Thursday, August 12, 2010

Weekly Workout

This one sucks. Majorly. This is one of those sets that'll make you wonder why you do this to yourself. The sole purpose of this set is to break you down while making you work hard.

Four rounds of:
4x250s @ 3:00
1x100 @ 3:00 all out sprint for time

For rounds #1 and #3 the goal is to maintain the same pace while holding your heart rate around 160-170 bpm. The 100 all out is freestyle.

For rounds #2 and #4 the goal is to descend the 250s down to 200 race pace. The 100 all out is stroke.

We do this set at the peak of our season, normally right after training trip when we're already broken down. It hurts like hell, but you feel great after. I like this set a lot because it forces you to think while you're tired and hurting. It's great for pacing, because if you can hold a fast pace when you're that broken down, you'll be even better once you've rested.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Ryan freaking Lochte

So in case you didn't know, we're currently in the middle of the US Nationals meet. Competing at this meet is a guy named Michael Phelps. Also competing is a guy named Ryan Lochte. Lochte has become the "other guy" to the casual swimfan, known for always going head to head with Phelps but always getting edged out in the end.

Lochte and Phelps face off so often because they both specialize in the 200 IM. Funny little fact about the 200 IM: Phelps isn't the World Record holder. The owner of the WR 1:54.10 time from 2009 is Lochte. Lochte set that time over a year ago, suited up in LZR-era technology.

Today, however, Lochte showed the world why he owns that title. In a heat which boasted names like Tyler Clary and Eric Shanteau, in addition to Lochte and Phelps, six out of the eight final times hovered around the 2-minute mark.

The only two people under 1:59 were Lochte and Phelps. The top two times? Phelps-1:55.94, Lochte-1:54.84. Not only did Lochte beat Phelps, but he did it by more than a second. Let's also not forget that his final time isn't that far off from his WR time. Speed suits?

Oh and by the way, prior to tonight Lochte was injured. Yeah, you read it right. Shoulder problems, a strained groin, and a national title in the 200 IM. As far as I'm concerned, this is a turning point for Lochte. I'm calling it now that Lochte will be the star of the show in London. Keep it up Reezy.

Until next time, keep swimming.