I am a track and field sprinter (100m-400m) and looking for some cross training. I started swimming because we have a pool where I work and I was nursing back spasms and achilies tendonitis from running. I found out about local swim meets and thought it would be fun to try. I love to compete.
It was a blast. It was very similar to a track meet so I was comfortable in that regard, but nervous because I have never raced in a pool.
I only know freestyle. Did the 100m free in 70 seconds (three bad turns) and the 50m free in 30 seconds (one bad turn). I have no clue how to do the flip turns and it showed. I will definately need to practice that.
I found it hard to warm up properly and got cold waiting for my events. Will need to pack very warm clothes next time.
People that don't look very fast out of the water.... are very fast in the water.
People at swim meets couldn't be more friendly and helpful. I got alot of good advice.
Will practice the turns and hopefully get down to a 27 and a 60 for the next meet. If I can improve alot, I may focus on swim training and run secondary.
I will probably post again asking when to initiate the flip turn. I need to learn what to key on visually as I approach. This was my big problem. I had no spacial awareness and vision.
Yes,
I think technique is everything in swimming. I can bench 300 lbs but it ment nothing at the meet, as smaller guys destroyed me. I think once technique is "perfected", power will be an advantage in the 50 but stength endurance is needed for distances over that.
I will swim more frequently once my shoulders get used to the workouts. I think lifting for power is a good idea in the non-competative season and just maintenance in the competative season.
As far as swimming volume I compare it to running:
My typical running workout volume for the 400m is usually around 2400m, or 6 times race distance. That means all I do is about 600 yards of intervals in the pool, not including a 200 yard warm up.
I will try longer distances during the summer since there are no pool meets.
Yes,
I think technique is everything in swimming. I can bench 300 lbs but it ment nothing at the meet, as smaller guys destroyed me. I think once technique is "perfected", power will be an advantage in the 50 but stength endurance is needed for distances over that.
I will swim more frequently once my shoulders get used to the workouts. I think lifting for power is a good idea in the non-competative season and just maintenance in the competative season.
As far as swimming volume I compare it to running:
My typical running workout volume for the 400m is usually around 2400m, or 6 times race distance. That means all I do is about 600 yards of intervals in the pool, not including a 200 yard warm up.
I will try longer distances during the summer since there are no pool meets.
