I guess some background information may help you in answering my question. Hello, my name is Alex and I am quickly approaching my last year of high school swimming. Last high school season I finished my 200 yard free with my best time of 2:12.17 (not that stellar I know :cry: ) However I did end up getting second place overall. Now next high school season I'm ranked first in the 200 yard free, but there's always room for improvement. I would LOVE to get the school record (1:55.45) by may 2012 but that's pushing it I think. So how do you swim a 200 free?
Last 200 yard free I swam I got a time of 2:17.09 I tried breathing every 4 the whole race and it really tired me out.
I believe my next strategy is going to be
1st 25 - go 99% breathing every 4
75 - 500 pace breathing every 2
50 - going 100% breathing every 6
50 - anything I got left
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Former Member
200 is debatably the hardest race in swimming. If you've ever run a 400 (1 lap) in track I think they are very similar. If you imagine just building to full speed over the entire length of the track, that's the most efficient route.
I would agree with building your speed throughout the 50's. I don't think it's in your best interest to go 99% on the first 50. That implies that you only have 1% for the rest of your race :). You don't need to psych out your competition since they can't necessarily see you. Kicking is also important. I feel all to often people focus too much on their arms and not enough on their legs.
Turning is definitely important. If you're not in a tight streamline, breathing on the first stoke, and breathing in-between the flags, you're adding a lot of time. When I was in HS I can't tell how much time I was able to cut off my races just by improving my turns.
Good luck with your goal. 1:55 is tough time to beat but if you're focused you can do it. What is your 50 Free time?
200 is debatably the hardest race in swimming. If you've ever run a 400 (1 lap) in track I think they are very similar. If you imagine just building to full speed over the entire length of the track, that's the most efficient route.
I would agree with building your speed throughout the 50's. I don't think it's in your best interest to go 99% on the first 50. That implies that you only have 1% for the rest of your race :). You don't need to psych out your competition since they can't necessarily see you. Kicking is also important. I feel all to often people focus too much on their arms and not enough on their legs.
Turning is definitely important. If you're not in a tight streamline, breathing on the first stoke, and breathing in-between the flags, you're adding a lot of time. When I was in HS I can't tell how much time I was able to cut off my races just by improving my turns.
Good luck with your goal. 1:55 is tough time to beat but if you're focused you can do it. What is your 50 Free time?
