[jome]

My experience is very similar with Derelictp, actually my times are very close. With the "old style" breathholding, there is a definite point where hyperventilation stops being useful, but some is required to go for max. With too much hyperventilation there'll be dizzyness, needles on fingers etc. Very late contractions (I think max 5:15 or something), but a very sharp decline after that and end up feeling horrible with 10-15 contractions.

However, I've only tried the contractions method now in 4 sessions, and already I can see my times closing in on my old pb. This is such a short time training, that it would seem very likely that one day I will reach or even pass those times.

Today was far from optimum and I was unable to concentrate or relax really well. Holiday season is creeping to the pool too. They even played christmas songs, ugh. Anyway, I did a 5:30 (70 contractions from 3:30) and 5:58 (60 from 4:15 or so). I think I might have even had it in me to go to ~6:30 if I didn't have to fight coughing for the first 3 minutes.

Anyway, I'll have to do it longer to really know.

By the way, I find that contractions are easier, mellower and less frequent in the water too. But the weird thing is, I can push further dry, even though it's clearly a tougher hold (ears ringing and what not). I think this has to do with some primitive drowning fobia or something, but in the water I'm always more vary and conservative, even if it's subconcious. It used to be even worse, but it's getting better with practise. It's a kind of "I could go longer, but what if I pass out and inhale water or something" kind of fear. I think that was the most contributing factor in the huge difference in dry vs. wet pb for me earlier...