Weekend Swim Workout: Strong And Descending 100s
Hit the weekend with this creative swim workout from swimming all-star Sara McLarty.
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This weekend swim workout will train you to squeeze just a little more out of yourself, even when you think you’re maxed out. This is done through descending sets, where you start off slow and steady, then push a little harder and faster each time. This controlled pacing will help you to understand what different effort levels feel like, and what’s sustainable (and what’s definitely not) during swim starts and surges. Pick a workout below that fits your schedule and current fitness level, and dive in!
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A:
300 swim/100 kick/300 pull/100 kick
6×100 swim @ 1:30 (descend 1-6)
6×100 pull @ 1:30 (descend 1-6)
500 (50 swim/5 pop-ups*/25 kick/25 Sailboat Drill*, repeat)
400 (50 free/50 non-free)
6×100 swim @ 1:20 (all strong)
6×100 pull @ 1:20 (all strong)
200 choice cool-down
*4300 total*
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B:
200 swim/100 kick/200 pull/100 kick
4×100 swim @ 2:00 (descend 1-4)
4×100 pull @ 2:00 (descend 1-4)
400 (50 swim/5 pop-ups*/25 kick/25 Sailboat Drill*, repeat)
300 (50 free/50 non-free)
4×100 swim @ 1:50 (all strong)
4×100 pull @ 1:50 (all strong)
200 choice cool-down
*3100 total*
RELATED: Do You Know Your Swim Gears?
RELATED:
C:
200 swim/50 kick/200 pull/50 kick
4×100 swim w/:20 rest (descend 1-4)
4×100 pull w/:20 rest (descend 1-4)
300 (50 swim/5 pop-ups*/25 kick/25 Sailboat Drill*, repeat)
300 (50 free/50 non-free)
200 choice cool-down
*2100 total
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Sailboat Drill
Hold a kickboard between your thighs. Make sure half of the board is sticking below your body when you swim freestyle. Use your core muscles to control your hip rotation (while the board tries to prevent rotation).
Pop-Ups
Face the wall and place both hands on the top of the edge of the pool. Push up and out of the water until your arms are fully extended and then drop back down into the water. This will be harder or easier, depending on how high the edge of the pool is in relation to the surface of the water.
Looking for more swim-spiration? Check out our complete archive of Weekend Swim Workouts from Coach Sara McLarty.