This has possibly been asked before but I could not find it. I am new to master's swimming and some coaches have given us workouts based on our 100 time. It usually reads something like: 6x200 on base + 10. But different coaches have defined this differently. I have been told that I should take my sustainable 100 time which means 10-20 sets with 10 seconds rest in between and consider that my "base" So if I can swim the 100 in 1:25 and as long as I get 10 seconds rest I can continue, does that mean my base time is 1:35? If so, what does the workout first mentioned mean? I had one coach say swim each 200 at your base time + 10 seconds per 100 of the set (i.e. 1:45 + 1:45 so 3:30 for the set) and another has said swim your base time and add 10 seconds of extra rest at the end of the set (i.e. 1:25 + 1:25 + :10 so 3:00 for the set).
Can anyone clarify what the whole "base +" terminology means and how it works? Or direct me to a good site that explains it in detail? I appreciate all the help as I try to improve myself. Thanks!
From what I understand, base +10 usually means one of two things:
1. Add ten seconds to your base 100 time (so in your example 1:35 +10 would be 1:45 pace -- the 200 would be on 3:30).
or
2. Add ten seconds to your base interval for the set distance (1:45 for 100 but 3:20 for a 200 since your 200 base would normally be 1:35 + 1:35 = 3:10)
The best way to determine what your coach means for a given set is to ask. As geochuck's post suggests, terminology is not always completely consistent between coaches and teams (another example is that some coaches say "choice" when they mean "anything but free" but some include free as a choice). Coaches usually appreciate questions because it shows that you want to get the benefit they intended out of a set. It sounds like you are on the right track!
From what I understand, base +10 usually means one of two things:
1. Add ten seconds to your base 100 time (so in your example 1:35 +10 would be 1:45 pace -- the 200 would be on 3:30).
or
2. Add ten seconds to your base interval for the set distance (1:45 for 100 but 3:20 for a 200 since your 200 base would normally be 1:35 + 1:35 = 3:10)
The best way to determine what your coach means for a given set is to ask. As geochuck's post suggests, terminology is not always completely consistent between coaches and teams (another example is that some coaches say "choice" when they mean "anything but free" but some include free as a choice). Coaches usually appreciate questions because it shows that you want to get the benefit they intended out of a set. It sounds like you are on the right track!
