I am swimming at nationals in San Antonio. Have had a solid season of training, focusing on sprints, particularly. (50 fly, 50 free and 100 IM at nationals.) I swam in a local meet over the weekend; rested a little, but not much, beforehand. Felt tired and a little sore, due I think to high intensity stuff in workouts. I had very little backend on 100s and 200 IM, but I attribute that to being a little run down.
My question is this: how much sprinting should I do over the next month? Feel as if the sprints (lots of 25s fly and free, especially) have helped me edge toward higher turnover, and I'm pleased about that. I want to be sharp but not tired in San Antonio. I have been swimming 10,000 to 12,000 yards per week through the first quarter. Any insights welcome.
Thanks, mrubacky, orca and Elaine. There's another layer to the story: ten years ago this summer, after a rec-league basketball game, I had a heart attack at 44. I was lucky, and sustained virtually no damage, but I did get a fistful of stents. I have an ongoing debate with my cardiologist about the wisdom of competing (he's not in favor) but the goal-setting provided by intermittent meets is what has kept me in the water. Paddling around not an option. I'm genuinely happy to have done as well as I have, and see swimming as a survival strategy as important, if not more, than any daily medication. I also see room for improvement, so there's more to focus on... I am very grateful, all told–as well I should be!
Thanks, mrubacky, orca and Elaine. There's another layer to the story: ten years ago this summer, after a rec-league basketball game, I had a heart attack at 44. I was lucky, and sustained virtually no damage, but I did get a fistful of stents. I have an ongoing debate with my cardiologist about the wisdom of competing (he's not in favor) but the goal-setting provided by intermittent meets is what has kept me in the water. Paddling around not an option. I'm genuinely happy to have done as well as I have, and see swimming as a survival strategy as important, if not more, than any daily medication. I also see room for improvement, so there's more to focus on... I am very grateful, all told–as well I should be!
