Swim of the Week: 4x500

If you've been following this swim of the week series you know that I am a huge advocate of basing the majority of swims on short intervals. You can accomplish a massive amount swimming 50s, 75s, 100s, 200s, and everything in-between. As you've seen in previous workouts, adjusting the rest intervals and intensities for shorter reps allows you to target different energy systems while still training their efficiency in the water. There is, however, still a place in your program for swims with longer reps. This is one of those sessions. I go back to some variation of this session for my athletes approximately once per month this time of year in order to do some quality work over slightly longer reps.

Warm Up
- 3x100 choice
- 4x50 kick
- 200 cruise
- 4x75 build, 10" rest
- 100 cruise

Drill Set

- 3x200 as 25 drill / 25 cruise
- 100 easy

Main Set

- 4x500 descend 1-4 from cruise to high steady / low strong
*Intervals: #1: cruise pace + 10", drop 5" each for the rest intervals following #2 and 3.
** Example: Intervals of 6:45, 6:40, 6:35, 6:30

Cool Down

- 3x100 choice

To be done well, swimmers should attempt to get ~15 seconds of rest following each swim during the main set. 

It seems like a simple, straight-forward swim. And it is. Not everything has to be overly complicated in order to be effective. Doing it properly, though, is not so easy. Descending through this main set takes focus and pace control. It requires awareness and execution. It is more than simply getting in the pool and doing the yardage. Athletes who do that miss the larger point. They miss the opportunity to experiment with and take ownership of their effort level and pace over the course of the set. They miss the chance to learn something about their skill in judging and managing effort.

Beginners: Just because this swim measures 4000 yards/meters doesn't mean it can't be adjusted to meet your needs. Start with something manageable. Perhaps that's 3x250 for the main set. Maybe it's 2x500. Or 3x500. I also encourage newer or less comfortable swimmers to drop the descending nature of the swim and rest intervals and attempt to work on pace control by finishing each swim within 5-10 seconds of the others. It can work for you of you make it! If you're not sure how to make it work, let me know and I can help you find some direction. I'm always happy to answer questions!

Do you have questions about what drills you should be performing? I'll never post a specific drill in one of these drill sets. I haven't seen you swim so how can I tell which areas of your stroke need work? If you have questions about your strengths and weaknesses, get some quality video analysis done by a coach. It's something you should do at least once or twice a year. I'd be to work with you myself or I can help you find a qualified coach in your area. But whatever you do, do your homework before heading in for a session. Your coach should be able to give you references and provide you with examples of the work they've done with others. Never just assume that a coach is equipped to help you become a better swimmer because they write training plans. Writing plans and actually analyzing a stroke are massively different things. Before booking a session, talk to the coach about their philosophy, expereince, and process. Ask what they've done with others and if you can speak to those athletes personally. Before you make an investment, do your homework and make sure it'll be a positive experience.

If you're enjoying this series of weekly swims please share them with your friends, teammates, and training partners! Also make sure to leave comments or send me messages letting me know how you're incorporating these swims into your training plan.

Happy Swimming!