Swim Training - Time "In Zone"

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2007-03-09 8:41 AM

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Subject: Swim Training - Time "In Zone"
Hi,

Question: How do you know if you're improving when it comes to ?

Last night, as I was swimming, I was aware that my legs were low, my left arm/rotation is not as good as my left, breathing on my left is uncomfortable and I'm still a slow turtle. In addition, after 1 hour in the pool, I checked my heart rate monitor. I was not even in my "target zone" and my average HR was 130 with a max of 156, which is Z3. I just started going back to training 1.5 weeks ago and I want to know, if I know my stroke is not perfect,

Question 2: How do you gauge that you're approaching the right training strategy?

Thank you in advance,
dinae

P.S. My 1st training goal was to get back to completing 1 mile in the pool. Next is to be in my target zone for at least two minutes.



2007-03-09 9:26 PM
in reply to: #717105

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Subject: RE: Swim Training - Time "In Zone"

Not sure I understand your questions?

What's your "target zone" and why is that important? What do you mean when you say "training strategy?"

If you're slow as a turtle, the best thing to work on is drills, drills and more drills. Work on your form and them work on it some more. It's MUCH more important than being in the right HR zone.

 

2007-03-09 9:54 PM
in reply to: #717105

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Subject: RE: Swim Training - Time "In Zone"

You really can't expect to use HR when swim training. First of all it's a pain to try and keep that strap on when you are doing turns, second the water compresses the cardiovascular system rendering HR data inaccurate, third in a marginally fit person the HR comes down so quickly at the end of a set it is impractical to try and take your pulse that way also.

 

The best way to swim train is to obtain your T-pace (Training Pace) per 100 meters or yards and track improvement on that.

2007-03-09 10:52 PM
in reply to: #717105

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Subject: RE: Swim Training - Time "In Zone"
Thank you for your helpful comments. A coach today did tell me to time my 100 m/yds and then on other days do drills. He said I was thinking too much in the water about my imperfections, so off goes the Heart Rate Monitor. I hated wearing it anyway. Thanks for the tips.
2007-03-10 10:51 AM
in reply to: #717105

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Subject: RE: Swim Training - Time "In Zone"
I face inconsistencies in the water, too. I'm now able to train easily @ 800m and do at least 1 or 2 one mile swims per week. My times tend to vary and I know my form needs work, so for now, I try to warm up and cool down with 200-300 yds of slow, form swimming and do my endurance training (although flawed) in the 500-1300 yd range, to continue building fitness.
2007-03-10 6:17 PM
in reply to: #718330

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Subject: RE: Swim Training - Time "In Zone"
That's encouraging to hear. So for start, I'm just going to do 100 yard intervals, then 200, then work my way to 800. How short should my break be between intervals? Can I just set it based on my fitness as long as my heart rate doesn't go down below aerobic zone?

2007-03-10 6:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Swim Training - Time "In Zone"
Dinae,

I'm no expert but I´ve been a swimmer all my life.

My coaches have always told me not to rest more than 20" after an interval.

That's what I would recommend at the most; then depending on the workout, you could later go all the way down to 10" between 100's.

Take care,

Carlos
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