What do YOU need to do to have a major swimming breakthrough?"

Thanks for the advice, Ande. It's good to know that the sub-minute hundred should be doable. I have read through your swim faster faster tips. This season, I'm really going to focus on training more often and going harder/faster at practice. Here's a quick question: what do you think about using stretch cords as a way to do weights? We have stretch cords at home (no weights) so these are really convenient. For reference, I have never lifted weights or consistently used the stretch cords... so it's not like I have a 'real' background with weights.

your welcome I've created swim faster faster in a word document and a PDF I just haven't made if available I also need to update the most recent info ande Originally posted by BillS Thank you, Ande, that is most helpful. I know you did a table of contents for your Swim Faster series, but it is still hard to find topics in there, and harder still to scroll through the many pages get to the right spot in that big thread. There is so much good stuff in there, I sure wish someone at USMS would set it up as a separate spot where you could jump directly from each topic to the responsive posts.

you're welcome using stretch cords might help they are probably better than nothing ande Originally posted by aquaFeisty Thanks for the advice, Ande. It's good to know that the sub-minute hundred should be doable. I have read through your swim faster faster tips. This season, I'm really going to focus on training more often and going harder/faster at practice. Here's a quick question: what do you think about using stretch cords as a way to do weights? We have stretch cords at home (no weights) so these are really convenient. For reference, I have never lifted weights or consistently used the stretch cords... so it's not like I have a 'real' background with weights.

any one interested in breaking through? ande

hey ande, I'm primarily a freestyle swimmer, and I want to get a lot faster in the 50 freestyle. Last year, I was able to go at the fastest time, 27.4 sec. I want to try to get my time under 24.3, which is the WPIAL time. Is this possible? I'm 5'11 155 lbs I do lift weights, but also what exercises should I focus on to get a lot faster in sprints, and what type of sets? Thank you so much for helping, because I really want to get faster.

Me! I'd love advice on a swimming breakthrough! First, after a 12 year swimming "break," I'm finally at (just a bit better or on them) my best times as a kid. Yippee! I did not start back at this level - I was sucking wind! What helped me have a "mini" breakthrough was: Coaching kids and adults (it's CHALLENGING to practice what you preach)! Swimming with the men @ Masters practices - I used to say, "Well, they are men and so fast. They are supposed to beat me." And I'd focus on swimming against the women. No more! I race any one and any age. So this was a bit of a mental adjustment. I've improved a lot just from this one aspect. Started doing triathlons - this got me in better physical condition. But now, I'm focusing on swimming. Attitude change in general - really working my weak strokes like backstroke and my once weak events - distance free and 400 IM; thinking positively about things that I am not as naturally gifted in. I was a high maintenance sprinter as a kid. Now, first time up on the blocks swimming a 400 IM (SCM), I placed 10th in the World for masters swimming! I want to keep going. Goal - how to place top 3 in the world in one or more events (100 Fly/ 400 IM/ 200 IM - LCM) I'm guessing I need to focus in on an event or two? The problem is that I love variety in my workouts - Fly day, distance free another day, IM day, etc. Currently in the 30-34 age group to move up to the 35-39 group in 2007. Have multiple Top 10 in the nation swims in lots of events. Currently, swim 1.5 hours six times a week. No weights. I'm guessing I'll need to add that in? I feel great as of now. I could do a lot more. I jog 3 to 5 miles two to three times a week - I'm thinking maybe doubles in the pool could be better. . . Or is this overkill? Continue to work on my mental toughness. . . Should I watch my food intake more? Am 5'8" and 138. As a kid (15) I was 5'8" and 130. Thanks for any tips Ande!

hello just noticed this I don't check this page much first get under 27 read Swim Faster Faster just about everything I know about improving in swimming can be found there do drills, speed work, and get strong I think the most important exercise is lat press it exercises the same muscles that you need for the power phase of your stroke ande hey ande, I'm primarily a freestyle swimmer, and I want to get a lot faster in the 50 freestyle. Last year, I was able to go at the fastest time, 27.4 sec. I want to try to get my time under 24.3, which is the WPIAL time. Is this possible? I'm 5'11 155 lbs I do lift weights, but also what exercises should I focus on to get a lot faster in sprints, and what type of sets? Thank you so much for helping, because I really want to get faster.

