I'm starting to prepare for Austin, I figure even if I can't make it at least maybe I'll have some improvement.
To prepare how many times a week should I swim. I don't think my schedule will allow 7 days. Currently I'm swimming at the "Y" at least 2-3 days, this week will end with 2 days, we were ready to swim the other day, but a storm can and they had to close the pool. I"ve done weights a few times this summer. Oh my yardage for each swim is 2500 trying to increase to 3000
In Sept I'm thinking 2 days a week coached ( with the age groupers) 1 day at the "Y" and 1 day weights.
I don't think 7 days a week is good. When I have tried that, I get so tired that I get discouraged. I aim for 5 days a week. I don't always get to the pool all 5 times, but that is the goal. It works for me and I try to go to both nationals each year. I slack off, but never take a full break, in the fall.
Swimming with the age groupers will be of benefit to both you and the coach.
Swimming with a team makes me push harder than I would swimming on my own. A coach can also help you correct and fine tune your strokes.
I find it is amazing how masters swimmers appreciate the workouts the coach gives them, and typically they feel free to express their thanks to the coach after a workout more than the kids will. Coach really likes feedback in the form of thanks for their swimmers.
Concho,
Swim as much as feels comfortable! I don't think many of us can do 7 days a week, and sometimes my average 3-4 is too much!
As for Austin, remember, Cinco de Mayo is the Monday after the conclusion of the meet. Start the :wine: training too! I'm planning on sticking around to witness Austin on May 5!
Betsy you are right always have at least one day of rest. Get in lots of quality work.
I would wait on doing weights. Spend more time on swimming.
Concho:
I agree with Betsy. Aim to swim 5x a week, or at least 4. You can get some quality work or specialty sprint work in when you swim solo at the Y. 2500-3000 is plenty of yardage when swimming by yourself for a sprinter, if you're doing some quality. Disagree with George on the weights though. Since you are a sprinter, I would do weights at least 2x a week and some drylands focusing on the core. Upper body and core strength will help your sprinting IMHO. Don't bother with that stretching stuff though, right George? ;) Save lots of time there.
Good luck!! :groovy:
Betsy you are right always have at least one day of rest. Get in lots of quality work.
I would wait on doing weights. Spend more time on swimming.
I don't think 7 days a week is good. When I have tried that, I get so tired that I get discouraged. I aim for 5 days a week. I don't always get to the pool all 5 times, but that is the goal. It works for me and I try to go to both nationals each year. I slack off, but never take a full break, in the fall.
I am also setting a goal of 2008 SCY nationals. I have spent the summer drillling to improve my stroke, and am working my way back to 5x a week and starting weights. I may or may not actually qualify, but at least I'll come close, and it seems you can swim a decent number of events (5?) without formally qualifying.
It's an exciting goal, and the first time I will have worked for a full year to achieve a swimming goal in oh, three decades or so!
Good luck, Concho Pearl!
