In another thread, the Fortress mentioned that her former coach thought that 25,000 yards or meters was a so-called "tipping point" for real aerobic conditioning/fitness in swimming. What does everyone think? It seems like a lot of yardage that is probably not necessarily for a pure sprinter. But what if you're a distance or OW geek or swimming the 400 IM or 200 fly? Is 25,000 the magic number? It seems like many forumites must be hitting that number because I have read about quite a few 5,000+ workouts. So, what is the "tipping point?"
Parents
Former Member
Fortress,
I just wanted to let you know that I think you misread that about Laura Val. I knew her personally for years and she insisted she never, ever exceeded 5,000 yds in any given workout. She said she thought she performed better doing 3,500 to 4,500 3 times a week, but within that yardage, was some pretty intense sets.
I have an opinion on this and it is: I think that swimming high yardage such as what you mentioned has a very good impact on a swimmer's cardiovascular system; it is obviously helpful. But if a swimmer is swimming multiple miles very slowly, I am not sure that is very aerobic. There may be some other health related pluses to it, but as far as improving a swimmer's aerobic capacity, I would have to think it wouldn't improve it very much if the yardage is done leisurely.
But I will let you know in the coming months as my training just started toward my 18 mile goal swim. I'll let you know from this swimmer's point of view how mass mileage benefits me.:help: Because I will be doing mass mileage.
Donna
Fortress,
I just wanted to let you know that I think you misread that about Laura Val. I knew her personally for years and she insisted she never, ever exceeded 5,000 yds in any given workout. She said she thought she performed better doing 3,500 to 4,500 3 times a week, but within that yardage, was some pretty intense sets.
I have an opinion on this and it is: I think that swimming high yardage such as what you mentioned has a very good impact on a swimmer's cardiovascular system; it is obviously helpful. But if a swimmer is swimming multiple miles very slowly, I am not sure that is very aerobic. There may be some other health related pluses to it, but as far as improving a swimmer's aerobic capacity, I would have to think it wouldn't improve it very much if the yardage is done leisurely.
But I will let you know in the coming months as my training just started toward my 18 mile goal swim. I'll let you know from this swimmer's point of view how mass mileage benefits me.:help: Because I will be doing mass mileage.
Donna
