Heres the scoop. I've been swimming for about 3 years now. My best times (scy) are as follows:
500 free 5:13.something
200 free 157.something else
100 free 52.8
50 free 24.38
100 fly 59.7
I swim between 20,000 and 30,000 yards/week now. I'm 20 years old, (male). My question is, do you think that with the right training and work ethic I could make a cut for the Olympic Trials in 2012? I would expect to train between 2 and 3 hours/day. I know it may sound a little crazy given my times now but I believe that with 6 years to do it, I can. My goal would be to qualify for the 100,200, or 500 free.
Former Member
"Might would?" Is this some kind of North Carolina speak the rest of us don't understand? Geek, please confirm! :)
haha i guess it is, i will change it for the sake of the english language
Good point. This reminds me of something on the DVD "Unfiltered" about Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker. I believe it was Michael's coach Bob Bowman who mentioned that when it was clear Michael could be a world class swimmer he started working out seven days a week. He literally never took a day off: Christmas, vacations, whatever. And you can bet he was doing doubles on most of those days. Their theory was just about every other swimmer "only" swims six days a week so that was just 52 more days a year where Michael was doing something to get ahead. Now, that's commitment!
Not that most of the notable swim coaches are not very serious about what they do, but Bowman seems to have a passion about this like none other. Watching Kaitlin, Erik, and Michael (let alone Vanderkaay's, Keller, Tarwater, etc.) it is plain to see that his methods are worthy of note.
Why would you take the time and and "be nice" like you said you were doing when you really didn't think I had a chance at it. I don't want to hear, "yeah you can do it", when you really don't think I can. I would rather hear how little of a chance I have and how hard it's going to be. That will make it much more rewardable if I do make it, rather than being told I can do it and then end up not being able to. You don't have to try to "be nice" I'm a big boy now and I won't get my feelings hurt on an internet forum.
jsmwbnc,
Speedo racer was trying to help you and is right. You will not make it without a coach. Its the truth! You need the feedback on technique, planned workouts/seasons, encouragement and guidance that only a coach can provide. If you are not willing to be coached....frankly I agree...you will not make it.
There are hundreds of people out there who have already made the goal of going to the 2012 Olympic Trials. Some of them might swim the same times as you, are the same age as you and believe in their quest as much as you do.
If I were your coach I would tell you to forget the quest for 2012. The coach would have to be a miracle worker in the truest sense to get you to drop even three seconds in your 100 free. But, many coaches might want to take it on, but you don't know unless you ask.
If I were your coach, I would tell you to train for a meet this summer, then readjust goals. You can't think four years ahead because goals like this require intermediate ones.
If you make it, I will personally come to the meet and be your loudest and most excited cheerleader. Because that would be a fantastic story, better than Dara Torres or Pablo Morales.
If this is your goal, find a good program, move there, and train with them. That's the only way. Period.
i'll second gull's suggestion. i basically did the same thing last year ('06) for Masters Worlds- i felt i needed more consistent LCM training and a coach who actually knew something about backstroke. (and, it helps my old lease was up and i hated the job i was in, but i'll be telling any future employers that i moved for an upgrade in training if they ask about the 2 month gap in my resume. :laugh2: )
but seriously, if this is something you're committed to, then you will have to make some sacrifices, like moving to train with a specific team/coach. trust me when i say that it may seem like a royal pain now, but if you achieve your goal, in the long run it will be worth it. i know it was for me- i finished top 5 for both my 100 and 200 back at worlds...
Now that is dedication, moving to train for a USMS meet. :bow:
hehehe. actually, i was planning on moving no matter what, since my lease was up and i wanted out of PA. but the timing of the move was due to worlds. which, IMHO, isn't just "a USMS meet", but a chance to represent the USA... :woot:
and i wanted to do that to the best of my ability, so i moved before worlds, rather then extending my lease till after...
Finding a good coach and team ASAP is good advice. I think your first order of business if to become as technically proficient in the water as possible. Without this you have no chance of reaching your goal. Really focus on this over the next year and see where you are. Then, maybe the really serious training can begin. I doubt there are many OT qualifiers who are in the water less than 15 hours per week.
