I started swimming 2 years ago as part of doing triathlon (please, no one beat me up). Up to this point while I've taken swimming somewhat serious I've certainly let biking and running be my focus while just trying to be an "okay" swimmer. Currently, I swim 10@100 at around 1:25 ish (I don't leave at 1:25 by my actual swim time is 1:25 per 100) with a god-awful flip turn. My volume starting this season is roughly 8 - 10k/week.
I really want to start putting more emphasis on swimming and becoming a better swimmer. I enjoy swimming and think there is a lot ahead of me. I met with a good swimmer and he is starting to point me in the right direction. The first thing we are doing is just upping my volume. I'm going to start putting in 12 - 15k each week.
My question for the good swimmers is: are there volume levels where you noticed improvement in your swimming. I mean, for example, when you starting putting in X yards per week consistently you noticed an improvement in swimming. I know this is probably different for everyone but I just wanted to get a general feel...
I know I can translate this into running - when I hit 50 miles a week I can feel the difference in my running. And from there it is usually in 10's for me. 60 miles a week and 70 miles a week.
Thanks.
Always think of it in time, that takes the skill out of it and measures effort only. To get serious about swimming and have good breathroughs, you need to train 4-5 times a week and each training session should be 60 min minimum, 90 min preffered. To maintain, you may be able to get away with three times a week, maybe. To improve look to add training time. Triathletes can probably cut way back on the swimming in the competative season, but I bet they pack on the yardage off season.
I noticed big improvement when I was able to cope with and work through shoulder issues as a new swimmer and get to the point where I could train 5-6 days a week.
Always think of it in time, that takes the skill out of it and measures effort only. To get serious about swimming and have good breathroughs, you need to train 4-5 times a week and each training session should be 60 min minimum, 90 min preffered. To maintain, you may be able to get away with three times a week, maybe. To improve look to add training time. Triathletes can probably cut way back on the swimming in the competative season, but I bet they pack on the yardage off season.
I noticed big improvement when I was able to cope with and work through shoulder issues as a new swimmer and get to the point where I could train 5-6 days a week.
