Hi,
Relatively new to swimming - only started last May, but have become obsessed with the sport. So much so that I have done a fair amount of reading on how to best workout and properly train the correct energy systems for the appropraite purposes (sprinting, middle distance, and long distance events). I have not yet competed, but want to, perhaps next year. I am a 47 year old male, 5'11"+, about 195 Lbs. (need to lose about 10-15 more, but have already dropped about 35 lbs since I started swimming). From my reading, apparently one key to proper training seems to be determining your Anaerobic Threshold speed. This will help you determine your EN1, EN2, EN3 training paces. But I am confused by all the different ways that it can be calculated, and what appears to me to be able to produce wildly different results, even using the same method. Any comments on this point? And what method (except for actual blood testing) do you recommend?
Much appreciation Ryan. I have a much better understanding of how my energy systems work with your explanation. But my conclusion remains the same: I shouldn't get hung up on being at, above, or below AT pace. Just make sure I am doing some of all three paces (a lot more of below if practicing for long distances, a little more of above if practicing for sprints). In my case, it is more about just working out in a way that keeps my interest. And that means making sure I am enjoying the workout, less on whether my below AT pace should be another 5% more of the workout total than my at AT pace, etc (I am, after all, a fossil and it is not like it makes that much of a difference anyway- maybe in my next life I will start younger). But again, thanks, I have a much better understanding.
~Bob
P.S. - As for PSYNCW's post (assuming he is a younger person and competitively focused), I presume the answer for him depends upon:
1.] where he is in his training cycle,
2.] what he is training for (sprint, middle, or long distance), and
3.] what ratio of above AT, at AT, and below AT pace his workouts are at.
Also, I was reading "Swimming Fastest" and it sounds like he might also have to watch out for overtraining and nutrition if he is failing earlier than others on his team. Otherwise, his coaches are telling him (via their training instructions) that he is doing to much anaerobic training and not enough aerobic training, no?
Much appreciation Ryan. I have a much better understanding of how my energy systems work with your explanation. But my conclusion remains the same: I shouldn't get hung up on being at, above, or below AT pace. Just make sure I am doing some of all three paces (a lot more of below if practicing for long distances, a little more of above if practicing for sprints). In my case, it is more about just working out in a way that keeps my interest. And that means making sure I am enjoying the workout, less on whether my below AT pace should be another 5% more of the workout total than my at AT pace, etc (I am, after all, a fossil and it is not like it makes that much of a difference anyway- maybe in my next life I will start younger). But again, thanks, I have a much better understanding.
~Bob
P.S. - As for PSYNCW's post (assuming he is a younger person and competitively focused), I presume the answer for him depends upon:
1.] where he is in his training cycle,
2.] what he is training for (sprint, middle, or long distance), and
3.] what ratio of above AT, at AT, and below AT pace his workouts are at.
Also, I was reading "Swimming Fastest" and it sounds like he might also have to watch out for overtraining and nutrition if he is failing earlier than others on his team. Otherwise, his coaches are telling him (via their training instructions) that he is doing to much anaerobic training and not enough aerobic training, no?
