I'm new to masters this year and have had two meets since January. The first 500 was 5:50 and the second one was 5:51. I can't hold on to my pace after 350. I'm 49 and am working out 5 days a week. Most days are 3000 yards. Once a week I go 4000 yards. Most of my workouts are 250-500 yard swims, with some 100's on 1:30. I can go 6:10 in the middle of practice without killing myself. Why can't I do better in a meet? In meets my first 100 is 1:03 and at 200 at 2:11. Why the fall off? Any meet nutruition ideas? Workout ideas? Pacing ideas?
Here is Ande's "Swimming Faster Faster" thread:
Ande's Swimming Tips: Swimming Faster Faster - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
Perhaps something there will help.
Here is a thread specifically on racing the 500 free:
forums.usms.org/showthread.php
I am very slow myself, but the current thinking on acquiring speed is to focus on short, high-intensity intervals, and make sure the kick is helping you. I would also point you to the blogs, which show how dryland, weights, and other nonaquatic as well as aquatic work can build speed.
Here is Ande's "Swimming Faster Faster" thread:
Ande's Swimming Tips: Swimming Faster Faster - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
Perhaps something there will help.
Here is a thread specifically on racing the 500 free:
forums.usms.org/showthread.php
I am very slow myself, but the current thinking on acquiring speed is to focus on short, high-intensity intervals, and make sure the kick is helping you. I would also point you to the blogs, which show how dryland, weights, and other nonaquatic as well as aquatic work can build speed.
