I nearly missed Paul Smith's excellent views on cycled,race pace workouts as they were hidden in the Dara Torres thread and I had grown tired of it.I like to do 15 week cycles,increasing intensity for 12 wk and tapering for 3.I do 4 workouts/wk,2 are spinning,lifting,swimming and 2 are swimming only.While I enjoy a good workout but unlike Dave I have never found a workout as satisfying as a good race.So how do you train?
Parents
Former Member
I'm a mess when it comes to training.
I've done a little of every option listed including NOT listening at all to the coach.
Basically, injury or physical malfunctions/ illnesses requiring surgery, therapy, drugs, etc. always throw a loop into my initial training plan. So, my plan is a work in progress. Big meets get switched around or eliminated sometimes in lieu of OW swims. Sometimes I can do doubles. Sometimes not. I'll do sprint and/ or middle distance to distance. Free or IM or stroke. I like to try whatever the coach throws at me - even if I'm weak in it. I switch lanes to swim with swimmers of different speeds. I race anyone (and often get my butt kicked - but sometimes I'm lucky.) I'll race people with fins or other equipment while I'm "naked" meaning no equipment. :joker: That's pretty fun.
I don't recommend this pattern for anyone; however, I gotta say it's dang FUN and suits my ADD personality. I keep coming back for more.
I'm a mess when it comes to training.
I've done a little of every option listed including NOT listening at all to the coach.
Basically, injury or physical malfunctions/ illnesses requiring surgery, therapy, drugs, etc. always throw a loop into my initial training plan. So, my plan is a work in progress. Big meets get switched around or eliminated sometimes in lieu of OW swims. Sometimes I can do doubles. Sometimes not. I'll do sprint and/ or middle distance to distance. Free or IM or stroke. I like to try whatever the coach throws at me - even if I'm weak in it. I switch lanes to swim with swimmers of different speeds. I race anyone (and often get my butt kicked - but sometimes I'm lucky.) I'll race people with fins or other equipment while I'm "naked" meaning no equipment. :joker: That's pretty fun.
I don't recommend this pattern for anyone; however, I gotta say it's dang FUN and suits my ADD personality. I keep coming back for more.
