I'm swimming with an age-group team and I am having some concerns about the workouts. Today, the entire workout was breaststroke. Warmup - 1500 ***. First Set - 7x300 ***, 30 sec rest interval between 300s. Second Set - 300 kick (***), Third Set - 20x100 ***. Cool Down.
I made it through the warmup and 4 of the first 300s before I could no longer lift my arms and my legs were starting to cramp. I swam free the remaining 300s and completed the kick set before I had to call it quits. (No one else finished either).
I've got mixed feelings about this type of workout and I would like some feedback.
On the one hand, my *** stroke muscles got a great workout. On the other hand, it was impossible to maintain perfect form. Instead I concentrated mostly on high elbows and the outsweep portion as well as a good kick.
Prior to swimming with this particular coach, my philosophy was to not sacrifice form and technique for yardage. But are there times when it is good to overwork the muscles?
BTW: Although this is only my 3rd workout with this Coach, I have noticed that this type of workout is not unusual, we have yet to do any freestyle sets. It has all been butterfly, back and ***.
Two main coaches are still awol so I wasn't able to ask either of them what the deal is. I did ask one of the kids if it is common for there to be "one stroke" workouts and she said that usually the workouts include other strokes. Mmmmm, I'm not holding my breath as I'm on my 3rd week and I've yet to see a freestyle set.
Tonight was backstroke night -
Warm Up
6x400 backstroke
Main Set
3x1000 backstroke pull, 2 min rest, double arm every 100 yards.
That was as far as any of the kids got, but the rest of the workout was entirely back stroke up to 6100 yards. I noticed one or two of the kids switched to free every once in awhile, but not enough, in my opinion. I was hoping I would start a trend, but I think the kids are afraid to question authority. What ends up happening is the kids start goofing off because they are tired and bored.
Here is what I did:
12x200, alternating back/free
1x200 back pull
2x400 free pull
1x200 back pull
400 free swim
10x100 free, 10 sec. rest
Backstroke is definitely my weak stroke and too much makes my right elbow (weak arm, I'm left handed) hurt. Does anyone else ever experience "backstroke elbow" from too much backstroke?
Oh goodness Susan. This is why kids leave swimming. These poor kids don't even realize it can be better and fun.
Two main coaches are still awol so I wasn't able to ask either of them what the deal is. I did ask one of the kids if it is common for there to be "one stroke" workouts and she said that usually the workouts include other strokes. Mmmmm, I'm not holding my breath as I'm on my 3rd week and I've yet to see a freestyle set.
Tonight was backstroke night -
Warm Up
6x400 backstroke
Main Set
3x1000 backstroke pull, 2 min rest, double arm every 100 yards.
That was as far as any of the kids got, but the rest of the workout was entirely back stroke up to 6100 yards. I noticed one or two of the kids switched to free every once in awhile, but not enough, in my opinion. I was hoping I would start a trend, but I think the kids are afraid to question authority. What ends up happening is the kids start goofing off because they are tired and bored.
Here is what I did:
12x200, alternating back/free
1x200 back pull
2x400 free pull
1x200 back pull
400 free swim
10x100 free, 10 sec. rest
Backstroke is definitely my weak stroke and too much makes my right elbow (weak arm, I'm left handed) hurt. Does anyone else ever experience "backstroke elbow" from too much backstroke?
Oh goodness Susan. This is why kids leave swimming. These poor kids don't even realize it can be better and fun.
