. After a while, push yourself to do 40m between stops, then 60, etc.\n\nIn my experience, if you can work up to 400m without stopping, you will be past the point where you are struggling in the water.\n\nIt might be a good idea to have someone look at your stroke and tell you what needs correcting. If you are struggling to make 20m. there are probably a lot of things that you can do to make your stroke more efficient. Find out what they are and work on correcting one thing at a time. Find someone who's swimming laps when you are at pool, someone who's stroke looks good, and ask them to look at your stroke. Ask them what the worst thing that you are doing and what they think you should do about it. You'd be suprised how many people would be happy to help you.
185464
I have won gold medals at Australian nationals and swam at selected swim camps. What you are doing is great, running and Pilate's.. Just try to remember that you can burn you body out. Instead of running everyday why don't you try some light weights?? As in pin weights!! If you are not for that then try kick boxing, its excellent for swimming. Using a medicine ball(the old school ones) It would really help though if i knew what stroke it is that you excel in or want to excel in.. I could help you alot better!!!
657965
Be encouraged that if you seriously set a goal to improve your time, then you will!  These are some steps to take along the way.  First, work with experienced and trustworthy tutors to learn swim techniques.  Ask several coaches to watch you swim and accept their corrections and suggestions. Practice what works for you and discard what doesn't.  If possible, select one coach to encourage you, time you, spur you on.  Second, borrow books from the library about swimming, watch video tapes, and you will discover a lot.  Read Total Immersion material. You will be fascinated with your reading.  Also, research your topic on line to find articles about backstroke and freestyle.   Third, working your fast twitch muscles will help you improve time.  As you improve in technique, then -- and only then --practice harder and faster swims each time you get in the water.  Watch the clock and try to improve each week.  Most importantly, have patience with yourself and be less self-critical.  Let go of negative thoughts and stay positive.  A great deal of swimming is mental activity so stay positive.    As you practice new techniques to improve your strokes, you will find yourself improving, getting a better feel for the water.  In the end, you might surprise yourself with an improved attitude and an incredible mind-set about life.
613881
equip weights to your ankles and things on your hands that make it hard for you to swim.  those will help you out
448636
I'm guessing that you're in a club already. Make it your goal to beat the best swimmer in the bunch and stay on top of the gang.
285481
I work out in a pool, so that might present problems for you if you don't have access to a deep-water pool. It also takes extra time because of the changing clothes before and after. But I love it and would not do anything else. I'm in the water 3x a week for 60-90 minutes.  There's details on my blog.
196567
As a coach I have gotten in the water and swam behind swimmers that need a little extra motivation.  I also encourage all of my swimmers and regularly meet on a one on one basis, set goal, monitor improvement, evaluate performance and help them work though challenges.  I have also been know to have fun practices either when the team needs a break or as a reward if everyone is doing well.
53164
You already know the answer, practice. Don't worry about being last. The more you practice the better you will become. Set small goals for yourself and slowly build up to bigger ones. Work hard diet right and the improvements will come. Talk to your coach and see what you can do to improve your stroke.\nA specific drill that I have my team work on to improve endurance is to take less breaths during practice. Assuming you are swimming freestyle, take a breath every 3rd stroke, then work up to every 5th stroke, then 7th and so on. This is tiring but it helps to build endurance. When swimming concentrate on your body position and stroke. As you take less breaths your body will be in a more streamline position longer. Work on keeping it hydrodynamic. Then when you swim normally you should have enough oxygen, more endurance and a streamline body to improve your times.