Recently, I have been more interested in getting in frequent swim workouts, then actually worrying about what I am trying to accomplish in the water. On many occasions, I will arrive at the pool for an independent workout without a much of a plan.
Are these workouts garbage, or are the beneficial because I am filling the gaps between planned team workouts?
My independent workouts are fairly short, always less than 3k meters unless I have a planned set, and the workouts usually have a single focus, even when that focus materializes only minutes before jumping into the water. The focus can be somewhat general (kick) or it can be specific (EVF while sprinting).
The team workouts usually have a useful theme for the main set.
I think as long as you are swimming mindfully, these are not garbage yards. I second Fort's idea of working on things you would like to work on that you team does not, or not as much as you would like. That can be breakouts, turns, kicking, drills, sculling, etc. I tend to work on stroke (non free), kicking, turns and breakouts when I workout on my own. I find it very helpful as an addition to the team workouts I attend.
--mj
I think as long as you are swimming mindfully, these are not garbage yards. I second Fort's idea of working on things you would like to work on that you team does not, or not as much as you would like. That can be breakouts, turns, kicking, drills, sculling, etc. I tend to work on stroke (non free), kicking, turns and breakouts when I workout on my own. I find it very helpful as an addition to the team workouts I attend.
--mj
