Stepping back just before the announcement of the Swim Smooth Certification, I had the opportunity to put some Swim Smooth knowledge into action with pro-triathlete Tom Lowe. On a recommendation from fellow pro-triathlete Jonathan Hotchkiss, Tom got in touch and purchesd a pair of Palm Paddles and in discussion I recommended Swim Smooth to Tom.
This developed into me arranging some pool time at a half-way house (pool) – thanks to Mark Conklin and Sara-Jane Cox-Conklin (herself a former pro-triathlete) at Burnham-on-Sea where I conducted a CSS test and recorded Tom whilst he was swimming. After a de-brief and review of the video with Tom, I sent the video – via YouTube – and CSS data to Paul in Perth for a full analysis and development plan.
Tom now has his full analysis and, being back in Boulder training full time is working to the CSS development plan and combined with his swims with Dave Scott his swimming is improving. Tom is looking forward to an improved swim in his first race later in April to supplement his already exellent bike and run ability.
I spent the Saturday of the Triathlon Show with Paul and Adam on the Swim Smooth stand – that was well attended throughout the day until Paul talked to a packed house in the afternoon (only matched by attendance at the Chrissie Wellingto talk). This is where I first saw the new Huub wetsuits and chatted to Dean Jackson, Huub Design, about the design and range of suits available – and they looked impressive!
Luckily for me I went to the Swim Smooth Clinic at Loughborough University and not only saw the new Swim Smooth Clinic format / video footage but also met Dean and Huub Toussant and was fortunate enough to be able to try out their top-of-the-range Archimedes wetsuit.
After only 50m Huub asked me to try swimming a CSS pace 100m to see how I compared with the wetsuit on. Knocking 13sec off this time with ease left me suitably impressed, especially as I’d only just resmed swimming after an injury!
The Archemedes was worn by Michael Raelert who came out first in the swim at the recent IM 70.3 race in Galverston – first race and first swim win, not a bad start.
Finally, I’m planning a series of Swim Smooth Clinics in the South West – Plymouth and Yeovil – for May, based on the latest material Paul and Adam have been busily preparing.
Martin
5th April 2012