How much endurance training?

I, too, think it may depend on what the swim event will be and how far out the timeframe is for one to train to be competitive at the Nationals. I believe that Nationals usually start in May (?) and run through the summer. I know that many Masters clubs have the season kick-off swims such as the Pacifica Relays in northern California in early February. I think that in those early months in the winter, a swimmer (especially if they have been out of the water for a bit), would do well with 75% long swims working on turns and technique but still on the clock. This will build a good baseline aerobic base. But as the swim event gets closer, say March 1 at latest, they absolutely have to turn their attention to faster swims and shorter distances to train both their anaerobic base and the slightly higher stroke turnover to coincide with the aerobic base (minimum of 50/50). A swimmer needs both both energy systems finely tuned. Like George said; to swim fast you have to train fast. Race-pace training is a wonderful tool. It is certainly better to emulate fast swimming in training so there are no physical surprises during a swim event. This gives a swimmer an opportunity to get used to it all and either how good or bad it may feel on race day. But "power swims" always use a swimmer up 100%, but within a few minutes, Voila, they are recovered and elated. In my past, I would swim 1000 yds, 500's, 400's to build aerobic/endurance. I would then start swimming pyramids, descending sets, race-pace work (4 or 6 50's; 4 or 6 100's, etc., etc.) and sprint sets. And a swimmer can maintain good technique even in those shorter, more-fast sets; things might have to tighten up a bit, but it is doable and better to do it in practice, than on the day of the event. And if none of the above works, start mix and matching all kinds of sets; there will be great benefit from them regardless of the order. Now I will have to take my own advice here as I start seriously training within the next couple of weeks. I hope I am not waaaa'ing to yall too much in the next couple of months!!!:p I'll try not to!!! Donna

I, too, think it may depend on what the swim event will be and how far out the timeframe is for one to train to be competitive at the Nationals. I believe that Nationals usually start in May (?) and run through the summer. I know that many Masters clubs have the season kick-off swims such as the Pacifica Relays in northern California in early February. I think that in those early months in the winter, a swimmer (especially if they have been out of the water for a bit), would do well with 75% long swims working on turns and technique but still on the clock. This will build a good baseline aerobic base. But as the swim event gets closer, say March 1 at latest, they absolutely have to turn their attention to faster swims and shorter distances to train both their anaerobic base and the slightly higher stroke turnover to coincide with the aerobic base (minimum of 50/50). A swimmer needs both both energy systems finely tuned. Like George said; to swim fast you have to train fast. Race-pace training is a wonderful tool. It is certainly better to emulate fast swimming in training so there are no physical surprises during a swim event. This gives a swimmer an opportunity to get used to it all and either how good or bad it may feel on race day. But "power swims" always use a swimmer up 100%, but within a few minutes, Voila, they are recovered and elated. In my past, I would swim 1000 yds, 500's, 400's to build aerobic/endurance. I would then start swimming pyramids, descending sets, race-pace work (4 or 6 50's; 4 or 6 100's, etc., etc.) and sprint sets. And a swimmer can maintain good technique even in those shorter, more-fast sets; things might have to tighten up a bit, but it is doable and better to do it in practice, than on the day of the event. And if none of the above works, start mix and matching all kinds of sets; there will be great benefit from them regardless of the order. Now I will have to take my own advice here as I start seriously training within the next couple of weeks. I hope I am not waaaa'ing to yall too much in the next couple of months!!!:p I'll try not to!!! Donna