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When it comes to establishing endurance for triathlon swimming, the Goldilocks number is 300. Whether meters or yards, swimming 300 is not too long, not too short – it’s just right. The distance exposes you to a longer period of sustained swimming than the usual 100s or 150s found in early-season workouts, gradually building your ability to go long on race day. Follow it up with shorter intervals using the pull buoy, and you’ve got a solid swim workout to prepare for any distance tri. Put it to the test this weekend with this set from coach Sara McLarty. Choose a set below that fits your current fitness levels and schedule, then dive in!
200 swim/200 pull/200 kick/200 swim
6×50 on :60 (descend stroke count 1-6)
4×300 on 5:30 (50 kick/100 swim, repeat)
4 x [50 pull on :60
100 pull on 1:30
150 pull on 2:15]
6×150 on 2:45 (50 free/50 non-free/50 free)
*4400 total*
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200 swim/200 pull/200 kick/200 swim
6×50 on 1:10 (descend stroke count 1-6)
3×300 on 6:45 (50 kick/100 swim, repeat)
3 x [50 pull on :60
100 pull on 2:00
150 pull on 3:00]
4×150 3:30 (50 free/50 non-free/50 free)
*3500 total*
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200 swim/200 pull/200 kick
6×50 w/ :10 rest (descend stroke count 1-6)
2×300 w/ :20 rest (50 kick/100 swim, repeat)
2 x [50 pull w/ :10 rest
100 pull w/ :10 rest
150 pull w/ :10 rest]
2×150 3:30 (50 free/50 non-free/50 free)
*2400 total*
RELATED: Early Season Swim Workouts For Creating a Base
Looking for more swim-spiration? Check out our complete archive of Weekend Swim Workouts from Coach Sara McLarty.