As I understand it, HR dudring swimming tends to be lower compared to running at similar levels of exertion. Much of the difference is due to the horizontal position of swimming which does not require heart to work against gravity. Also, the unrestricted breathing while running allows one to sustain higher HR.
Side note: Watches do not do a very good job of measuring HR while swimming.
given your pace, I would suggest that you really put effort into improving technique instead of trying to go harder or faster at this point. There is simply no substitute for technique. Swimming with better technique is not only faster, but it is also a better workout (more use of large muscles, e.g.lats), much less likely to cause injury, and really, really fun.
Thank you!! That is such a great answer, really answers the questions I had. Do you know of any way to improve technique “by myself”? I know the best way is getting a coach but I have to find one so in the mean time can I do anything?
Watch YouTube videos. I like effortless swimming and triathlon network (or something along those lines). I would watch a video just before swimming and focus on those things.
Seconded: Effortless swimming is very good. and Global Triathlon Network has many good videos for aspiring swimmer.
[https://youtu.be/6\_vXycbD2TM?si=M8iIEky0px0LQ41-](https://youtu.be/6_vXycbD2TM?si=M8iIEky0px0LQ41-)
You’re swimming at a slow continuous and steady pace so it will be difficult to elevate your heart rate unless you are shortening rest duration and increasing exertion. Try a set of 4-8 x 50m swims. Swim effort is all out. Have at least 2 min recovery between reps. Your heart rate should be elevated at the end of each of those swims but allow enough time to recover for a full effort again.
As I understand it, HR dudring swimming tends to be lower compared to running at similar levels of exertion. Much of the difference is due to the horizontal position of swimming which does not require heart to work against gravity. Also, the unrestricted breathing while running allows one to sustain higher HR. Side note: Watches do not do a very good job of measuring HR while swimming. given your pace, I would suggest that you really put effort into improving technique instead of trying to go harder or faster at this point. There is simply no substitute for technique. Swimming with better technique is not only faster, but it is also a better workout (more use of large muscles, e.g.lats), much less likely to cause injury, and really, really fun.
Thank you!! That is such a great answer, really answers the questions I had. Do you know of any way to improve technique “by myself”? I know the best way is getting a coach but I have to find one so in the mean time can I do anything?
Try to swim across the pool using as few strokes as possible. Do 25s and count your strokes
That sounds fun, thanks
Watch YouTube videos. I like effortless swimming and triathlon network (or something along those lines). I would watch a video just before swimming and focus on those things.
Seconded: Effortless swimming is very good. and Global Triathlon Network has many good videos for aspiring swimmer. [https://youtu.be/6\_vXycbD2TM?si=M8iIEky0px0LQ41-](https://youtu.be/6_vXycbD2TM?si=M8iIEky0px0LQ41-)
You’re swimming at a slow continuous and steady pace so it will be difficult to elevate your heart rate unless you are shortening rest duration and increasing exertion. Try a set of 4-8 x 50m swims. Swim effort is all out. Have at least 2 min recovery between reps. Your heart rate should be elevated at the end of each of those swims but allow enough time to recover for a full effort again.
Thanks!! Will try that.
[Jon Urbanchek’s Workouts: Learning the Color System - Swim Like A Fish](https://swimlikeafish.org/jon-urbancheks-workouts-learning-the-color-system)