Hi all,
I'm the Slow Swimmer in Residence at my swim practices, and this often means that I'm maybe halfway done with a set when people are moving on to the next one. Usually, I have the slow lane to myself, which widens my options somewhat (if I don't, I do whatever the others are doing, even if it means moving on to the next set before I'm done with the previous one).
Since I almost NEVER finish my sets the same time as the others (unless I get to the practice earlier... that allows me to come out even with the others at least on the first set), would I benefit more from (a), (b) or (c)?:
(a) jump to the sets that others are doing even if not finished with all the repeats (ex.: 10x100; others have moved on to 250s. I have done 5-6 100s... following this option, I'd stop doing the 100s and move ahead to the 250s).
(b) finish the set I'm doing, then start on whatever set others are doing, even if they're, let's say, two or more sets ahead of me.
(c) finish the set I'm doing, then move on to the next one in the order the coach listed, only skipping ahead if the time allotted for the workout is drawing to a close and I need the warmdown.
Underlying all this, I guess what I am asking is whether it's better to do fewer repetitions but more of the sets that everyone's doing or all the repetitions but finish fewer sets.
Some might say I should retire to the open lap swim, but I'm not ready to do that. ;)
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for all your replies!
As far as others in the lane, I've been pretty lucky for the most part--I've lately been the only one in my lane (no one else that slow, but I suppose there's some trade-off...).
Should note my week's "picture": I work out on my own during the week (work schedule and masters' group workouts not in sync), but on Sat. and Sun. I do group practices. Sat.'s is smaller (three lanes and only about 6-8 swimmers), also shorter (an hour), whereas Sun.'s goes for two hours, and there are considerably more swimmers (haven't counted them, still new to the group), w/ ten lanes available.
My dream is to become fast enough to move up to the next lane for the Sunday practices. That's a small step up, I know, but have to start somewhere. And hey I love crowds! :)
Occasionally some tired swimmers will find their way to my lane, and they're always welcome to join me. When they do, we often split the lane, so both swimmers can do their own pace. In those instances, I stay in the same set the other person's doing, even if that means not doing as many repeats--makes it easier for both me and the other swimmer.
But if I'm in the lane by myself, I still want to negotiate the workout in a way that will most benefit me as a swimmer. From what you folks are saying, it looks as if it's better to get as much of the "whole mix" as possible, rather than skip sets. That by itself helps.
Should mention that in both workouts, the coaches are not giving a lot of feedback, although they will do so if specifically asked. At first, I was a little taken aback by that, but sometimes I like the flexibility it gives me to make my own way through the workout. I've more or less decided that I have to take care of my own "workout within a workout" and set my own goals, also meshing with the others in my lane. The first masters' coach I had, though, was much more hands-on, and I really valued that. I learned so much from him. Yet recognizing that the ultimate person I report to about my progress is myself, no matter who gives feedback, is itself worthwhile.
Thanks for all your replies!
As far as others in the lane, I've been pretty lucky for the most part--I've lately been the only one in my lane (no one else that slow, but I suppose there's some trade-off...).
Should note my week's "picture": I work out on my own during the week (work schedule and masters' group workouts not in sync), but on Sat. and Sun. I do group practices. Sat.'s is smaller (three lanes and only about 6-8 swimmers), also shorter (an hour), whereas Sun.'s goes for two hours, and there are considerably more swimmers (haven't counted them, still new to the group), w/ ten lanes available.
My dream is to become fast enough to move up to the next lane for the Sunday practices. That's a small step up, I know, but have to start somewhere. And hey I love crowds! :)
Occasionally some tired swimmers will find their way to my lane, and they're always welcome to join me. When they do, we often split the lane, so both swimmers can do their own pace. In those instances, I stay in the same set the other person's doing, even if that means not doing as many repeats--makes it easier for both me and the other swimmer.
But if I'm in the lane by myself, I still want to negotiate the workout in a way that will most benefit me as a swimmer. From what you folks are saying, it looks as if it's better to get as much of the "whole mix" as possible, rather than skip sets. That by itself helps.
Should mention that in both workouts, the coaches are not giving a lot of feedback, although they will do so if specifically asked. At first, I was a little taken aback by that, but sometimes I like the flexibility it gives me to make my own way through the workout. I've more or less decided that I have to take care of my own "workout within a workout" and set my own goals, also meshing with the others in my lane. The first masters' coach I had, though, was much more hands-on, and I really valued that. I learned so much from him. Yet recognizing that the ultimate person I report to about my progress is myself, no matter who gives feedback, is itself worthwhile.
