First Non-Stop 1500 Meter Swim-- and Two Questions

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2010-04-02 10:56 AM

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Subject: First Non-Stop 1500 Meter Swim-- and Two Questions
Last night I completed my first non-stop 1500 meter swim!!  It was pretty encouraging for me to complete that in my fifth week of training.  I finished it in 36 minutes, which isn't as fast as I hope to be come race day, but I was still proud of it considered I wasn't swimming at all five weeks ago.  My goal is a sub 30 minute swim come race day in late June.  That will put my among front of the pack (based on last years results) in my Clydesdale's age group. 

Two questions:

1. Because I swam late last night, my swimming hole's usual covered outdoor pool was already closed and I swam in the indoor pool which is at 86 degrees, 6 degrees warmer than my normal.  Does this temperature change affect my speed (slower or faster) or not?

2. To complete the non-stop 1500 meter last night, I mixed a 25 meters of breast strokes every 200 meters or so.  Its kinda my quick recovery while still going forward (similar to walking for a minute during my run).  Is that a bad idea?  Can I do that during the race?

Thanks.

2010-04-02 11:05 AM
in reply to: #2765123

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Subject: RE: First Non-Stop 1500 Meter Swim-- and Two Questions
Congrats!

1.  The warmer water doesn't help for sure, but I don't think it's going to have a huge effect on your overall speed.

2. Thats a fine idea, and is allowed during the race, however space can be pretty tight at times and you'll likely be kicking somebody with that breastroke kick.  When I do my longer swims, I'll mix in 25 yards of a swim drill (I like catch-up drill since its a pretty fast drill) rather than breaststroke.  This way I can work on keeping my form strong throughout which in a long swim is quite difficult.

On your next long swim, try counting the amount of strokes it takes you to go 25 yards/meters at the beginning and the amount of strokes to go 25 at the end of your swim.  You want to keep this fairly constant.

Edited by ionlylooklazy 2010-04-02 11:06 AM
2010-04-02 11:07 AM
in reply to: #2765123

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Subject: RE: First Non-Stop 1500 Meter Swim-- and Two Questions
congrats on the swim!  I had my first 1600 non-stop this week as well, a great feeling!
2010-04-02 11:11 AM
in reply to: #2765141

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Subject: RE: First Non-Stop 1500 Meter Swim-- and Two Questions
On your next long swim, try counting the amount of strokes it takes you to go 25 yards/meters at the beginning and the amount of strokes to go 25 at the end of your swim.  You want to keep this fairly constant.

Yeah, I currently do this.  Right now I'm around 21 strokes per 25 meters.  Towards the end of last night's swim I was creeping into the 23 range.  But that seems pretty close, right?
2010-04-02 11:21 AM
in reply to: #2765123

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Subject: RE: First Non-Stop 1500 Meter Swim-- and Two Questions
Yeah, the seems OK for consistency, but your stroke count seems high overall.

I recommend some catch-up drill.  That will help you stay long in the water and should help reduce your stroke count.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Si6VeAfluQ
2010-04-02 11:31 AM
in reply to: #2765123

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Subject: RE: First Non-Stop 1500 Meter Swim-- and Two Questions
Congrats on the your swim training achievment. I am very impressed with that swimming improvment. I just reached one of my training goal last night, and am still pumped, and great to hear stories of others experiencing the same thing.  86 degrees is pretty warm and would only slow you down if you were overheating, (I would be overheating in 86 degree water.)

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