General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Hydro-dynamically challenged.... Rss Feed  
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2012-02-05 5:22 PM

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Subject: Hydro-dynamically challenged....
What is a typical 1 mile (1750?) time in a 25 yard pool? I have been swimming a zillion laps a year for the past three years and my limit is about 34 minutes on average.


2012-02-06 12:57 PM
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Central CT
Subject: RE: Hydro-dynamically challenged....

That a really wide open question. It's like asking what a typical 5K time is - you'll end up with the majority of answers ranging from 16:00 to 28:00. Technically, a mile in a pool is 1,650 yards (a 1650 is considered a mile race at competitive swim meets). Recent CT masters swim meets had men's & women's times that ranged from about 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Really competitive male swimmers at the college level are typically swimming it in under 16:00. The best of the best probably go under 15:00 (not sure what the WR is, but I gotta believe it's under 15:00 maybe even under 14:30).

That said, most triathletes readily admit that swimming is their weakest of the three disciplines. I didn't break out the spreadsheet, so I'm not exactly sure about these numbers, but time-wise it's more beneficial to increase bike speed by 1MPH than it is to drop your 1Mi swim time by 5 minutes at the Ironman distance. The difference between 20 & 21 MPH is only 5%, while the difference between 34 minutes and 29 minutes is about 15%

2012-02-07 10:33 AM
in reply to: #4030746

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Subject: RE: Hydro-dynamically challenged....

I swim in a 25 meter pool, and my best times for a 1600m swim are around 31 min or slightly below.  That would put me in the 28:20 range for 1600 yds.  I'm no speed demon compared to swimmers, but I do usually place in the top 15% of the local sprint tris (for the swim).

The biggest thing that improved my swimming was participating in a group class.  It was actually a YMCA Triathlon swim class. Unfortunately, the instructor had never done a tri, never coach triathletes, and did swim open water.  But, I did learn a ton in the class about technique and how to get more benefit from swim training as opposed to just logging laps.  The difference for me in speed is all about arm turnover rate.  It seems obvious, but when I am in the pool, it I simply increase my turnover rate a little, it has a direct impact on my speed. 

At this point, I am swimming to maintain and focusing more on the run and bike. 

 

2012-02-07 3:34 PM
in reply to: #4033687

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New Haven, CT
Subject: RE: Hydro-dynamically challenged....
There is no "typical" time.  If you swim a sub 30 minute most Olys you will be top 50%.  
2012-02-13 9:43 AM
in reply to: #4030746

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Higganum, Connecticut
Subject: RE: Hydro-dynamically challenged....
Thanks for the input - I agree with not worrying to much about the swim time, it's much more important for me, to be "less tired" at the end of the swim.  I'm really surprised at how much you learn as you go, especially about your own physical state; I could once run or sprint much faster than I do now; aside from getting old, I actually see my bio/muscular/neuro mechanics changing from shorter distance to the HIM distance because that's what I'm working toward.  Try as I may, going faster in the water is not something that I have figured out - less tired, yes - but not faster.  The spin off of that is being able to go faster on the bike and/or run for a longer distance.
2012-02-21 5:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Hydro-dynamically challenged....

>> it's much more important for me, to be "less tired" at the end of the swim.

Amen Brutha !!



2012-04-06 7:30 PM
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Subject: RE: Hydro-dynamically challenged....

I am also hydro-dynamically challenged.  So after a tough first year with swimming, I set out to find a way to not be so exhausted at the end instead of looking to go faster.  I found Total Immersion.  The prinicple behind the techniques is to be sleek in the water and move through more easily.  I took a 4 hour session last fall.  In just 4 short hours (and at a very reasonable cost) I notice I was using less effort to move through the water.  Long story short, I had been dragging my legs because I was not putting my head and chest in the proper position.  SOunds overly simple, but it works.  there are several books and a DVD that will run on your computer that teaches the theory and breaks learning the technique down into smaller, easy to follow steps.  You can also keep an out out for specials.  I got an email from Max Performance Online after entering one of their Sprint Triathlons and giving them my email address.  If I see another, I will pass it on in the CT forum.

Good luck!

2012-04-10 12:04 PM
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Subject: RE: Hydro-dynamically challenged....

Hey Todd,

I swim daily at the Milford Y and have been doing it for 2 years+. Typically I do a mile (1800 yards) in 26:00.  So by others' definition of a mile of 1650 yards, I guess it would be 24:00+. 

I really look at the clock every 100 yards to make sure I am at the right pace for my goal which is a consistent 1:25 per 100 give or take a couple of seconds.

I think itervals help greatly with overall speed.  FYI, I think age plays a big part in this whole thing, I'm 43 and can't keep up with the 30 somethings at the pool!

Javier

2012-04-10 12:29 PM
in reply to: #4030746

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Higganum, Connecticut
Subject: RE: Hydro-dynamically challenged....
Nice!! 1:25 per 100!!! I'm lucky to get 1:45 consistently - 1:25 is FAST over 1650!( at least for me it would be)
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