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?
(I see a scolding from Paul coming here.)
You got that right..prepare for the 50 lashings!
Bottom line folks is this is masters swimming so family, kids, injuries, work, holidays, etc. etc. are all a given...and simply not an excuse to set a training program and follow it as best you can through the cycle...wether you ever make it to the meet or not...that's my whole point.
Coaches are an interesting part of this...I coach on a somewhat regular basis and can appreciate what its like to have a swimmer (like me or worse) in the pool and have to deal with them! :)
But more importantly I have also had a situation where Attila (Hungarian gold medalist in the 200IM) was coaching at ASU a couple of years ago. his "coaching" consisted of: showing up (only At times on time), giving the workout, then lounging in a (way to) small Speedo with a tye died with beater Tee and gold chains until workout was over...than rushing off.
Until I challenged him to help me learn the "5th stroke" (200 IM) which i had decided to attempt at nationals that year (Indy)...he stepped up and said it was rare that any masters ever wanted to be 'coached" only wanting the yardage and for him to get out of the way. His help led me to a 1:58+ new national record and a lesson...don't ASSUME your coach knows what you want/need..have a sit down and be clear on YOUR expectations and goals...you may be surprised.
Fort..drop and give me 20 and I'll deal with you this week!
(I see a scolding from Paul coming here.)
You got that right..prepare for the 50 lashings!
Bottom line folks is this is masters swimming so family, kids, injuries, work, holidays, etc. etc. are all a given...and simply not an excuse to set a training program and follow it as best you can through the cycle...wether you ever make it to the meet or not...that's my whole point.
Coaches are an interesting part of this...I coach on a somewhat regular basis and can appreciate what its like to have a swimmer (like me or worse) in the pool and have to deal with them! :)
But more importantly I have also had a situation where Attila (Hungarian gold medalist in the 200IM) was coaching at ASU a couple of years ago. his "coaching" consisted of: showing up (only At times on time), giving the workout, then lounging in a (way to) small Speedo with a tye died with beater Tee and gold chains until workout was over...than rushing off.
Until I challenged him to help me learn the "5th stroke" (200 IM) which i had decided to attempt at nationals that year (Indy)...he stepped up and said it was rare that any masters ever wanted to be 'coached" only wanting the yardage and for him to get out of the way. His help led me to a 1:58+ new national record and a lesson...don't ASSUME your coach knows what you want/need..have a sit down and be clear on YOUR expectations and goals...you may be surprised.
Fort..drop and give me 20 and I'll deal with you this week!
