How do you determine whether you would be better off training and racing sprints or distance events?
I'm back into competitive training this winter after ~2 decades since high school. I used to coach age group, and I've been hitting some master's practices, so I'm not without direction for what I should be doing to get back in shape. I am, however, clueless about distance swimming.
I have no exposure to distance racing or training so I am starting to read up on it (Maglischo). In high school, with the longest event being the 500 free, everyone was a "sprinter" whether they were suited to it or not.
Since I'm basically rebuilding myself from the ground up, I am wondering whether I might give distance a try? What sorts of physiology, technique or psychology lend themselves to doing distance as opposed to sprinting? Or does this not really matter for a nearly 40-year-old masters swimmer that's been out of the pool for nearly forever?
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Former Member
Michael - I don't mean to be argumentative at all. I guess my experience was different. I think ALL of my times were unimpressive in the beginning! But the sprint times became less disgusting quicker than longer swims. I'll admit too that I have no interest in swimming 5K practices. I am firmly in the quality over quantity camp.
In any case - I don't think blood tests or muscle fiber analysis is required to determine sprinter vs. distance.
I suggest though that if the OP thinks he might want to sprint well - include some fast swimming weekly regardless of what he does for aerobic work.
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Former Member
Michael - I don't mean to be argumentative at all. I guess my experience was different. I think ALL of my times were unimpressive in the beginning! But the sprint times became less disgusting quicker than longer swims. I'll admit too that I have no interest in swimming 5K practices. I am firmly in the quality over quantity camp.
In any case - I don't think blood tests or muscle fiber analysis is required to determine sprinter vs. distance.
I suggest though that if the OP thinks he might want to sprint well - include some fast swimming weekly regardless of what he does for aerobic work.
