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.
To the OP--what distance triathlon are you training for? Pool swims or open water?
I swim mostly with triathletes. One thing that I like that our coach does is a variety of swims geared for longer distance; a timed 60 min, timed 20 min, 2000 or 1000 for time. Then he'll also assign sets such as 10 x 100 w 30 sec rest at your race pace (whatever distance that is), as well as that 10 x 100 on something like 5 sec rest. Of course the goal is to get those long swims down.
From personal experience, for open water I like having a strong breaststroke. It can be handy if you start cramping or going numb. It is also useful for sighting. And I also find a strong *** kick handy when someone gets too close (those persistant folks who follow me and swim at/poke at me).
There are some good tips so far, but I think much really depends on the swim distance. I know several Ironman finishers who push the limits completing the swim on time and focus more time on bike, a lesser extent on run (but certainly not 60 miles/week more like 30-35).
To the OP--what distance triathlon are you training for? Pool swims or open water?
I swim mostly with triathletes. One thing that I like that our coach does is a variety of swims geared for longer distance; a timed 60 min, timed 20 min, 2000 or 1000 for time. Then he'll also assign sets such as 10 x 100 w 30 sec rest at your race pace (whatever distance that is), as well as that 10 x 100 on something like 5 sec rest. Of course the goal is to get those long swims down.
From personal experience, for open water I like having a strong breaststroke. It can be handy if you start cramping or going numb. It is also useful for sighting. And I also find a strong *** kick handy when someone gets too close (those persistant folks who follow me and swim at/poke at me).
There are some good tips so far, but I think much really depends on the swim distance. I know several Ironman finishers who push the limits completing the swim on time and focus more time on bike, a lesser extent on run (but certainly not 60 miles/week more like 30-35).
