I'm curious what my fellow slow twitchers do to train for the longest pool events. Of particular interest is input from those of you who also swam as a youth. With way less yardage that you used to do, what can be done to be able to survive a decent mile?
In my case, workouts are limited to an hour and there are usually 3+ per lane, so sets can't be dedicated just to my interests. However, the coaches are quite willing to do what they can for me.
I had a really unpleasant weekend where I raced a 1500 on Friday. I faded a bit and the struggle trying to maintain pace really drained me. In fact, I was really stiff and sore the next day (mainly my lats). I had to kill myself in the 800 on Sat. just to match my 800 split from the previous day. I was still stiff on Sunday.
Monday night, I finally felt recovered from that 1500. Coach had us do a 500 right after warmup. Since I was feeling pretty good, I pushed it, hard. My time in that practice 500 converts to a 400 SCM 5 seconds faster than what I did in the meet on Sunday. I don't know if that's encouraging or depressing. :lmao:
Former Member
I'm curious what my fellow slow twitchers do to train for the longest pool events. Of particular interest is input from those of you who also swam as a youth. With way less yardage that you used to do, what can be done to be able to survive a decent mile?
Hi, I swam competetively from the age of 10 to 20. I got back four years ago, at 41. I used to swim the 1500, 2 and 4 IM, 2 *** and fly. We didn't have 800m for boys then.
I do very much like Kirk Nelson. I swim 8-15x100, trying to hold as close to 1:10 as I can, or I do 9, 12 or 15x100, swimming 1-3: One quite easy (1:15), one moderate to fast (1:11-1:12) and one fast (1:08-1:09). The sendoffs vary from 1:20-1:35, according to shape and company.
I aslo do sets of 50s for race pace, 20-40x50.
And then I do the slower stuff, 10x200, 3-5x400, 3x800, and very rarely 1 or 2x1500. I swim all the 200+ events given a chance, so I can't spend all my yardage on freestyle.
I swim 4-5 times a week, 3000-5500 m. Average weekly yardage 2011-2012 was 17500m. In my late teens I did 2-4 times this. But my masters best 1500 is less than 30 seconds behind my all time best, so I believe I'm training smarter now.
I like to have the longer events early in a meet - for me it's all the relay 50s that drain me and make my muscles go 'dry' and sore.
When I got back, I started practising for the same events that I'd swam as an age grouper, but from the start I focused mainly on the 800/1500. The Norwegian Masters Nationals alternate the 800 and 1500 - one year 800 for men, 1500 for women, the next year the other way around. This is done to ensure some participation in all events; we aren't that many people in Norway :) - and to stop the meets from running too long.
I swim 4-5 times a week, 3000-5500 m. Average weekly yardage 2011-2012 was 17500m. In my late teens I did 2-4 times this. But my masters best 1500 is less than 30 seconds behind my all time best, so I believe I'm training smarter now.
Yeah, that's great! I swim sometimes with a Norwegian, Knut Landboe. He's a few years older than you, so you probably don't know him, but as you said Norge is a small country, population wise!
And a new anxiety dream is born. I'm behind the blocks, getting ready to swim. My cap is fine, my goggles are fine, and then I look down to see I'm wearing only a jammer!:eek:
Good to know. I'm not sure I would fit! I'd be afraid I'd end up :mooning:the spectators. And another anxiety dream is born...
:lmao:
A jammer? For Ellen?? :afraid::blush: :D
And a new anxiety dream is born. I'm behind the blocks, getting ready to swim. My cap is fine, my goggles are fine, and then I look down to see I'm wearing only a jammer!:eek:
But, be forewarned: Yingfa suits run small! At 5'7", 123 lbs., I wear a 3XL; the largest size offered in my suit! :bitching:
Good to know. I'm not sure I would fit! I'd be afraid I'd end up :mooning:the spectators. And another anxiety dream is born...
That day I'm swimming the 1650, 200 fly, and 400 IM. All on the same day. I've had my eye on it for a couple of years.
You in?
Hey, Swimosaur, let's start something new: Instead of a gridge, this can be a "MISERY LOVES COMPANY" challenge. We'll be in this together! :chug:
And a new anxiety dream is born. I'm behind the blocks, getting ready to swim. My cap is fine, my goggles are fine, and then I look down to see I'm wearing only a jammer!:eek:
Good to know. I'm not sure I would fit! I'd be afraid I'd end up :mooning:the spectators. And another anxiety dream is born...
At NW SCM Zones today, there was a woman in a jammer! I do not know if her name was Ellen, nor do I know if she got DQ'd for competing in a 2 piece suit. We now return you to your regularly scheduled :mooning:
Hey, Swimosaur, let's start something new: Instead of a gridge, this can be a "MISERY LOVES COMPANY" challenge. We'll be in this together! :chug:
OK, but only if it's a "JOY LOVES COMPANY" challenge! The only thing more joyful would be an 800 IM.
MISERY = 50 ***, 50 free, 100 fly, 100 ***, stuff like that. 25s? Are you kidding me?
OK, but only if it's a "JOY LOVES COMPANY" challenge! The only thing more joyful would be an 800 IM.
MISERY = 50 ***, 50 free, 100 fly, 100 ***, stuff like that. 25s? Are you kidding me?
50 ***? :banana: I love the extremes: 50 breaststroke and brute squad! :ohyeah:
But, I hear ya; we'll call it "JOY LOVES COMPANY". :D
Aren't you about the same age, Knelson? I think we were in the same age group in worlds in Gothenburg 2010.
That was my first year in 40-44. I'm 42 now.
I haven't seen Knut in the pool lately, but his son Tore swims on my team now (I've been swimming with the kids). He's 14 and getting taller and faster by the day, it seems.
