Okay, 4 of us in my YMCA Masters group are getting stoked about trying to qualify for 2010 nationals since we live right here in the ATL. Our masters groups is fairly small and not too many former age groupers so we really don't compete - at all (well, maybe if you count triathlons).
Of the four of us, two swam in college. We sort of alternate coaching the entire group while swimming and we only swim 3 days a week right now (that's what the Y let's us have). I don't think any of us will have any trouble qualifying. 2 of us could qualify right now, while the other 2 (including me) will have to get in better shape to qualify.
So my question is, if we have a year to train and we are restricted to 3 days a week in the pool, what sort of regimen could you recommend to first improve our fitness and endurance, then get faster to qualify and finally prepare for the actual meet?
Thanks!
Parents
Former Member
The OP didn't say what events they want to get fast in - and how fast they already are in these events. For example if you want to get faster in the 500 free the training would be much different than the training required to swim a fast 50 or 100.
But I offer a few general thoughts:
1. If 3 workouts per week is what you have - then make sure each one has a purpose and you make the most out of each one.
2. Race when you can. Race execution (splitting, etc.) can make a big difference in your overall performance.
3. You could easily add some dryland work to the schedule even if you only get 3 days in the pool.
The OP didn't say what events they want to get fast in - and how fast they already are in these events. For example if you want to get faster in the 500 free the training would be much different than the training required to swim a fast 50 or 100.
But I offer a few general thoughts:
1. If 3 workouts per week is what you have - then make sure each one has a purpose and you make the most out of each one.
2. Race when you can. Race execution (splitting, etc.) can make a big difference in your overall performance.
3. You could easily add some dryland work to the schedule even if you only get 3 days in the pool.
