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?
I am a fan of 4 or 4-2. I still find the former challenging so usually end up with the latter, though I practice both. It does seem that people can be successful with every 2, however, so I guess it will take some experimentation.
Forty, I go every 3, trying desperately NOT to breathe off of walls ... I was advised to breathe every 3 for the first 50, then every 4 for the 3rd 25, and only 2x during the last 25 ... if I don't drown attempting this I'll let you know. I like breathig, and if freakin' Lezak and Phelps breathe a lot, then I can too ... just like on fly ... :rofl:
I usually start out every four and go to every two when I get tired (usually the 3rd 25). Just Breathe when you need to. I agree with FlyQueen that you should definitely try to NOT breathe off the walls.
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?
I breathe as much as needed...
Every four is good. Maybe take six or so after the start before your first inhale.
No breath out of the turns.
The last lap...after the piano lands on your back coming out of the third turn...get a few gulps (of air preferably)
...and then stroke fast and furious. Some people go from mid pool to the finish with no breathing.
No guts, no glory. :eek:
If you plan on a long SDK after each wall...maybe breathing every four just is going to be too taxing? Every three is fine too.
I've never really given much thought to breathing pattern for the 100 other than to just breathe as necessary. Looking back on my recent races I think my breathing was as follows: After the breakout I would go 3 or 4 strokes before my first breath, then breathe on 3 until the urge to go on 2 takes control. And on the final 25 I don't think I take a breath from the midpoint of the pool to the finish. I just keep my head down and "kick and scratch" to the wall. Also I don't breathe off the turns until I've taken at least 2 strokes after breakout. I think the most important thing is to not "overthink" the race. Having a plan going in is fine but don't let that plan control the swim. When you hit the water, don't think, just swim. I know you'll do great. :groovy: Hope this helps.:banana:
after the start i won't breath until i see the 15 meter or yard line, after that i breath every 4 strokes and then the last 25 i try to breath as little as possible maybe once or twice, i wonder how much time breath every stroke would take off?
Every four is good. Maybe take six or so after the start before your first inhale.
No breath out of the turns.
The last lap...after the piano lands on your back coming out of the third turn...get a few gulps (of air preferably)
...and then stroke fast and furious. Some people go from mid pool to the finish with no breathing.
No guts, no glory. :eek:
If you plan on a long SDK after each wall...maybe breathing every four just
is going to be too taxing? Every three is fine too.
I believe that in practice I am usually inclined to breathe ever 4... But like Kirk, I then breathe more (or want to) the second 50. This leads me to wonder whether I should breathe more the first 50 like Donna suggests. I don't breathe out of turns and I do SDK on the start and turns, so I'd like to have some oxygen for that. Some girl, I don't plan on experimenting with this race too much. It just doesn't appeal that much and it always conflicts with other events, but maybe it will surprise me. I'm doing it for strategic reasons to score points for the team. I don't have a long loping stroke, so every 2 seems excessive, but I don't want to go like a bat out of hell and die either. I guess I'll try every 3 the first 50 and see how it goes, although that seem like a lot. No matter what I do, as Quicksilver was saying, the piano always falls on the last 25 of any 100 anyway. Ouch.
Poolraat: I'll try not to "overthink." LOL. That's not my problem. There has just been no imprinting whatsoever going on with respect to this particular event.
Thanks guys.
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?
Fortress: you know I do not swim this particular race, but I do find it interesting that after years of everyone trying to not take many breaths, more and more people are now doing just that. The reason is: we need oxygen and if we don't get it, the thighs will feel it first in their weakness and burning. And then it becomes hard to continue good technique and a swimmer may start to "overamp" to compensate thus spinning without good stroking. My vote would be every 2 or 3 strokes with NO breaths off the turns, start or finish (from backstroke flags into wall). Let's face it: with oxygen we can swim much better. Many times I have wondered if a swimmer who says he/she only takes 2 or 3 breaths each length is just trying to impress others. We are mammals, we need AIR.
Donna
I guess that's why our coaches are always on our a## to SPRINT (emphasis theirs) when we do those sets: that way you aren't surprised when you race. And when you race you only have to do it once!
:rofl::rofl:, true, that is probably why they emphasize sprinting so much, but it still is never the same and I think one reason is people have those butterflies before actual races and their heartrates are sometime up before the gun goes off; kinda like sprinting standing still is happening. This is where calming one's self down and being efficient at doing it pre-race is so vital. Then I think the race could better equate what our practices provide for us.
