Swimming Rocks!

[Darthwader]

Originally Posted by frogman159

Oh yeah, and although it may not be popular, loose the baggy trunks, its like swimming with a parachute.

You'll probably drop 5 seconds or more off your 50 right there.

I can't stand those things! I wear my Navy Dive shorts (UDTs)from my USMC days; According to my daughters they're almost as bad a speedos!
I am, however, looking seriously at a pair of speedo trunks though. they look like they could pull double duty under my wetsuit and since they're just like bike shorts I shouldn't incur the wrath on my teenage daughters
BTW, thanks for the encouragement. I'm going to try that routine, and maybe combine some free weights.

[frogman159]

Yeah, the speedo's are tough, but that's all there was when I competed. At least now they've got those 1 piece "race suits" that kinda resemble a wetsuit...they streamline and allow you to maintain some dignity

[Darthwader]

Originally Posted by Frogman159

Instead of just banging out laps, using a pace clock and a workout will get you more speed and endurance at the same time.

As an example:
10 x 100 Freestyle on 1:40
This means swim ten 100-yard swims in 1:40 including rest. If you swim the 100 yards in 1:20 seconds, you'll have 20 seconds rest. If you swim the 100 yards in 1:35 seconds you'll only get 5 seconds rest.

just tried your tip FM, it about killed me! I did feel a noticible difference when I was done though. A little tweaking and I'll be on my way!

[frogman159]

Great to hear it worked for you. Keep us posted on your progress.

You can also do ladder sets. Say 5x100 yrd swims 1st on 1:40 2nd 1:35, 3rd 1:30 etc...then go back up

[longtailbda]

With my hydrodynamic semi-displacement hull its all about endurance. Definitely tortoise not the hare.

[matt151617]

Go for endurance. Definitely. It'll help you more.

I love swimming though, it works out pretty much every muscle, and you feel great afterwards. And I LOVE not being all sweaty.

[character157]

I'd have to say endurance is more important. Being able to swim fast is nice and all but when it comes down to it, if you get tired soon after you complete your descent the dive isn't going to be as enjoyable.

[Monkeylemon]

Just a swimsuit tip: the company coolibar has an excellent array of chlorine-safe and sun-protective swimsuits. Their stuff can help you from having to apply a ton of sunblock every three seconds.
Sun Protective Clothing, Sun Hats, UV Protection Swimwear - Coolibar