Trying to set one solid goal for next year. After a mediocre season, I've decided to focus on one event only for next year. I want to see if I can break 5 minutes for a 500 free.
Back in my college days (almost 30 years ago), my best was a 4:47, and I would routinely swim just under 5 in most dual meets. Since I started Masters swimming 4 years ago, my best has been a 5:10. Not bad, but I think I can do better.
Now here's the question for all the middle-distance studs out there: what are some good workouts/drills that you can do to A) increase raw speed, and B) increase endurance. As I mentioned in a different thread, I have been dealing with a mild anemia issue, which I'm pretty sure has been resolved.
Glenn, I did that 30x50 set last weekend. Did it on a 50 second interval. I was able to make the first 12, and then it became sort of hit-and miss. The slowest one was just under 31. Absolutely killed me!
It is very, very, very difficult to start a USRPT set like that without having done one before. I sometimes forget that when I talk to people about USRPT!
When I started I was doing them all wrong, i.e., I did them as sets of ten repeats with rest in between. It took me a while to understand how they are supposed to actually be done. Working into the set by getting used to the interval, when to go on each one, how to keep track of your times etc. all takes practice. There is nothing wrong with "adjusting" the set in the beginning in order to get some success doing them this way and getting practice doing them correctly. It is easy to get discouraged by USRPT if you take too big a bite in the beginning. I am still learning how to do these sets correctly.
Doing two two sets a day is not easy either. Dr Rushall wants me to do three sets at least once a week. That's my goal right now. We'll see how long it takes me to get to that point.
In the end you need to do what works for you. If it is USRPT, great, if not, there are other approaches that can be of benefit as well.
Glenn, I did that 30x50 set last weekend. Did it on a 50 second interval. I was able to make the first 12, and then it became sort of hit-and miss. The slowest one was just under 31. Absolutely killed me!
It is very, very, very difficult to start a USRPT set like that without having done one before. I sometimes forget that when I talk to people about USRPT!
When I started I was doing them all wrong, i.e., I did them as sets of ten repeats with rest in between. It took me a while to understand how they are supposed to actually be done. Working into the set by getting used to the interval, when to go on each one, how to keep track of your times etc. all takes practice. There is nothing wrong with "adjusting" the set in the beginning in order to get some success doing them this way and getting practice doing them correctly. It is easy to get discouraged by USRPT if you take too big a bite in the beginning. I am still learning how to do these sets correctly.
Doing two two sets a day is not easy either. Dr Rushall wants me to do three sets at least once a week. That's my goal right now. We'll see how long it takes me to get to that point.
In the end you need to do what works for you. If it is USRPT, great, if not, there are other approaches that can be of benefit as well.
