I think one of my favorite workouts is a good, hard pool swim.
Some of you know that I took a swimming class at UW. I don't remember a lot of the specifics of the class, but thought I'd share a long-since favorite routine I learned. It's a nice break to the usual straight-free style mile and still equates to 1 mile total:
1. Start with 400 meters warm-up (one length of the pool = 25 meters, so you can do the math) - you can pick one stroke or do a mixture.
2. Next up, do 8 IM's; each within 2:00 minutes time with 30 second rest between.
1 IM is the equivalent of the following (in this order):
25 meters butterfly
25 meters back-stroke
25 meters breast-stroke
25 meters free
Repeat this 8 times. The goal is to do 1 IM in under 2 minutes and start the next IM at the next 30 second point. Let's say you start the IM with the minute hand at 12:00. Your goal would be to finish the series of 4 strokes before the minute hand hits the 12:00 again (marking 2 minutes). You start the next IM once the minute hand goes to the 2 min, 30 second mark. If done correctly, you should complete 8 IM's in 20 minutes.
Once you finish the above 8 IM's, do 100 meters (4 lengths) of breast stroke.
Cool down with 4oo meters of free-style.
Fun fun! I done my same old boring swim workout twice this summer and it is not motivating, so I am definitely going to give this a try!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow-- I remember doing this with you in NC that one time and I've been scared of it ever since. I actually try and do IM's every time I go to the pool, but only 5! I didn't remember it was 8?! By the 3rd time doing butterfly I feel like I'm going to die. I'm writing this down and bringing it with me to the pool this week. Oh, and bring your game face to Campus Hills, gurl! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so intense.
ReplyDelete