Since getting back into masters swimming after a long (12 year) hiatus I've been playing around with the track start which came into vogue after my first "retirement". I'm still torn between the two and have been trying to find what fits me best.
The last month or so I've had a chance to watch ASU, UA, Auburn and UNLV swim meets and what's interesting is that I only saw one or two swimmers using a traditonal "grab" start. I know a few of these coaches and they all said the same thing, it's hands down the fastest start of the two.
Recently a new group has introduced a program caller "PowerStarts" (www.quickgetaway.com) which advocates the complete opposite philosophy. By the way, I'm NOT endorsing this TI type program but do find it interesting!!!
I've had a chance to discuss some of this with Wayne and have basically come to the conclusion that a traditonal grab (power start style) start still works best for my body type (and lack of fast twitch ability!). I do however need to commit the workout time to run a series of 15 M sprints and see what really works.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
Great minds think alike! I had recently begun to question the wisdom of using the track start, and now you've started this topic, Paul. Thanks! I had e-mailed Bill Tingley to ask his opinion (because my own coach is in Cancun right now getting ready to compete in the World Triathlon Championships--rough life, Susan!), and he told me I was probably right to be rethinking my track start. My big concern is that on days when my back is bothering me (which is more often than not), I have a hard time getting down quickly and remaining stationary. I don't know if the grab start will be any better for me in terms of pain and steadiness, but if I can get more distance off my start, that would be a good thing.
I've been using the track start for a few years now, because (surprise, surprise) it was recommended by the University of Kentucky coaching staff at a clinic they did for us. You're right, Paul. All the UK swimmers do the track start. I officiate their meets, and have never seen any of them (or any of their opponents) use anything except a track start. I've been told I actually have a pretty good start. Fast reaction time for a middle-aged, out-of-shape woman who hardly ever trains hard! But I am starting to worry about getting DQ'd for a false start if I can't stay steady on the blocks. I have never been DQ'd for any reason in all my years of competition (going back to age-group swimming) and don't want to start now! (This doesn't mean I haven't deserved to be DQ'd in some instances, just that I've never been caught!)
I'm going to try to get Bill to watch me do both starts during warmups at the Kentucky Classic meet tomorrow, and go with whichever start he thinks I'm better off with. And then we'll see what my times look like!
Meg
Great minds think alike! I had recently begun to question the wisdom of using the track start, and now you've started this topic, Paul. Thanks! I had e-mailed Bill Tingley to ask his opinion (because my own coach is in Cancun right now getting ready to compete in the World Triathlon Championships--rough life, Susan!), and he told me I was probably right to be rethinking my track start. My big concern is that on days when my back is bothering me (which is more often than not), I have a hard time getting down quickly and remaining stationary. I don't know if the grab start will be any better for me in terms of pain and steadiness, but if I can get more distance off my start, that would be a good thing.
I've been using the track start for a few years now, because (surprise, surprise) it was recommended by the University of Kentucky coaching staff at a clinic they did for us. You're right, Paul. All the UK swimmers do the track start. I officiate their meets, and have never seen any of them (or any of their opponents) use anything except a track start. I've been told I actually have a pretty good start. Fast reaction time for a middle-aged, out-of-shape woman who hardly ever trains hard! But I am starting to worry about getting DQ'd for a false start if I can't stay steady on the blocks. I have never been DQ'd for any reason in all my years of competition (going back to age-group swimming) and don't want to start now! (This doesn't mean I haven't deserved to be DQ'd in some instances, just that I've never been caught!)
I'm going to try to get Bill to watch me do both starts during warmups at the Kentucky Classic meet tomorrow, and go with whichever start he thinks I'm better off with. And then we'll see what my times look like!
Meg
