Sorry if this is :dedhorse: , but I was wondering if there is such thing as a speed cap. A point where you just aren't going to get any faster. I know that's what happens with walls, but is there a point when you hit a permanent wall? I'm in decent enough shape (working on getting in better) and I've been told I have good technique, I just can't ever seem to get the speed I want. I recently took about 6 months off so I know that's a factor, but even when I've swam regularly for an extended amount of time my progress seems to cap at a certain point. Is it worth trying to gain the speed or should I just accept my fate in the slow lane? Thanks a bunch!!!!!!!:notworthy:
Swimming is a very mental sport. The more you think of how you're hitting walls and speedcaps, the more you're unknowingly psyching yourself out. Also, if you think your practice speed isn't getting any faster, its ok - cause practice speed isn't race speed.
Now is a great time of year to change your mental attitude towards your training! Set some goals - short term (aka, for a couple meets in say dec, jan/feb, and mar) and long term (zones/nationals in april/may). In the words of Chubbs from Happy Gilmore, find your "Happy Place" for your meets, have fun when you swim, and by all means, kick some butt!!!
Muppet:
Quite right about the mental part. You should always focus on what can help you go faster rather than dwelling on whether you will go faster. I already know my SCY turns stink, so I have something I know I can improve on.
Greg:
When you're charting your progress, are you comparing the first meet of last year to the first meet of this year? Or are you saying that you should go faster in your first meet of the season that you did at your last (probably championship) meet of the previous season? The latter would seem a bit hard to me if you've tapered or prepared for a big meet.
Ok. That makes me feel better. I just swam my first meet of the SC season. My times were faster than the same meet last year, but a bit slower than nationals from last spring. I'm not sure if it's due to my training though, or just having more experience at meets.
Running on a treadmill?! Yuck. Go outside. Find a nice trail. It makes running so much more fun.
I chart my meets from first meet this year and compare how I did at same meet last year. If Im faster this year then Im ahead of pace from last year.
For short course season I taper twice a year. My first taper will be middle of December where I taper with the USS team I train with. Second taper will either be for short course masters nationals or USS Sectional swim meet held around the same time.
greg
Well, my treadmill faces a wall mural of the woods, does that count :D I really prefer treadmill over running outside. I like to watch the clock and distance on treadmill. Plus, its easier for me to hit the treadmill with 2 kids, 2 dogs and the boss of the household. I spend enough time at the pool I do not need to spend more time away from the family :-)
Greg
Simple answer is no. When these people are in their 70's they will be training to slow the slipping of their times, not to become faster. They will probably be the best in their age group but their times will no longer be lifetime bests. We are humans, not machines. We age and deteriorate over time.
SCY freestyler:
So the speed cap doesn't hit until the 70s?! LOL. Gee, I don't think I'll be going my current 50 free time then. I was thinking there was a bit of a slide with each increasing age group. Now maybe when they come out with the fastskin III++ ...
Greg:
I commend you for going after that 200 fly. I used to like that event eons ago. I wouldn't attempt it now. Except with fins.
Seriously, though, how old will you be before you can't improve in the 200 fly anymore?
posted by Allison Leslie Fortress Inc.
Ask Dennis Baker that question.....He's still putting in times in the 2:06 ish range for the 200 meter longcourse butterfly at the ripe old age of 45 I believe. There are also older swimmers like Trip Hedrick (0ver 50) and Rich Abrahams (over 60) that can still put in a pretty fast 100 fly as well.
Newmastersswimmer
Simple answer is no. When these people are in their 70's they will be training to slow the slipping of their times, not to become faster. They will probably be the best in their age group but their times will no longer be lifetime bests. We are humans, not machines. We age and deteriorate over time.
