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?
Former Member
In a 100 free, I usually take my first breath about 6 strokes after the start, then breathe every 4 the rest of the race. If I'm tired, I may take a few extra breaths (breathing every 2) the 3rd lap. Basically, my strategy is to get enough air that I don't die, but not so much that I'm constantly breathing, since I'll be done in just over a minute.
Fort-
Forget breathing, just don't swim the 100 free (or the 200 free). Go for the 1650 where you can breathe as often as you like 'cause you're doing it for a long, long time. (at least I am.)
Slightly off topic, but mentioned in the thread... What is "Loping"? Much talk of Phelps doing this in his 200 free. I saw the gallop he seem to have developed, but never heard the term loping before.:help:
how about trying a broken 100 in practice today/tomorrow...
50 free, rest 10 sec, 25 free, rest 5 sec, 25 free. get time at each wall. subtract 15 from total.
you may not be able to duplicate the fatigue of the 2nd and 3rd flips, but at least you'll get a feel for what to do and how you may feel coming home.
:frustrated: :dedhorse:
So now that we have covered various breathing permutations, I have to ask: why does everyone think this race is so hard? I can only think of about three races I'd rather swim, and I think of the 100 as a good barometer of where I am.
I breathe as much as needed...
I guess I have to say that of all the postings on this thread, I tend to think more along these lines of SS (Ack....I'm agreeing with Rich again! Whats the world coming too LOL!). I breath as much as every stroke if I feel I need the oxygen.....except for off of the walls or off the start (as Kirk points out) ....and except for coming home on the last 12 yards or so where I put my head down (not way down ...but straight and more or less down) and fight like heck for the wall with legs kicking with everything I have left). I figure that as long as I take quick breaths and try to minimize head movement while breathing (and try not to allow breathing to interrupt my stroke too much), that I can breathe quite a bit if necessary. I like Muppet's suggestion of doing broken 100's at practice as well....Not just for the breathing....but for all kinds of general preparation for that event. I also agree with Kristina that the 100 free is a very tough event...but you're a pretty tough customer Fort, so you should be able to chew it up and spit it out more or less!
BTW Its great to hear you will be competing again soon Kristina!! Thats wonderful news!
Newmastersswimmer
p.s. I would love to watch the Heather vs Carrie 100 free! THats awesome that you guys will be right next to one another pushing eachother!
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 only piece of advice would be, don't go all headstrong out that first 50. I always forget to breath that first 50 cuz I don't feel like I need any air, and then that second 50 it all catches up to me, and I'm breathing every 2...not good.
SOOOOO True! When I went to my first Nationals at Tempe I was a little too psyched up for the 100 free. I didn't breathe until right before the turn on the first 25! Doh! I felt the grand piano on the last lap when I was stroking and not going anywhere! Ouch. I will never make that mistake again! :shakeshead:
