I hope you don’t mind me asking a noddy question – but it is one that is important for me....
I would be interested in your views on the correct training and focus to improve my swimming speed. My current freestyle 100 estimated PB is 1:10 and around 30 for 50. I can’t currently be more specific as I have yet to swim in a master’s meet – but have one planned for 6th March here in the UK.
Just for background I am 51 years old have previously competed at track, X Country & road running at a reasonable standard was an elite triathlete in the late 80’s competing for the UK in a few competitions... (lower standard then of course!!)
I am returning to swimming, which I did as a child with the aim of becoming competitive in my age group in the UK – and for me being competitive means competing against the best and ultimately winning or coming close!!
I currently train twice a day most days with one pool session and then something else such as gym work, running or rowing. My current swim mileage is around 18k a week and I swim with a club for about half of that yardage.... My times for the other three strokes are considerably slower and I currently complete 100 IM repeats in around 1:40 with breaststroke being the slowest stroke (but improving). While I am definitely quickest and most competitive at freestyle I do aspire to swim the other strokes at a higher standard and as such have entered 100 IM at the forthcoming meet!
So I guess I would be interested in any words of wisdom as to how I can make the transition from average club swimmer to competitive national age group swimmer. I do work full time and have a family – but will do whatever it takes to improve including swimming more mileage or twice a day or getting some one on one coaching.... I believe I do have the physiology to improve significantly as I got into the top 10 of the concept 2 rankings recently with some reasonable times and believe my VO2 Max is still in the mid to high 60’s (to be confirmed shortly). I was traditionally an endurance athlete with my best performances coming at the longer distances – but I currently aspire to improve significantly at the shorter distances before considering moving up to 400, 800 and even 1500!
Any help or guidance would be much appreciated....
Nick
Twitter: uknick
Facebook: Nick Ballard (look for the one with links to rowing or swimming groups)
Facebook Group: competitive @ 50
