How do these swimmers swim so fast?

I'm willing to bet my hand paddles that you do NOT wear them 90 to 100% of the time! Hand paddles? The root of all evil. I don't want those suckers in real bet. Make a better offer! Put the pre-ordered LZR on the table!! We'll have to check with Fearless Leader, but I'd bet my back up fins that I'm the first masters swimmer to develop tendonitis of the foot from overuse of the monofin. Of course, dropping it on my foot and traumatizing the tendon in the first place was not so swift. You're an uber fast FINA ranked flyer because you don't use fins. I'm not a slow poke because I use fins/monofin. Hmmm .... a complete contradiction ... I guess there's more than one "secret" path to success.

I think you can realistically swim pretty well with about five hours of training per week if you make the most out of those five hours. If that's what is meant by training smarter, I agree with that. Every top Masters swimmer I've spoken with has said the same thing--their main sets are pretty intense. When you hear terms like training smarter or less is more, there is a tendency to conclude that you don't need to push yourself (probably because that's what we want to believe).

You're an uber fast FINA ranked flyer because you don't use fins. I'm not a slow poke because I use fins/monofin. Hmmm .... a complete contradiction ... I guess there's more than one "secret" path to success. We should try this experiment. We each continue on as we are. However, add this in: I use fins for some fly sets and/ or fly kicking and you don't use your fins/ mono for some kick sets. Maybe we'll each get a bit faster?! A little of both mentality. . .

I swam 25K of pretty tough yardage last week and I was fried. That will be my peak. It's downhill from here. This week I plan to go around 20K (including a meet this weekend), then really start my taper in earnest around the 17th (two weeks out). I'll probably swim no more than 15K in five session the week of the 21st, then 2,000 or less per session starting the 28th.

Good lord! I liked it when the discussion was focused on my doing a little more core work and weights now and then. Once again, forget families and jobs, when do you guys sleep?

Holy crap ! What events are you swimming? Lots of long ones! 200, 500, 1650 free, 200 fly, 200 and 400 IM. I truly don't know what I am - sprinter or distance. What do you guys think? All of the above? Seriously, you're a superstar. Seriously though - I take it from the comments posted (by you uber fast people) that doubles would be a mistake. Would the 2 hours a day be too much? I don't even know if doubles are a mistake for you. Only your body can be the judge. If you feel like you are never recovering from your workouts and constantly fatigued then you probably need to back off.

I truly don't know what I am - sprinter or distance. What do you guys think? I like to swim all distances b/c it keeps things fun and interesting. 50 fr - 24.88 50 fly 26.46 100 fr - 54.5 200 fr - 1:59 500 fr - 5:12 1650 fr - 17:57 - 1st time swimming it ever in Feb non-tapered - did break the GA record by almost 1 minute They are all excellent, but I think the 500 and 1650 are your best free times, along with all your fly swims. (You shouldn't be modest; heck, I believe you've swum a faster 200 fly, at 2:11, than both Nadine Day and Susan Von Der Lippe so far this season. That, um, puts you in pretty fast company!)

I'd be very excited with a 4:55. In distance swimming you really have to swim your own race. I know what you mean when the person next to you takes off right away. It can definitely psych you out, but you've got to try not to let it affect you. Gee, the 200 fly? It sure isn't my best event. I only swim it because not many other people want to, so you can be a mediocre flyer and still place well! I went 2:07 a couple years ago and that was a decent swim. I totally died last year and went 2:10. I'd be happy with a 2:07 this year. The 200 fly is my sixth event this year so I might not even get to swim it. I'm a little worried because the 200 IM is pretty late on Sunday and I'm flying out Sunday evening. If the sixth event gets dropped, and the meet is long on Sunday I could end up only getting to swim four events :(

Nah. I agree. I am concerned about overdoing it although I will say that I felt better and better as the workout went on. Not doing nationals. :( Am gearing up for a solid long course season. I truly don't know what I am - sprinter or distance. What do you guys think? I like to swim all distances b/c it keeps things fun and interesting. 50 fr - 24.88 50 fly 26.46 100 fr - 54.5 200 fr - 1:59 500 fr - 5:12 1650 fr - 17:57 - 1st time swimming it ever in Feb non-tapered - did break the GA record by almost 1 minute Am planning on doing everything from the 50s to the 1500m long course. I think I can place top 3 in my age group in the Fina world rankings in the 1500 based on my 1650 time. . . I was also planning on swimming the 25K open water swim but that's a "maybe" depending on how my mind and body feel training with the kids. Seriously though - I take it from the comments posted (by you uber fast people) that doubles would be a mistake. Would the 2 hours a day be too much? Seems reasonable for the 800/ 1500 and open water - but like I said, I don't want to overdo it!! I really do value your opinions. I think I need a practice w/ George. 1x50 and 2x margaritas! Best of luck to all you guys and gals at nationals. Looks like it's going to be a super fast meet!! (S)he...its masters and its great to try all kinds of events..but the old saying "jack of all trades/master of none" really applies with regard to "generic" training that most teams use (or the workout you described). I would suggest that decide each "season" what your priority is (sprint/mid-D/D) and focus the bulk of your training on that...you can then extend up/down a bit for fun but have a focus/mission and try and stick to it.

Good lord! I liked it when the discussion was focused on my doing a little more core work and weights now and then. Once again, forget families and jobs, when do you guys sleep? Ignore (S)he. lol. She's a youngster. Do core work and weights and you'll improve, Isobel. I go to sleep around 12:30-1:00 am though. I have to have down time from kids, work and running the family empire. Paul is right on with changing focus. It's a nice change of pace to pick a different event or different distance for each season. Keeps you fresher. (S)he's secret and Chris' secret: Training with kids. But you don't have to do this, and shouldn't, if you're a sprinter.