Weekend Swim Workout: 500 Fast For Time
Use a test set to find some renewed motivation in the pool.
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This weekend’s swim workout features a 500 time-trial set. Do it this weekend, and then mark a date on your calendar about a month out and do it again. The A set is based on intervals of 1:20–1:30 per 100. The B set is based on intervals of 1:50–2:00 per 100. The C set is 2,000–2,500 yards/meters total and based on a rest interval. Pick the one that fits your skill and fitness level. See the descriptions of the drills at the bottom. Happy swimming!
A:
400 with fins
100 Single Arm Drill (alternate every 25)
400 IM (50 kick/25 drill/25 swim per stroke)
100 3/6/3 drill
20×25 swim (3 FAST! @ :20, 1 easy @ :30)
100 recovery/easy
500 FAST For TIME!! (record time)
200 recovery/easy
15×50 pull (2 FAST! @ :45, 1 easy @ :60)
600 pull (3/5/7 breathing pattern by 100)
300 (50 kick/100 swim, repeat)
200 cool-down
*4100 total*
B:
400 with fins
100 Single Arm Drill (alternate every 25)
300 (25 kick/50 swim, repeat)
100 3/6/3 drill
12×25 swim (3 FAST! @ :30, 1 easy @ :45)
100 Recovery/easy
500 FAST For TIME!! (record time)
100 recovery/easy
12×50 pull (2 FAST! @ :45, 1 easy @ :60)
300 pull (3/5/7 breathing pattern by 50)
300 (50 kick/100 swim, repeat)
200 cool-down
*3300 total*
C:
300 with fins
100 Single Arm Drill (alternate every 25)
300 (25 Kick/50 Swim, repeat)
100 3/6/3 drill
12×25 swim (2 FAST! w/:10 rest, 1 easy w/:20 rest)
100 recovery/easy
500 FAST For TIME!! (record time)
100 recovery/easy
300 pull (3/5 breathing pattern by 50)
100 cool-down
*2300 total*
Drills
Single-Arm Drill:
For learning the correct pulling motion. Grasp a small kickboard in your left hand and extend your left arm above your head. Swim a lap of the pool with just right arm strokes. This will allow you to focus on a perfect underwater pull with your right arm. Switch arms and swim another lap.
3-6-3:
Take three strokes and pause on your right side with right arm extended forward and your left arm lying on left side. Remain in this position for six kicks. Take three more strokes and pause on your left side for six kicks. Repeat.