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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12.5 I wish, more like 13.5 seconds for a 25 m push. Thanks for the suggestion to do 500's, I just have to not go out so hard at first.
Some people actually like to negative split 500s, aka get faster each 100. It is not my preference, but it might be a good strategy for you until you are more comfortable with the distance and develop a more personalized one.
12.5 I wish, more like 13.5 seconds for a 25 m push. Thanks for the suggestion to do 500's, I just have to not go out so hard at first.
Some people actually like to negative split 500s, aka get faster each 100. It is not my preference, but it might be a good strategy for you until you are more comfortable with the distance and develop a more personalized one.
