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?
Parents
Former Member
I swam at nationals and had great races! My 500 did not fall off at all thanks to the advice given. I came into the meet with a seed time of 5:50 and swam a 5:30 in the race. The first 50 was 30 seconds then all 33's and finished with a 32! Very consistant pace due to learning what this pace felt like when fresh and tired. For anyone having the same problem that I did with the last 150 falling off should follow what was written here. I'm living proof that the advice is good.
As a note, I tapered for 2 weeks, got lots of rest and ate very little red meat. I stuck with turkey and chicken quite often. I raced at 9:00 am so the day of the race I had part of a Powerbar, water and half gatorade. My warm up was 700 easy yards with a couple 50's at race pace. I had 90 minutes rest after warm ups. It was a winning combination that nearly got me the Iowa masters record for the 500 in the 45-49 age group. I missed it by .16 seconds. I turn 50 in June, so new goals are being set. Thanks again and good luck to all of you 500 atheletes.
I want to give a special thanks to Jack Groselle of Ohio. I met Jack and his wife at the Nationals dinner. He was very encouraging and actually watched my 500. (Jack owns several world records so his support meant a lot!)
Scott Gerkin
I swam at nationals and had great races! My 500 did not fall off at all thanks to the advice given. I came into the meet with a seed time of 5:50 and swam a 5:30 in the race. The first 50 was 30 seconds then all 33's and finished with a 32! Very consistant pace due to learning what this pace felt like when fresh and tired. For anyone having the same problem that I did with the last 150 falling off should follow what was written here. I'm living proof that the advice is good.
As a note, I tapered for 2 weeks, got lots of rest and ate very little red meat. I stuck with turkey and chicken quite often. I raced at 9:00 am so the day of the race I had part of a Powerbar, water and half gatorade. My warm up was 700 easy yards with a couple 50's at race pace. I had 90 minutes rest after warm ups. It was a winning combination that nearly got me the Iowa masters record for the 500 in the 45-49 age group. I missed it by .16 seconds. I turn 50 in June, so new goals are being set. Thanks again and good luck to all of you 500 atheletes.
I want to give a special thanks to Jack Groselle of Ohio. I met Jack and his wife at the Nationals dinner. He was very encouraging and actually watched my 500. (Jack owns several world records so his support meant a lot!)
Scott Gerkin
