NY Times Sunday article on Susan Von der Lippe

I have to agree with Fort in that 3X a week is neither sufficient nor impressive, for the average person. Obviously Von der Lippe is the exception to this. If all you can muster is 3 days, what's the point? I guess 3 days is better than no days but that's about all. I don't think we should set the bar so low for mothers. I happen to reside with one who does well over 3 days a week, and doubles many of those days.

Well, I'm going to have to disagree with some of you about how only exercising 3x a week is not very respectful. Last year when I stopped swimming in the spring - I started a running program and it was only 3x a week (35-40 min each workout), I watched what I ate - and lost 25 lbs (pregnancy weight that was being stubborn about going away). I thought that was a pretty darn great accomplishment. :banana: Right - like I said, three days a week is better than zero days a week. Personally, I'd go crazy if I only worked out for 1.5 hours or so a week. You are getting to a base level of fitness with that time, nothing more. tj - note you only swim 3 days a week but do other stuff as well. Therefore, you don't just work out three days a week.

It makes no sense for anyone here to question what SVDL does for training. I think if you will read the posts more carefully, all of us have gone out of our way to state that she is in a class by herself. We are speaking more to the mere mortals, not her.

It makes no sense for anyone here to question what SVDL does for training. She is faster than 95% (maybe more?) of the women in Masters regardless of age. She is faster than a huge percentage of the men - regardless of age. Her 200 IM time was faster than all but 35 men's times at Nationals. She was the fastest woman at Nats. Josh Davis is obviously relying on tremendous talent and training from his NCAA days - but he says on Floswimming that he trains just 3000-4000 yds. per week. Much of it is resistance (pulley) based. His 1:36.54 200 free is pretty incredible at 35 years old. I think SVDL's training in MOST IMPRESSIVE. As Geek said, who's questioning her training?! Re-read. When the debate got going it was over the generic question of whether 3x a week of working out is impressive. Sarah: I hear you, but you will see that I exempted women with newborns and multiple small babies. It's much more difficult to work out then, as I know from experience. I didn't start competing until age 44. But as you adjust to a family and they get a bit older, you can find time to train or work out, as Ms. Geek does. But it does take discipline. Running is a great way to cut baby fat. Much more effective than swimming IMHO. I'm sure 3x a week of SWIMMING would be fine for most masters to excel if they also supplemented with activities others do -- yoga, stretching, running, spinning, lifting, drylands, etc. It's just misleading to say you can be amazing by only swimming 3x a week and nothing else -- unless you're a rare talent like SVDL or Josh Davis. Those folks are just in another league talent wise. I agree with Bill about world class whining. Not appealing. It's refreshing to meet people like SVDL, Rich Abrahams or Chris Stevenson who are humble and actually interested in how others are doing.

One of the things I love most about SVdL is how she pokes fun at her body.

Running is a great way to cut baby fat. And adult fat.

Susan trains smarter/harder in 3x swim workouts a week than you can imagine. And don't be fooled by her circuit training comment...I know what she does and its pathetic (I love ya SVDL but we've talked about this!). As I have posted numerous times...and gotten (S)he slapped for it...low yardage high intensity training is highly effective if your goals are clear (that your race vs fitness motivated and have a realistic event line up). there is no need what so ever as a competive masters swimmer to train at the voumne 95% train at. Geek...your on the wrong website...go over hang with your multisport buds and talk about how many hours/miles/yards you trained today...by the way, thought of you on your cute little aero bars watching some of your buds "dropped" into position riding in stop & go traffic....where its SO important to be aerodynamic!!! Swimmer Bill...as I told Mr. Commings this morning, my point in calling out the process of voting by SW is that you sometimes have to look beyond only stats/formulas (fire away Chris!) in deciding things like these awards. I think their putting Laura V on the cover and their promotion of masters is awesome...they just missed the boat on leaving SVDL out this year as they will next year because she won't be swimming in the meets they use to score by.

Geek...your on the wrong website...go over hang with your multisport buds and talk about how many hours/miles/yards you trained today...by the way, thought of you on your cute little aero bars watching some of your buds "dropped" into position riding in stop & go traffic....where its SO important to be aerodynamic!!! In the unlikely event you and your halfling toothless first cousin ever decided to challenge yourself and leave the life aquatic, there are a few of us waiting to enjoy that spectacle. I'm glad my foto brings you such displeasure as that was its precise target and intended purpose. Oh, I stopped by the only other website you visit, fleetwoodmacforever.com, and they said that if you still listen to their lifeless lame fairy music that you must immediately apply for AARP and get an extensive prostate checkup.

I spoke with Josh Davis he said most of his training comes from doing his www.USASwimmer.com swim clinics at some point during the clinic he's in the water and races the kids in a 50 I think he also has a lap pool in his front yard. Plus he wore an LZR at Nats He has a new book coming out called The Goal & The Glory: World-Class Athletes Share Their Inspiring Stories Since the apostle Paul, athletic training and competition have inspired countless believers towards excellence in their faith. Now gain fight-the-good-fight insights from world-class Chrisitian athletes---including past Olympic champions and current hopefuls! Compiled by 5-Time Olympic Medalist Josh Davis, this unique devotional features 60 meditations exploring dedication and sacrifice while practicing God's presence on the road to glory. Coming to a book store near you...June 2008 Josh Davis is obviously relying on tremendous talent and training from his NCAA days - but he says on Floswimming that he trains just 3000-4000 yds. per week. Much of it is resistance (pulley) based. His 1:36.54 200 free is pretty incredible at 35 years old.

I have to agree with Fort in that 3X a week is neither sufficient nor impressive, for the average person. Obviously Von der Lippe is the exception to this. If all you can muster is 3 days, what's the point? I guess 3 days is better than no days but that's about all. I don't think we should set the bar so low for mothers. I happen to reside with one who does well over 3 days a week, and doubles many of those days. Yes but any time away from you is motivation and reward enough I am sure... :lmao: