aight here is the deal, i have been swimming on and off for about 2 years, i didnt actually start training consistently until about 6 months ago and since then i only go 3 times a week and my workouts are 2500-3000 yds. before 6 months ago all i did was straight swims of a mile or so. right now i can swim about 6:55 for the 500 free. im in cross conutry still,which will be over in 3 weeks, so i cant swim more than 4 x a week. this is my senior year in high school and i want to qualify for regionals in the 500, i feel if i can qualify for that then ill be able to make states. qualifying time is 6:24, is it possible for me to make that time when i start upping my yardage a lot and swimming 5-6 x a week. im going to work really hard and do everything i can to get it.
Back when I was in high school (when dinosaurs roamed the earth), I did cross country and swimming as well. My first year of high school swimming, I dropped a minute in the 500. (The other years, not so much improvement.) Part of that was the difference in intensity between age group practices and high school, part was the improved coaching. I think most of it came from strength training, both weight lifting and dryland exercises. (That was my first experience with real strength training.) My coaches also really pushed stretching, which is often undervalued.
Especially for distance swimmers, having a solid endurance base is important. You will be at a disadvantage compared to others who are (age-group) training this fall. When your swim season starts, keep the big picture in mind (states), even if it means sacrificing in the short term. Maybe you can talk to your coach to make sure you are on the same page.
Even if you can't get in the pool that often now (while you are running), you can try to strengthen up (especially upper body). And like Rob says, when you do get in the water, really work on your turns and technique!
Back when I was in high school (when dinosaurs roamed the earth), I did cross country and swimming as well. My first year of high school swimming, I dropped a minute in the 500. (The other years, not so much improvement.) Part of that was the difference in intensity between age group practices and high school, part was the improved coaching. I think most of it came from strength training, both weight lifting and dryland exercises. (That was my first experience with real strength training.) My coaches also really pushed stretching, which is often undervalued.
Especially for distance swimmers, having a solid endurance base is important. You will be at a disadvantage compared to others who are (age-group) training this fall. When your swim season starts, keep the big picture in mind (states), even if it means sacrificing in the short term. Maybe you can talk to your coach to make sure you are on the same page.
Even if you can't get in the pool that often now (while you are running), you can try to strengthen up (especially upper body). And like Rob says, when you do get in the water, really work on your turns and technique!
