I notice that many of the posted workouts use seconds resting instead of intervals "start to start". Is this phenomenon unique to Master's swimming? Is there a reason for this?
I am used to seeing "8x50 on :50", for example. The amount of rest depends on how fast you can finish.
Just curious to see what the thought is behind simply using the rest period.
Parents
Former Member
We have batted around a couple of different ways to measure the work to rest ratio. There are pluses and minuses to either. I think the real key should be matching the work:rest ratio (how ever you measure it) to your goal for the set.
There is an old Emmett post that goes into this in great detail; it is worth the search if you have not read it. To sum it up: if you have a very low rest interval (e.g. 100's on 1:30 and you're finishing the 100 on about 1:25), you are working on aerobic endurance. If you increase the ratio of rest, I think it's at about the 1:1 point, you are working on your ability to tolerate higher levels of lactate acid, i.e. process it out of your system, for longer periods of time. If you get up to lots of rest to work, say 6:1 (i.e. sprint a 50, rest a few minutes, sprint another), you are working on your ability to tolerate high levels of lactate acid and still perform. Finally, outside of the conditioning realm, there are stroke technique sets. Here the goal is to NOT push yourself, but to have your attention focused on doing precise technical skills.
You can measure rest any way you like, but the first question in your mind should be, what am I trying to do with this set. Some folks like to chase the fastest swimmers, and will insist on using their interval whenever they can, even if it is touch-and-go, hang on by their fingernails. You can do that, but you may be turning what is supposed to be a higher quality set, or a drill set, into an aerobic set. Focus on your goal, and let the interval follow.
Matt
We have batted around a couple of different ways to measure the work to rest ratio. There are pluses and minuses to either. I think the real key should be matching the work:rest ratio (how ever you measure it) to your goal for the set.
There is an old Emmett post that goes into this in great detail; it is worth the search if you have not read it. To sum it up: if you have a very low rest interval (e.g. 100's on 1:30 and you're finishing the 100 on about 1:25), you are working on aerobic endurance. If you increase the ratio of rest, I think it's at about the 1:1 point, you are working on your ability to tolerate higher levels of lactate acid, i.e. process it out of your system, for longer periods of time. If you get up to lots of rest to work, say 6:1 (i.e. sprint a 50, rest a few minutes, sprint another), you are working on your ability to tolerate high levels of lactate acid and still perform. Finally, outside of the conditioning realm, there are stroke technique sets. Here the goal is to NOT push yourself, but to have your attention focused on doing precise technical skills.
You can measure rest any way you like, but the first question in your mind should be, what am I trying to do with this set. Some folks like to chase the fastest swimmers, and will insist on using their interval whenever they can, even if it is touch-and-go, hang on by their fingernails. You can do that, but you may be turning what is supposed to be a higher quality set, or a drill set, into an aerobic set. Focus on your goal, and let the interval follow.
Matt