hi kristina, It sounds like you are already doing a lot of things right it's great you have a goal focus on it it's good you're an IMer since you like variety It might help you to lose a little weight did you read Swim Faster Faster you might find some tips to apply ande Me! I'd love advice on a swimming breakthrough! First, after a 12 year swimming "break," I'm finally at (just a bit better or on them) my best times as a kid. Yippee! I did not start back at this level - I was sucking wind! What helped me have a "mini" breakthrough was: Coaching kids and adults (it's CHALLENGING to practice what you preach)! Swimming with the men @ Masters practices - I used to say, "Well, they are men and so fast. They are supposed to beat me." And I'd focus on swimming against the women. No more! I race any one and any age. So this was a bit of a mental adjustment. I've improved a lot just from this one aspect. Started doing triathlons - this got me in better physical condition. But now, I'm focusing on swimming. Attitude change in general - really working my weak strokes like backstroke and my once weak events - distance free and 400 IM; thinking positively about things that I am not as naturally gifted in. I was a high maintenance sprinter as a kid. Now, first time up on the blocks swimming a 400 IM (SCM), I placed 10th in the World for masters swimming! I want to keep going. Goal - how to place top 3 in the world in one or more events (100 Fly/ 400 IM/ 200 IM - LCM) I'm guessing I need to focus in on an event or two? The problem is that I love variety in my workouts - Fly day, distance free another day, IM day, etc. Currently in the 30-34 age group to move up to the 35-39 group in 2007. Have multiple Top 10 in the nation swims in lots of events. Currently, swim 1.5 hours six times a week. No weights. I'm guessing I'll need to add that in? I feel great as of now. I could do a lot more. I jog 3 to 5 miles two to three times a week - I'm thinking maybe doubles in the pool could be better. . . Or is this overkill? Continue to work on my mental toughness. . . Should I watch my food intake more? Am 5'8" and 138. As a kid (15) I was 5'8" and 130. Thanks for any tips Ande!

Thanks for your encouragement Ande. Yes - I really have enjoyed reading though lots of the tips (and comments on the tips) on Faster, Faster. BTW, I just swam with Senior I today and I have to say - this is one way to have a swimming breakthrough I believe! It was blast in addition to crazy (those kids have tons of energy and the coaches really have to reign them in!); scary (6500 yards in well under 2 hours; tight intervals; fast pace meaning hardly any rest between sets; lots of FLY for me as it was stroke day); inspiring (super, long, lean bodies were all around me and the kids and two coaches were very encouraging and welcoming!!!); and exhilarating (I made it through the whole practice!) It was really cool to feel 16 again. Don't get me wrong. I love the masters practices. But, it's neat to see how far you can push yourself on occasion by swimming with the young 'uns. What an experience! Can't wait to see if I can hang during the killer long course practices over the Turkey break. On the weight thing - I see you weigh yourself to the tenth of a pound every day. Woa! I don't think I'll be going that far. I need to simplify things and will see if I can drop 4 to 5 pounds by just cutting out desserts (I eat well otherwise.) It was interesting to look around and feel short and stocky compared to the very long and lean girls and boys - and I'm 5'8" and a size 6 and still felt short and wide! But, I know that the 34 year old body type is not the same as the 16 year old body type! It's a-okay! Best of luck to you too Ande. I continue to be a fan.

very nice to hear from you thank you and I wish you the best with your training the most important thing is to remain consistent especially in the moments when you don't feel like working out thanks for being a fan ande Thanks for your encouragement Ande. Yes - I really have enjoyed reading though lots of the tips (and comments on the tips) on Faster, Faster. BTW, I just swam with Senior I today and I have to say - this is one way to have a swimming breakthrough I believe! It was blast in addition to crazy (those kids have tons of energy and the coaches really have to reign them in!); scary (6500 yards in well under 2 hours; tight intervals; fast pace meaning hardly any rest between sets; lots of FLY for me as it was stroke day); inspiring (super, long, lean bodies were all around me and the kids and two coaches were very encouraging and welcoming!!!); and exhilarating (I made it through the whole practice!) It was really cool to feel 16 again. Don't get me wrong. I love the masters practices. But, it's neat to see how far you can push yourself on occasion by swimming with the young 'uns. What an experience! Can't wait to see if I can hang during the killer long course practices over the Turkey break. On the weight thing - I see you weigh yourself to the tenth of a pound every day. Woa! I don't think I'll be going that far. I need to simplify things and will see if I can drop 4 to 5 pounds by just cutting out desserts (I eat well otherwise.) It was interesting to look around and feel short and stocky compared to the very long and lean girls and boys - and I'm 5'8" and a size 6 and still felt short and wide! But, I know that the 34 year old body type is not the same as the 16 year old body type! It's a-okay! Best of luck to you too Ande. I continue to be a fan.