I don't advocate doing whatever we feel like just because it feels good. Enjoyment is necessary for an optimal training plan, but it's not sufficient. I think strength training is crucial for swimmers to do their best. I thought that when everyone said I was going to have a heart attack, and I still think that when I tell other people to try it now.
I agree that enjoyment is not sufficient to swim fast and improve, but:
-- Strength training comes in many forms. It can even happen outside of the gym and in the swimming pool.
-- (S)he is swimming faster than she has recently, so it is clear that she isn't just splashing around in the pool.
There is more than one good way to train and more than one definition of success in masters swimming. That is why I defended your right to train as you wish, despite the fact that it is clear (to me) to be useful mostly for 50s. (S)he is swimming many events with fast times so if I had to judge strictly by those results I would stop lifting and start swimming 7000+ yard workouts with the kids.
I don't advocate doing whatever we feel like just because it feels good. Enjoyment is necessary for an optimal training plan, but it's not sufficient. I think strength training is crucial for swimmers to do their best. I thought that when everyone said I was going to have a heart attack, and I still think that when I tell other people to try it now.
I agree that enjoyment is not sufficient to swim fast and improve, but:
-- Strength training comes in many forms. It can even happen outside of the gym and in the swimming pool.
-- (S)he is swimming faster than she has recently, so it is clear that she isn't just splashing around in the pool.
There is more than one good way to train and more than one definition of success in masters swimming. That is why I defended your right to train as you wish, despite the fact that it is clear (to me) to be useful mostly for 50s. (S)he is swimming many events with fast times so if I had to judge strictly by those results I would stop lifting and start swimming 7000+ yard workouts with the kids.
