biggest time accomplishment

I can't imagine any speed could be generated by 8 strokes per lap. That's a lot of gliding and reduced turnover.

My biggest time drop was in my junior year of high school.. I dropped 21 seconds in the 200 back and made nationals. I haven't swum an event yet with masters, but I highly doubt that I will be that fast again.

My biggest time drops have been in the 1000, 1650 and 1500. I swam the 1650 Jan. 2004 in 24:45. Swam it again in April 2004 in 24:01. Swam the 1000 in April '03 in 14:45; swam it in Apr. '04 in 14:01. Swam the 1500 in July '04 in 24:20; swam it again this month in 23:18. I am looking forward to swimming the 1650 again next Jan. and Apr.; the 1000 in April as well and the 1500 in July (along with the 400/500 and 800 long course). I think one of the most important factors in the time drops has been consistant dryland training. I have also dropped my stroke count (per 25) from 20 (when I first started swimming), to 17, then to 10 and now it's down to 8 strokes per length. I couldn't have done this without stretching and focusing on form. Another important factor: learning to tolerate the pain! :eek:

Originally posted by aquageek I'll have to get back to you on this. After I don the clown suit and lap gull80 in the 500 I'll be in a better position to report my time. I'm afraid you've been inhaling the swamp gas again. Or did you mean to say "get lapped by"?

I had a few: 1650 yard free: 2002- 19:32.20 2003- 18:36.02 1500 (SC) meter free: previous best (1992)- 19:53.10 2003- 18:33.54 1500 (LC) meter free: 2001- 20:59.52 2002- 19:40.10 One Hour Swim: previous best (1994?)- 4,585 yards 2003- 5,075 yards 2003- 5,085 yards (split from 6000 yard postal) 400 (SC) meter IM: previous best (1996?)- 5:59.87 2002- 5:21.88 2003- 5:10.67 In total, I had over 50 lifetime best swims between May, 2002, and February, 2004 (age 36-38). ~Bill

That is really impressive....it gives me hope!!

I am anxious to see what I will have to say in a year since my swimming experience is just a "baby trying to walk", but in 3 months since I've started I dropped my 100 meter freestyle from around 1:42 to 1:19 now.

Originally posted by Fishgrrl My biggest time drops have been in the 1000, 1650 and 1500. I swam the 1650 Jan. 2004 in 24:45. Swam it again in April 2004 in 24:01. Swam the 1000 in April '03 in 14:45; swam it in Apr. '04 in 14:01. Swam the 1500 in July '04 in 24:20; swam it again this month in 23:18. I am looking forward to swimming the 1650 again next Jan. and Apr.; the 1000 in April as well and the 1500 in July (along with the 400/500 and 800 long course). I think one of the most important factors in the time drops has been consistant dryland training. I have also dropped my stroke count (per 25) from 20 (when I first started swimming), to 17, then to 10 and now it's down to 8 strokes per length. I couldn't have done this without stretching and focusing on form. Another important factor: learning to tolerate the pain! :eek: 8 strokes????:eek: you mean 4 srtroke cycles?That is INCREDIBLE!!!You mean you swim at your competitive pace consistently doing just 8 strokes?Is that even possible?

In Feb 1955 my coach called me and told me I was selected to represent Canada in the Pan Am Games in Mexico, the selection was made on past performances. I started training but was swimming very badly, I could not get my time below one min. for 100 yards(stinko). I decided not to go but the next day at a time trial I did a 51 second 100 yards, so I changed my mind and went. It worked out fine I came second in the Pan Am games, just touched out in the 100 meters free by Clarke Scholes of the USA, the 1952 Olympic Champion. Nine second drop overnight. George www.swimdownhill.com

My freestyle stroke count is around 10 to 12 strokes per 25 yards (so 5 to 6 stroke cycles per 25 yards) WHEN I am at "cruising" speed (as opposed to full blown out race speed) ...and then I am really stretching my stroke out and trying to get as much distance per stroke as I can.....I have never heard of anyone who could average 8 strokes per 25.....But I'm not saying it's impossible by any means....Maybe that person is some kind of distance swimmer that has naturally developed a longer stroke?? It is very impressive though! Another possibility is that the person really meant 8 stroke cycles instead of 8 individual strokes (so 8 with each arm instead of 4 with each arm)?? .....a simple misunderstanding perhaps??....If, however, that person did really mean 8 strokes per 25, then I am very impressed!! (and jealous)! newmastersswimmer