I'm sure some of you have been reading Dennis Baker's "A Day in the Life" series. For those who haven't, it's a chance to see what this guy goes through.
I've never met Dennis, but I have heard stories. To read that he does sets of 300s fly is astounding. I know he's been doing that all his life, but to have the drive to do it alone is great.
I must say, though, that his entries almost sound a little like bragging.
That said, to go 8x100 SCM free on 1:10 and call it recovery is remarkable for anyone, much less a 45-year-old man.
Any other thoughts?
Former Member
Paul- I fear that Dennis, if faced with taking more rest before a major meet, would start twitching and wondering 'what do I do with all this spare time?'
As one of Dennis' master swimmers I can vouch that he truly does all that he is posting. He is oneof the best if not the best swimmers I have ever known, also a great coach. He took someone who had not swam in 20 years and got me to the point where I have qualified for nationals in May. Thanks Bake!
I don't think any of us doubted him, I know I did not. I think it was just a bit overwhelming for many to read about somebody swimming at these paces.
As for your Nats qualification, congrats to you and your coach! Good luck.
I'm not accusing Dennis of bragging. His writing just gives me that impression.
OK, but it could be that he's just so used to doing this kind of training he kind of takes it for granted.
I too have enjoyed reading Dennis Baker's "Day in the Life."
It's very inspirational and really makes me think that perhaps
I/ other masters can pusher ourselves further (not necessarily to his level - but further than what our preconceived notions are for *people of our age*.)
I feel he comes off as very matter-of-fact and positive.
If he's doing those 10 or 12 300 flys on the interval he listed, I think his "recovery" set is truly recovery for him.
Good for him for ignoring conventional wisdom and just aiming for his dreams.
Skip, thanks for the great background info. I am personally rooting for him and really hopes he makes the cut!
Being a flyer I can appreciate his drive and those crazy sets. I wish him luck on trying to get his OT cuts. I have done the 300 flys myself. However, mine is in 25yd pool and I only do 5 and its 75fly 25 fly. Usually I only do those during the summer when trying to get that extra yardage for the long course season. My currrent favorite set I do at least once a week is 5x200 flys on 3, decending. First one is usually around a 2:25 and the last one at 2:10. Its all about finding the groove and just going with it, its not as painfull as one might think.
At 45 his time is amazing and makes me want to work harder to try and get to his level in the 200 fly.
greg
To put this in perspective, in the year 2046 will there be a masters swimmer to equal or better a time by an Olympian today?
I don't know for sure, but I suspect if you asked the same question 30 years ago people would have said no.
BTW, are you a swimming historian by profession or a google master?
