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2022-02-15 1:00 PM


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Subject: Question on swim training for 70.3
Hello all,
Most of the swim plans I see have pool workouts that involve something like 7 x 100's at such and such a pace etc.
I rarely see a plan that actually involves long swims period. Like swimming for 20, 30 or 40 minutes. I know long runs are important, so I was just wondering why long swims don't seem to be a priority workout, when that is exactly what you will be doing in an actual race.
Appreciate any feedback!
Thanks!


2022-02-15 7:10 PM
in reply to: Burchib

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Subject: RE: Question on swim training for 70.3

The primary reason you don't train in swimming like you do in running or cycling is the dependence on form in swimming, and how that breaks down so easily when you're fatigued.  Learning to swim like 10 x 100 with 10-15 seconds rest where those 100s have great form and maybe a little quicker than race pace is better than training a 1K at the race pace.

That said, in one of my swim workouts a week I do a "cold" 1K warm up with a small pull buoy building very quickly to race pace to get a consistent feel for swimming hard without a long warm up, and the buoy gives me the buoyancy of my wetsuit (sorta).  Otherwise my longest non-warm-up interval is a 200.  I do sprints and Olys, nothing longer.

I think a bunch of long distance tri plans advocate for 1 or 2 long interval sessions like 3 x 1K or something like that, but that just sounds horrible in a pool.  If you've NEVER done a long swim maybe it's worth doing something long non-stop - I think my longest pool interval was a 2,000 yard interval for just that purpose when I was starting out and as an adult-onset swimmer that's probably a little more important.

2022-02-17 10:29 AM
in reply to: Burchib

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Subject: RE: Question on swim training for 70.3
I think a few factors:

a large portion of the tri population is time constrained so getting in extra long sessions isn't worth it when that time could be spent running or cycling.

a lot of plans are just repurposed swim workouts that are cobbled together.

X by 100's on X pace is a pretty standard swim set and you can easily adjust duration of rest or effort level. Easy to digest for non swimmers.

I would def add in race specific sets though, generally open water if available.

I have done an hour of power in the pool straight through and its not repeatable on a regular basis. Too boring.
2022-02-17 12:21 PM
in reply to: jmhpsu93


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Subject: RE: Question on swim training for 70.3
Thanks! I appreciate your feedback. Makes sense!
2022-02-17 12:22 PM
in reply to: running2far


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Subject: RE: Question on swim training for 70.3
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