Hello all,
I train at UC (Cincinnati), and I train hard every day. The problem is (at least I think it's a problem) that long course is only available three days a week out of the seven that I swim. My question is, what kinds of swims do I do in yards that could condition my body for the stresses of long course races? I swim all breaststroke distances (prefer the 50 and 100, but the 200 is probably my best), and sprint freestyle (just the 50 at nationals). I am doing a lot of sprint work and kick work which I think will benefit my 50 and 100 breaststroke and freestyle, but I am a little worried that I won't be aerobically ready for the 200 when it is time to race. Simply speaking :P, there are just too many turns in a 200 yard breaststroke to mimic one set in LCM. If anyone has any ideas, I would appreciate it! Thanks!
Alex M.
I'm sorry you feel that way,that has certainly not been my experience.I agree that racing LCM is a totally different from racing SC,but my experience is that with a little creativity I can be prepared for LCM races.
I totally agree with Allen. I've never ever done a single LCM practice (for lack of opportunity) but at the 2013 LCM nationals, I won three events in my age group. I find that SCY is more than adequate preparation for me to compete very well in LCM and open water.
I do a lot of open water races too and consistently place quite well at them, often winning my age group or even winning the entire event, yet I haven't done an open water "practice" swim in nearly 2 years (I only get in the open water to race now, not to train).
I think it really comes down to where your strengths lie and what you need to work on. For me, I don't have any problem with endurance or finding a rhythm for swimming long distances. But I do have problems controlling my breath out of turns, so I focus on improving that aspect of my swimming. Figure out what your weaknesses are and then work on improving them.
I'm sorry you feel that way,that has certainly not been my experience.I agree that racing LCM is a totally different from racing SC,but my experience is that with a little creativity I can be prepared for LCM races.
I totally agree with Allen. I've never ever done a single LCM practice (for lack of opportunity) but at the 2013 LCM nationals, I won three events in my age group. I find that SCY is more than adequate preparation for me to compete very well in LCM and open water.
I do a lot of open water races too and consistently place quite well at them, often winning my age group or even winning the entire event, yet I haven't done an open water "practice" swim in nearly 2 years (I only get in the open water to race now, not to train).
I think it really comes down to where your strengths lie and what you need to work on. For me, I don't have any problem with endurance or finding a rhythm for swimming long distances. But I do have problems controlling my breath out of turns, so I focus on improving that aspect of my swimming. Figure out what your weaknesses are and then work on improving them.
