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.
I can share my experience being a newbie to triathlon last year. I swam competitively when i was young and most of my training in the early parts of last year were swimming. I figured out more of what to do in June, July and August, in order to reach my goals in triathlon.
Unfortunately, I didn't start tracking my workouts until last July, but here's the data for those months:
July 46k
August 36k
Sep 36k
I found that later in the season it was more beneficial for me to concentrate on biking and running. My volume of swimming went down in August as my cycling mileage went up. But my swim splits remained solid.
From my limited experience, I found that getting into good swim shape early then switching my focus and maintaining the swim worked well for me in the latter stages of the year.
I think it really depends on your goals and the timing of your races. Personally, I'm going to swim as much yardage as possible now, i really feel that swimming helps me get into shape. While long bike rides help me get good overall endurance.
Running is for the birds.
I can share my experience being a newbie to triathlon last year. I swam competitively when i was young and most of my training in the early parts of last year were swimming. I figured out more of what to do in June, July and August, in order to reach my goals in triathlon.
Unfortunately, I didn't start tracking my workouts until last July, but here's the data for those months:
July 46k
August 36k
Sep 36k
I found that later in the season it was more beneficial for me to concentrate on biking and running. My volume of swimming went down in August as my cycling mileage went up. But my swim splits remained solid.
From my limited experience, I found that getting into good swim shape early then switching my focus and maintaining the swim worked well for me in the latter stages of the year.
I think it really depends on your goals and the timing of your races. Personally, I'm going to swim as much yardage as possible now, i really feel that swimming helps me get into shape. While long bike rides help me get good overall endurance.
Running is for the birds.
