Saw this article today on The Race Club website. Since we have so many Texas Exes (GO HORNS beat SC!) on here, I was wondering what the opinions were on his comments.
64.70.236.56/.../index.html
At least good for some gripping discussion, Lord knows we need a good "spirited" discussion on here...
Parents
Former Member
Some stuff rings true in his article especially as it pertains to the 50s and 100s.
However, swimming the 200 and above in the final heat at US Nationals, unfortunately requires both natural talent (i.e. genetics) as well as a solid aerobic base built from a relatively young age. There are very few Rowdy Gaines's out there that can start so late comparatively and reach the very top. While I agree it is important not to "burn out" young kids with 10,000 meter a day regimes like the old Mission Viejo days in the 1970s, one must acknowledge the benefits of a training base that is accumulated through the years. No one wants to have to do this mentally or physically, but the benefits are certainly proven.
It's a balancing act. How much yardage to do early on as well as picking your "right event" as Gary puts it.
John Smith
Some stuff rings true in his article especially as it pertains to the 50s and 100s.
However, swimming the 200 and above in the final heat at US Nationals, unfortunately requires both natural talent (i.e. genetics) as well as a solid aerobic base built from a relatively young age. There are very few Rowdy Gaines's out there that can start so late comparatively and reach the very top. While I agree it is important not to "burn out" young kids with 10,000 meter a day regimes like the old Mission Viejo days in the 1970s, one must acknowledge the benefits of a training base that is accumulated through the years. No one wants to have to do this mentally or physically, but the benefits are certainly proven.
It's a balancing act. How much yardage to do early on as well as picking your "right event" as Gary puts it.
John Smith
