I am a long-time OW swimmer. I do most of my training in a 25 yd pool with once weekly OW swims (mostly spring, summer and fall). I'm gradually getting away from wetsuits. I would like to enter 5K & 10K swims this coming season and want to train accordingly. Mostly, I just do straight laps (typically 1.5 miles/4-5 times per week); there is no interval training. I'm fairly competitive for my age but I just feel that I'm stuck in my workout routine. I need to be convinced that introducing some high intensity interval training - if that's what is called for - will get me to the next level. Any thoughts and experience? Any authoritative reading? I really want my workouts to count!
@ flystorms: Thanks!! @ ChuckL: Yes that is basically what I am saying. That is excellent your form/technique is good, and flip turns are solid. Start bi-lateral breathing. There is only one way to do this: start bi-lateral breathing. > All training immediately and stay with it from now on. This is a very important skill for OW training/racing and high volume swim training. 'Unlearn' what you have learned and drilled. I would not recommend you swim less than 3X a week year-round and 6 swims a week as you come up on race season. Plus some cross training 2-3X a week; weights, core, yoga, stretching. Nutrition is key here, recovery, performance, injury prevention. A lot of swimmers neglect it. Use it as your weapon.
@ flystorms: Thanks!! @ ChuckL: Yes that is basically what I am saying. That is excellent your form/technique is good, and flip turns are solid. Start bi-lateral breathing. There is only one way to do this: start bi-lateral breathing. > All training immediately and stay with it from now on. This is a very important skill for OW training/racing and high volume swim training. 'Unlearn' what you have learned and drilled. I would not recommend you swim less than 3X a week year-round and 6 swims a week as you come up on race season. Plus some cross training 2-3X a week; weights, core, yoga, stretching. Nutrition is key here, recovery, performance, injury prevention. A lot of swimmers neglect it. Use it as your weapon.
