Popov says quit whining about the LZR

Thanks for bringing that interview to my attention... Here is a link, www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/.../18118.asp Back to what goes into the suit vs the suit itself…….. Swimming World’s recent video interview with Ron Johnson (ex-ASU coach, Hall of Fame coach, Masters world record holder, etc, etc) is really worth watching (once you get past his heart episodes) and confirms and expands on much of what Coach Boomer said in an earlier video about the new training methods. Ron is writing a book and is in contact with coaches world-wide. He uses very current examples of record breaking swimmers to illustrate his points. He seems very much in touch with what’s going on and gives a thoughtful analysis. The main gist is the use of more rest in sets allowing more fast speed work, greater focus on technique and the utmost importance of the kick (more important for men than women). Records have fallen in the 50 and 100 so far but he predicts 200 and up records will fall as more coaches use the new approach. He mentions specific swimmers that have taken their 100 speed and improved their 200s. He believes this is a big advance over the “mileage wars” of the past where swimmers left the pool beat-up and tired. The write-up describing the interview doesn't mention some of the most interesting stuff (and the interviewer is a bit of a pain - but Ron is great).

Why is kicking more important for men? Leslie, Ron Jonson talks about women's legs floating more easily than men's legs that sink (but he says it more scientifically than that). He suggests a two beat kick is OK for women, saving the six beat for the end of a race (e.g. Manaudou). Like Jonathan, I found myself agreeing with nearly all points discussed by Ron. I suspect the distance high mileage, no rest, short interval freaks will have more trouble with his views. Ian.

The arms race has begun here. My kid came home from a meet today (I was at practice) and announced that her 13 year friend had a LZR.

Haha... Like Jonathan, I found myself agreeing with nearly all points discussed by Ron. I suspect the distance high mileage, no rest, short interval freaks will have more trouble with his views. Ian.