For some reason or another I have become and IMmer. Why I'm not exactly sure, I guess I like a challenge. I have always been a sprinter so this idea of there being a strategy to a race is new to me. I am however signed up for some 200 and 400 IMs at future meets. (I am able to handle these distances) But my question is what exactly should my race strategy be on a 200 IM? A 400 IM?
Thanks!
Strategy for the IM always depends on your ability in each of the strokes. As a sprinter you will probably want to make sure you do go out too fast so you can take advantage of your speed at the end.
Originally posted by etrain
200 - sprint each stroke, if you can try to split the fly and free the same.
I don't agree with this. Your fly split should be a second or two faster than your free or you're taking it out too slow, IMO.
Originally posted by shark
a good swim split in this fashion. 25, 30, 35, 26 with tenths and you have 1:56 high to 1:58 low
Those would be splits for a really good freestyler. I'd think most people who can finish a 200 IM with a 26 second freestyle split would be in the low 1:50s.
Your advice is good, though. I'd like to be able to swim a good IM, but I have two big problems called backstroke and breaststroke :)
Originally posted by knelson
I have two big problems called backstroke and breaststroke :)
That reminds me of when I swam an IM and just didn't do the breaststroke leg. I was the fastest one there that meet...:D
I have my swimmers adhere to this rule:
1. take the fly out fast, but not overextended, with a lot of air, 2up/1down breathing
2. the backstroke leg should not be any slower than 5 seconds slower than the fly split
3. the breaststroke leg should not be any slower than 5 seconds slower than the back leg
4. freestyle split as fast or as close as you can get it to the free split.
a good swim split in this fashion. 25, 30, 35, 26 with tenths and you have 1:56 high to 1:58 low which would qualify for our HS state swimming meet, of course this could adjust to the specific swimmers stroke ability
You can adjust the splits to your needs. This is just what I have been taught.
Originally posted by Alicat
That reminds me of when I swam an IM and just didn't do the breaststroke leg. I was the fastest one there that meet...:D
An I.M. without breaststroke? Since I am a terrible breaststroker that would be a perfect event for me.
Originally posted by etrain
We have a few swimmers that prefer to have the lights off when they swim breaststroke. And sometimes I wish the lights were off when they do breaststroke.
etrain
That would be me. :D
