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?
While I am firmly in the race pace camp when it comes to meet preparation I think it is much better to start with more distance stuff.The aerobic base idea has validity for some,but to me the bigger issue is avoiding injury.If you start doing fast sets before your body has adapted you are bound to strain,sprain,or tear something.
While I am firmly in the race pace camp when it comes to meet preparation I think it is much better to start with more distance stuff.The aerobic base idea has validity for some,but to me the bigger issue is avoiding injury.If you start doing fast sets before your body has adapted you are bound to strain,sprain,or tear something.
