Swim Workout
Swam 2550 yards today. Total time 51:30. It took more time because I did some faster intervals and took rest breaks between them.
Focused on stroke. It seems like improvement is coming slowly. I notice other people in the pool — some of whom look less fit than I — who appear to swim more smoothly and efficiently than I do. I’m not exactly sure what’s missing, but I don’t always feel like I’m properly balanced, and I’m not sure if I complete the pull element of the stroke as completely as I should. And I’m pretty sure I don’t rotate as much as I should.
The main fitness component of the swim was seven 100 yard intervals — 5 of them back to back every 2 minutes in the second 500 yards, and 2 of them in the 4th 500 yards. I was trying for near O2 max pace. Times were 1:23, 1:26, 1:32, 1:32, 1:36, 1:32, 1:37. Definitely starting to fade with the last one. My form was really good during the first part of the first intervals, when I wasn’t yet winded. But it declined during the ensuing intervals. Overall times did represent some improvement so I was mildly pleased. I’d like to shoot for being able to sustain 1:25 as a 100 yard interval pace over a set within the next month. If I can do that then I should be able to sustain 1:35 as a race pace.
Weight today 173.4. No real improvement, but I feel like I’ve gained some muscle and lost some fat. Will try to push to get down under 172 by this weekend.
February 16, 2008 at 8:57 pm
I feel that your swim goals are reasonable and attainable, especially if you make your stroke more efficient. Focus on maintaining your diet were it needs to be and your weight will follow.
February 22, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I’ve never been a great swimmer, but that’s one thing I’d love to add to my exercise routine.
I have heard, however, that swimming is not the best for weight loss. Not sure if that’s true or not. I do know that cardio helps. That and 1500 calories a day spaced out over 5 to 6 meals will do the trick. My cardio was 5x a week and lifting was 3x plus the 1500 or less and I dropped about 30 pounds last year. I was the dreaded (by my way of thinking anyway) "skinny-fat!" Blecch.
Wishing you success!