Maiden Flight

By ALAN PEREZ

After several life changes (marriage, children and a new home), I found myself in search of a release in the form of a fitness regimen. In late summer of 2005, the aquatics director of the country club where I work initiated an open swim session at the beach club pool twice a week from six until eight in the morning. A young intern named Peter – a medical student and aspiring triathlete from Slovakia – urged me to join him for this “great morning regimen.” After a lifelong curiosity about swimming and swimmers (and pursuing scuba certification to overcome my fear of open water) I thought I would give it a try. Well, my first two lengths prompted the Coach to ask if I was a smoker!

In an attempt to improve, I would study the way Peter swam. He pierced the water smoothly and easily with no bubbles! I could barely see the other swimmers through the water they churned up and I knew instinctively that Peter’s style was the one to emulate. My incessant questions led Peter to share a book he was reading called “Triathlon Swimming Made Easy.” Its straightforward and thoughtful approach really appealed to me. I quickly devoured the book and excitedly began drilling for freestyle. The TI method felt very familiar to me; I intuitively understood and appreciated its logic. I began to use the principles of TI not just in the pool but in other areas in my life. Focusing on continual improvement (Kaizen) resonated strongly with me.

The TI Discussion Forum proved to be a great resource. Absorbing the shared thoughts and experiences of swimmers from varied backgrounds is motivating. My interest in pursuing butterfly was sparked upon reading some “Fly” posts by Forum regulars. I had already begun delving into the “other” strokes but butterfly struck me as the ultimate challenge. I was moved to at least think about it after reading some of the posts and realizing that it shared a drill progression with breaststroke. While practicing short axis drills I decided to go for it – taking all of the forum posters (Terry, Richard, Brian VK, Rhoda, Bob 'Mac', Eric, Gary, et. al.) with me on my maiden flight.

After “riding the wave” to develop a sense of rhythm, I flung my arms forward while looking down and fell back in. This attempt felt too forced and labor intensive; my arms barely made it out. After sculling, I tried again – same result. Then I began to hear Terry’s voice in my head as I practiced: "Relax. Patience," "hips high," "let yourself rise," "move forward," "toe flick to streamline.” A gentle hold and a focus on core movement forward really got me started. I found that I surfaced easily (feet streamlined, legs bracing) and then finished the length in free. I continued this way for four to five more lengths, then decided to attempt a full 25 fly.

My main focus was to get a gentle hold and to use my core. I counted nine to ten strokes (not all consistent), and I wasn't tired! I didn’t dare rush it. To maintain consistency I focused on being relaxed and patient. I waited until I sensed I was really rising on each cycle then hold – then fly. Better. On the return 25 I added soft landing – mentally this equated to one focus under water, one focus above water. I counted strokes and timed it at :30-:31 seconds. I did two more 25s same count, same time, before adding toe flick as I landed and it became smoother; this focus fostered a smooth transition to streamline and gave me a much-needed bit of calm and forethought before the next stroke. With toe flick after landing I counted seven very smooth strokes in :27-:28 seconds and Iand I still was not tired – swimming world here I come!


Want to learn "Butterfly for Boomers?" See excerpts from TI Butterfly DVD.

Alan Perez lives, works, and swims on the North Shore of Long Island, NY. His wife and daughters (ages five and seven) are a continual source of support, inspiration, and mindfulness. A born artist, he hopes to fulfill his dream of being an illustrator instructing at University while pursuing mastery of his newfound world of swimming as a TI Coach.