Since joining an new group, I have run into an old problem. What to do when the coach has a workout designed that is something that it outside your swimming goals?
We are focused on Backstroke this week. Since it is highly unlikely that I will ever compete in Satan's stroke in an individual event other than surviving 25 to 50 yards/meters on a 200 IM, but I intend to compete in *** stroke, is it wrong to opt out and swim breastroke?
I opted out and swam breaststroke, working drills where drills were written, kicking where kicking was planned, and hammering the sprints when it was time to sprint.
Since I have aged up four brackets and will now compete in the 50-54 bracket, there are probably a finite number of swims that I have. I would rather focus on breaststroke where I am motivated and don't mind chasing the backstroke intervals.
Thoughts?
Don
Do what you want... it is Masters.
As I often do in workout... I "take the option", which is usually more freestyle pulling, and less of everything else... pull free during IM sets... pull free during kick sets... whatever.
Masters is about having fun... so do what you need to keep coming back.
If your goal is to get faster, then adapt where/when you can.
Couldn't agree more. I often follow the workout, and often don't. I never pull, so ignore all pulling sets. I do backstroke on freestyle sets sometimes. I swim with fins. We have people that do all freestyle. If you're not disrupting your lane or the practice, what's the big deal? (That said, I do my low yardage, anaerobic sprint or SDK type workouts solo. That would be too disruptive to do with the team.)
A few weeks ago, a lane mate asked me what I was doing on x set. I said, "I think I'll do the set." He said, "Well, aren't you miss goody two shoes." Most swimmers seem to adapt as they need to or prefer based on stroke preferences, injuries, meets coming up, etc. No one "disgrees" with or "negotiates" with the coach. We just do what we need to. The only thing frowned on is excess whining, whimpiness or loafing.
Do what you want... it is Masters.
As I often do in workout... I "take the option", which is usually more freestyle pulling, and less of everything else... pull free during IM sets... pull free during kick sets... whatever.
Masters is about having fun... so do what you need to keep coming back.
If your goal is to get faster, then adapt where/when you can.
Couldn't agree more. I often follow the workout, and often don't. I never pull, so ignore all pulling sets. I do backstroke on freestyle sets sometimes. I swim with fins. We have people that do all freestyle. If you're not disrupting your lane or the practice, what's the big deal? (That said, I do my low yardage, anaerobic sprint or SDK type workouts solo. That would be too disruptive to do with the team.)
A few weeks ago, a lane mate asked me what I was doing on x set. I said, "I think I'll do the set." He said, "Well, aren't you miss goody two shoes." Most swimmers seem to adapt as they need to or prefer based on stroke preferences, injuries, meets coming up, etc. No one "disgrees" with or "negotiates" with the coach. We just do what we need to. The only thing frowned on is excess whining, whimpiness or loafing.
