Ack. It appears that I am going to have to break down and finally swim my first masters 100 SCY free at zones. Since I'm sure you all have done it many times, can someone please tell me what is the most ideal breathing pattern(s)? I noticed watching the World Championships that many of the 100 freestylers (especially the men) breathed almost every stroke, which is not how I used to swim that race. Were they breathing more to save for the SDKs? What say you freestyle sprinters?
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My coach did point out that breathing more frequently than every 3/4 like the "Phelpsian" model is probably not too advisable. He is traversing much more distance in much more time than I would take for 2 strokes. So he deserves more breathe.
I don't entirely agree with your coach. While Phelps covers more distance with each stroke, he is also in much better shape than you are and has a higher lactate threshold as well. Even if your strokes were equally propulsive, he could stand to breath less than you. This is like saying that a Lamborghini Murcielago needs a better air cleaner than a BMW 335i since it goes faster. Nah. Both engines work very hard, just on different levels.
I still say that swimming some of these races in practice would be your best bet to see what works for you. Good luck.
My coach did point out that breathing more frequently than every 3/4 like the "Phelpsian" model is probably not too advisable. He is traversing much more distance in much more time than I would take for 2 strokes. So he deserves more breathe.
I don't entirely agree with your coach. While Phelps covers more distance with each stroke, he is also in much better shape than you are and has a higher lactate threshold as well. Even if your strokes were equally propulsive, he could stand to breath less than you. This is like saying that a Lamborghini Murcielago needs a better air cleaner than a BMW 335i since it goes faster. Nah. Both engines work very hard, just on different levels.
I still say that swimming some of these races in practice would be your best bet to see what works for you. Good luck.
