Improving swimming time

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2012-01-11 9:13 AM


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Subject: Improving swimming time

I learnt to swim freestyle for Lake Placid last year and thought I was making leaps and bounds until I came to do the swim on the day. I was so much slower than I thought I would have been, 1.43. The distance itself wasnt a problem. just the time. I admit I didnt put as much into the swim training as I should have done and averaged one, sometimes two, swims a week, swimming a mile each time, steady pace.

I've entered NY in August and intend to really concentrate on swimming at least two sessions a week and would wlecome advice on improving swim times. Is there one aspect of swimming that you concentrate on over another? Volume versus quality for example. I really am a beginner when it comes to swim training and would really appreciate any input.

Thanks and good luck to everyone for the coming year. David Miller

 

2012-01-11 9:42 AM
in reply to: #3983715

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Improving swimming time
Well, to be honest, you really haven't done any swim training yet. Wat you did for LP really can't be called training. 1-2x per week of 1 mile straight swimming is simply survival training, not swim training.
2012-01-11 9:55 AM
in reply to: #3983715

Master
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Subject: RE: Improving swimming time

I've entered NY in August and intend to really concentrate on swimming at least two sessions a week and would wlecome advice on improving swim times.

Do more per week, and swim with a masters group.

2012-01-11 9:55 AM
in reply to: #3983782


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Subject: RE: Improving swimming time
Which is the reason why I am asking for advice
2012-01-11 10:06 AM
in reply to: #3983820


6

Subject: RE: Improving swimming time
Thanks spudone, I'll look into that.
2012-01-11 10:13 AM
in reply to: #3983822

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Improving swimming time
davey m - 2012-01-11 8:55 AM

Which is the reason why I am asking for advice


Really ANY kind of training will help you, be that joining a Masters group to simplky finding a generic swim training plan online. You are starting fro almost sctratch, so I don't think which protocol you choose will matter nearly as much as simply starting one. The volume/intensity will take care of itself.

Edited by bryancd 2012-01-11 10:13 AM

2012-01-11 10:30 AM
in reply to: #3983715

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Improving swimming time

What Bryan said. I started really seeing gains in the water when I started going for 3k'ish sessions 4+ times a week. It's cut massive amounts of time off my numbers across the board.


If you want to become a "good" swimmer, you're going to have to train like a good swimmer.

2012-01-11 10:46 AM
in reply to: #3983715


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Subject: RE: Improving swimming time

Find a Masters swim group in your area.  It made a huge difference for me!  It helps to have a swim coach there who is watching your stroke and pushing you in work outs.  You'll become a more efficient swimmer, and you'll likley enjoy it more too.  Good Luck with your training. 

2012-01-11 6:39 PM
in reply to: #3983715

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Improving swimming time

3 times per week.

minimum 2.5 km per session

swim 1 - focus on drills and swimming form

swim 2 - focus on speed (still do some drills) do a long set of like 25x100 plus warm up and cool down

swim 3 - focus on endurance like 3 x 1000 m with warm up and cool down, 6x500 m or 2x 1500m

2012-01-12 2:35 PM
in reply to: #3983715

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Improving swimming time
FWIW I swim 1 - 2 times a week for 1500m in my IM training, and I've been able to make it work for my goals.  I concentrate on making a small hole in the water, long glide, and a good pull.  I end up with enough swim fitness for the distance as long as I control my pace and swim easy.  IMHO most people, regardless of their swim fitness, swim too hard on race day.
2012-01-12 3:23 PM
in reply to: #3986892

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Expert
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CenTex
Subject: RE: Improving swimming time

I had good success with the swim plans in Be Iron Fit, although they were a little boring.  I've always been a good swimmer; these plans gave me the endurance necessary to complete the swim without any issues and get out of the water fresh and ready to finish the day.

I would swim 3x/week, following a plan that starts around 2500-3000 and builds to 4000 or 4500 if you want to improve and be truly ready for the day.

Good Luck!

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