I am pretty new to competitive swimming and have only raced sprint (50s and 100s) events thus far. That is mostly because short events are all I thought I could handle -- not because I thought I had any particular speed or affinity for these events.
Now, I am working on developing a dryland training program designed to complement my swimming. I need to know whether to focus on sprint events (which need power), middle distance events (which need power and endurance) or distance events (which need primarily endurance). Since my technique is only in the formative stages (so I am not yet equipped to show off any speed I might someday have), how can I tell whether I'd be better as a sprinter, middle distance or distance swimmer? Short of having a muscle biopsy to discern my ratio of fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fibers, is there a way to tell? How do coaches help swimmers choose their best events?
I ask because the dryland program I create will be very different based on my in-pool goals. For example, a dryland program designed for a distance swimmer could totally wreck the performance of a sprinter because intense aerobic endurance training decreases power output. (That's why you won't see power lifters riding the exercise bike except, perhaps, in the off-season.) I want to make sure I get it right. Any thoughts?
Parents
Former Member
SW,
The question is not what event SHOULD I do, but what events do I WANT to do. At this point in your swimming career, how can you tell? You've only done 50's & 100's. My first recommendation would be to try a few wild and crazy events you might not consider to see if you would like that sort of thing. I include open water distance swims (or at least when the weather permits that), which is a very different animal than pool meets. Obviously, make sure you can complete an event without getting DQ'ed before you enter it. A trial swim in practice with your coach watching for illegal moves should answer that question.
In the meantime, if you like lifting weights, just do a generalized program as Shin recommends. However, if you have no particular fondness for the weight room, I would not do weights on the false assumption they are the best way to get faster. For beginners, improved technique is the best way to get faster.
However, all that said, do what you enjoy doing. This is Masters swimming. We may all marvel at the folks who set 4 world records in one swim (and other competitive acheivements), but we're all really in this sport because it's fun, and it keeps us active. If you hate the 400 IM, don't do it or train for it. If you love it, do it at every opportunity. I would recommend NOT doing anything out of a sense of obligation, it will just kill your joy for the sport and turn you into a former swimmer that much faster. Do do what makes you excited, and you will swim better, longer, faster.
Happy Laps,
Matt
SW,
The question is not what event SHOULD I do, but what events do I WANT to do. At this point in your swimming career, how can you tell? You've only done 50's & 100's. My first recommendation would be to try a few wild and crazy events you might not consider to see if you would like that sort of thing. I include open water distance swims (or at least when the weather permits that), which is a very different animal than pool meets. Obviously, make sure you can complete an event without getting DQ'ed before you enter it. A trial swim in practice with your coach watching for illegal moves should answer that question.
In the meantime, if you like lifting weights, just do a generalized program as Shin recommends. However, if you have no particular fondness for the weight room, I would not do weights on the false assumption they are the best way to get faster. For beginners, improved technique is the best way to get faster.
However, all that said, do what you enjoy doing. This is Masters swimming. We may all marvel at the folks who set 4 world records in one swim (and other competitive acheivements), but we're all really in this sport because it's fun, and it keeps us active. If you hate the 400 IM, don't do it or train for it. If you love it, do it at every opportunity. I would recommend NOT doing anything out of a sense of obligation, it will just kill your joy for the sport and turn you into a former swimmer that much faster. Do do what makes you excited, and you will swim better, longer, faster.
Happy Laps,
Matt
