Practice Makes Permanent!

Oh yes, this is what was told me today by my fantastic physical therapist, Don Rourke. (He really is terrific if you happen to need a PT recommendation.)

I made a point about when swimming with good form my shoulder and back hurt less. (OK, perhaps "good form" is a little strong. Perhaps "less crappy form" would be a better phrase.) And he got all kinds of animated. He says to me, "Right, practice makes..." Like a damn fool I say, "Perfect." I was wrong.

(walked right into that one!)

This is where I got my education for the day. Practicing with bad form makes the bad form permanent. Better to swim 300 meters well and get out, than swim 1000 meters but reinforce bad form. Bad form puts stress in places where it should not be. Bad form leads to injury. Bad form keeps injuries from healing. Bad form will not help you get faster.

Okay, Okay. I get it. Less is more if it is good quality. A good philosophy all around!