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.
That 4000 foot elevation probably won't affect you too much. My wife and I did the Pacific Crest Long course tri there back in 2010, and we both had really good swim times (run-not so much!). Only effect I noticed was an elevated heart rate.
Yeah, I normally don't have any trouble swimming at elevation either as long as I don't have to do flip turns! They kill me. I've done the Pacific Crest Triathlon Olympic distance triathlon each of the last two years and had great swims there both in 2013 and 2014 (1st out of the water). I also had a really good bike ride this year (13th overall). And I've done Donner Lake a couple of times and had no trouble with the elevation.
But when it comes to having to hold my breath for a couple of seconds every 17 seconds or so, it really gets to me after a while. The most pain I've been in while competing since I've started swimming was in 2013 when I did the 1500 in Bend at the Oregon Association Meet. I went a 19:13 and I nearly passed out from the pain! I used to end up gasping for air after every turn, but I've gotten better at controlling my breath into and out of turns recently, so hopefully my time will reflect that.
Colorado Swimming has an altitude converter: www.csi.org/coursealti.aspx
An 19:00 swim at Bend's altitude converts to a 18:49 at sea level.
Thanks for that handy, dandy tool, Kirk!
Rich is correct. Altitude adjustments may be used for qualifying times and/or seeding, but NEVER for performances, top ten, or records. Performances are what they are!
Sure, that makes sense Bob!
That 4000 foot elevation probably won't affect you too much. My wife and I did the Pacific Crest Long course tri there back in 2010, and we both had really good swim times (run-not so much!). Only effect I noticed was an elevated heart rate.
Yeah, I normally don't have any trouble swimming at elevation either as long as I don't have to do flip turns! They kill me. I've done the Pacific Crest Triathlon Olympic distance triathlon each of the last two years and had great swims there both in 2013 and 2014 (1st out of the water). I also had a really good bike ride this year (13th overall). And I've done Donner Lake a couple of times and had no trouble with the elevation.
But when it comes to having to hold my breath for a couple of seconds every 17 seconds or so, it really gets to me after a while. The most pain I've been in while competing since I've started swimming was in 2013 when I did the 1500 in Bend at the Oregon Association Meet. I went a 19:13 and I nearly passed out from the pain! I used to end up gasping for air after every turn, but I've gotten better at controlling my breath into and out of turns recently, so hopefully my time will reflect that.
Colorado Swimming has an altitude converter: www.csi.org/coursealti.aspx
An 19:00 swim at Bend's altitude converts to a 18:49 at sea level.
Thanks for that handy, dandy tool, Kirk!
Rich is correct. Altitude adjustments may be used for qualifying times and/or seeding, but NEVER for performances, top ten, or records. Performances are what they are!
Sure, that makes sense Bob!
