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This article covers everything about Swedish goggles, the type I have worn my entire swimming and triathlon career. When I am at the starting line of a triathlon and see a guy I don’t know who is wearing Swedes, I assume he is a good swimmer with college experience. It may sound silly that goggles tell so much, but it has worked for me. If you are at a race where nobody knows you, it may be to your advantage to wear Swedes if you aren’t a good swimmer, just because people will think you are fast and hand over a better starting position in the wave. Or, if you are a good swimmer and an unknown, it may be better to skip the Swedes so that the swimmers in the field don’t know who you are.
Q:I sometimes have back problems when swimming that I don’t see in running. Is there a reason for this and is there something I can do about it?
A: The causes of back injuries are many. Swimming is not usually the cause, but it can enhance a pre-existing injury or weakness. Water motion places a heavy burden on the trunk muscles (abdominals and back) for stability. Thus, if your core is weak or already injured it can manifest itself as pain while swimming. Running also stresses the core but in a different muscle movement and intensity. Thus it is possible to feel back pain in swimming that is completely absent while running.
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Coach Dobko will pick one of your questions each week and give you some insight into swimming. E-mail your questions to duanesworlddobko@worldnet.att.net.
Changes in water temperature have a much more dramatic effect on swimming performance compared to the effects of air temperature on running or cycling performance. It is ideal to race at a water temperature of 75 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Even these temperatures will feel cold when you first jump in, but it is the ideal water temperature for the body to transfer its heat during strenuous exercise. Performance drops off quickly as temperatures rise. On average, expect a slowdown of a quarter second per 100 meters for every degree above 78.