I have read various swimming books that tout even-pacing for 200m as the best way to go. So, using my very modest goals as an example, if I want to swim 3:04, I should aim to do 46sec every 50m. (Diving in would likely make the first 50m faster, but let's assume that I am pushing off for this discussion.)
But I'm beginning to wonder if something like 44.5 - 45.5 - 46.5 - 47.5 = 3:04 is the better way for me to get to 3:04.
In running, the 800m is typically performed in a positive-split fashion, due to energy requirements for the event. A 2:00 runner (hey, that was me!!) would likely do 58.5 - 61.5 halves. Rather than kicking the last 200m, you would basically try to hang on, or minimize the fade.
I sense that the 200m swim should have the same characteristics. At the WR level, the duration is close to 800m running. (I suppose that if I was able to examine the 50m splits on various elite 200m swims, I would have the answer to this, but I haven't been able to dig this information up yet.)
Anyway....I've been stuck at 3:05 for 3 weeks in a row, utilizing quite even splits. On my 3:04 (or 3:03?) attempt tomorrow, I'm aiming to do the positive split. It's not "sexy" to be "just trying to hang on" on the last 50m, but I am wondering if this is the way to a faster 200m.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
I don't know, I'm not much of a pool swimmer, and certainly not a fast swimmer. I figure the first 50 (assuming LCM) is going to be faster because of the block and adreneline. The second 50 I try to settle into a decent pace. The third, hold that pace, maybe push it a little more. By the last 50 it is hold on for dear life and push the last 10m as much as I can!
Funny, maybe that's why when I look at the swims I've done, I've only swum the 200 free three times ever, 2 LCM and 1 SCM.
I do swim the 200 *** somewhat more, and I have to say the most difficult part is not going too fast on that first 50. And hanging on at the end.
If you are seeded with swimmers of a similar speed, the race kind of takes care of itself. But for a smaller meet where there could be a minute (or more) spread for a heat, well then you kind of just have to pace yourself.
Personally I'd rather swim 50s, 100s, or just go for the 400/500, 800/1000, or 1500/1650. The short are easy--you just go as fast as you can. The long are almost equally easy (for me), settle into a pace and hold it, fast at the end. But I find the 200 to be more of a challenge. I've heard the term, "controlled sprint," used, and I agree with that.
I don't know, I'm not much of a pool swimmer, and certainly not a fast swimmer. I figure the first 50 (assuming LCM) is going to be faster because of the block and adreneline. The second 50 I try to settle into a decent pace. The third, hold that pace, maybe push it a little more. By the last 50 it is hold on for dear life and push the last 10m as much as I can!
Funny, maybe that's why when I look at the swims I've done, I've only swum the 200 free three times ever, 2 LCM and 1 SCM.
I do swim the 200 *** somewhat more, and I have to say the most difficult part is not going too fast on that first 50. And hanging on at the end.
If you are seeded with swimmers of a similar speed, the race kind of takes care of itself. But for a smaller meet where there could be a minute (or more) spread for a heat, well then you kind of just have to pace yourself.
Personally I'd rather swim 50s, 100s, or just go for the 400/500, 800/1000, or 1500/1650. The short are easy--you just go as fast as you can. The long are almost equally easy (for me), settle into a pace and hold it, fast at the end. But I find the 200 to be more of a challenge. I've heard the term, "controlled sprint," used, and I agree with that.
