I agree. I think trying to hold 50s at pace is much useful for a 500 than 100s.
I split the difference, using 75s at race pace to train for the 400/500 free. 100s are too demanding; I fall off the pace before I get enough repetitions to get the desired training effect. 50's I find too easy. I can cruise the first 25 off the fresh rest, blast a strong turn, and maybe only "feel the burn" for the last 10-12 strokes. 75s force me to be a little more conservative for the turns (more closely replicating what I can sustain for an entire 500 race), and I have to swim against the burn (which feels like the back 300 of a 500 race) for the entire second 50 of each repeat after about 5 or 6 reps. I can get to failure much sooner than with 50s, while still getting enough strokes at race pace too have a positive training effect.
I agree. I think trying to hold 50s at pace is much useful for a 500 than 100s.
I split the difference, using 75s at race pace to train for the 400/500 free. 100s are too demanding; I fall off the pace before I get enough repetitions to get the desired training effect. 50's I find too easy. I can cruise the first 25 off the fresh rest, blast a strong turn, and maybe only "feel the burn" for the last 10-12 strokes. 75s force me to be a little more conservative for the turns (more closely replicating what I can sustain for an entire 500 race), and I have to swim against the burn (which feels like the back 300 of a 500 race) for the entire second 50 of each repeat after about 5 or 6 reps. I can get to failure much sooner than with 50s, while still getting enough strokes at race pace too have a positive training effect.
