Other Resources Challenge Me! » n + 1 swim challenge Rss Feed  
Moderators: the bear, kaqphin, tinkerbeth, D001, k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 21
 
 
2014-03-11 10:03 AM

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: n + 1 swim challenge

 

This challenge will begin on March 15th and run through April 15th, but feel free to stop in to the “Challenges Forum” before that and introduce yourself to the group.

The n + 1 swim challenge:

This is a challenge designed to increase your performance through increased frequency--whatever your current number of swims per week (n) the challenge is to add one more (+ 1) for a total of a month. Though there may be a few of us going for 6 or 7x/week, EVERYONE IS WELCOME*. A “swim” must be a minimum of 1000yds.

  • The number of swims you commit to is up to you, I just ask that it’s at least one more than you have been doing J
  • As a part of this challenge I’d like you to do some sort of test to determine a baseline—a 400? 1500? Other? You choose. We will retest at the end of the month.
  • Post your workout with yardage each session and the purpose of your swim.

*If you are new to BT or have never done a challenge, I really encourage you to try it sometime. Challenges are a great way to meet other BTers, learn a ton, push yourself and have a little accountability.



2014-03-11 10:11 AM
in reply to: switch

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

I will start introductions :)

I loved the water when I was little and spent many afternoons growing up playing in the pool, but I never had swim lessons or swam with a team.  I started swimming a little less than two years ago to train for tris. It was one of the most humbling things I have ever done.  I sucked and was completely gassed after 50yds.

Since then I have done a couple of focused swim periods of 6 weeks-2months, and each time I'm amazed at how much it helps.  I am now in my third swim focus, and I have really noticed a new level of comfort and ease in my swimming with increased frequency, hence the challenge :)

I will be trying for 7 swims a week for the month, but I will be taking off one day a week and trying to double on another.  I have never doubled a swim so I am excited to see how this goes.  Full disclosure: I am not biking at all right now, and I am only planning on 30-35mpw running during this challenge.

My 400y time is currently 5:54.

 

 

2014-03-11 4:20 PM
in reply to: switch

User image

Regular
328
10010010025
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge
I am in! My N+1 will be 3 swims per week. I will use 1000yds as metric.
2014-03-11 5:31 PM
in reply to: ettringite23

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by ettringite23 I am in! My N+1 will be 3 swims per week. I will use 1000yds as metric.

Great!  When you get time, tell me (us?--I think it will end up being more than just the two of us) a little bit about your athletic/swim background.

2014-03-11 6:38 PM
in reply to: switch

Master
10208
50005000100100
Northern IL
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

I'll be in. A swim meet in the middle could make it interesting, but hey, if there is anything to make an exception for would be something we are training towards!

2014-03-12 9:43 AM
in reply to: brigby1

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by brigby1

I'll be in. A swim meet in the middle could make it interesting, but hey, if there is anything to make an exception for would be something we are training towards!

Yay-Ben!

Yes, an exception could certainly be made for a meet :)  What's your n +1? 15?



2014-03-12 10:35 AM
in reply to: switch

Master
10208
50005000100100
Northern IL
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by switch

Originally posted by brigby1

I'll be in. A swim meet in the middle could make it interesting, but hey, if there is anything to make an exception for would be something we are training towards!

Yay-Ben!

Yes, an exception could certainly be made for a meet   What's your n +1? 15?

I'll be looking for 7-8.

2014-03-12 10:45 AM
in reply to: brigby1

User image

Extreme Veteran
2261
20001001002525
Ridgeland, Mississippi
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

I'll use this to motivate me to getting 4 swims in a week.  I'll then be on a 4/4/4 schedule.  This better make me fast!

2014-03-12 11:17 AM
in reply to: msteiner

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by msteiner

I'll use this to motivate me to getting 4 swims in a week.  I'll then be on a 4/4/4 schedule.  This better make me faster!

FTFR.

*coughyou'relareadyfastcough* :)

4/4/4 is awesome, BTW.

2014-03-12 11:24 AM
in reply to: switch

User image

Pro
6520
50001000500
Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

I'm in.  Another perfectly timed challenge.  I'll post later about details.  Super busy at work today.

2014-03-12 2:50 PM
in reply to: switch

User image

Veteran
945
50010010010010025
South Windsor, CT
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge
Originally posted by switch

 

This challenge will begin on March 15th and run through April 15th, but feel free to stop in to the “Challenges Forum” before that and introduce yourself to the group.

The n + 1 swim challenge:

This is a challenge designed to increase your performance through increased frequency--whatever your current number of swims per week (n) the challenge is to add one more (+ 1) for a total of a month. Though there may be a few of us going for 6 or 7x/week, EVERYONE IS WELCOME*. A “swim” must be a minimum of 1000yds.

  • The number of swims you commit to is up to you, I just ask that it’s at least one more than you have been doing J
  • As a part of this challenge I’d like you to do some sort of test to determine a baseline—a 400? 1500? Other? You choose. We will retest at the end of the month.
  • Post your workout with yardage each session and the purpose of your swim.

*If you are new to BT or have never done a challenge, I really encourage you to try it sometime. Challenges are a great way to meet other BTers, learn a ton, push yourself and have a little accountability.




You know that I just can't stay away from 'reasonable' challenges from friends...
(Hi Elesa!)

I will be going from 2x/week>3 or more/week, depending on my schedule. Definitely 4 more over the month period of the challenge.
No comments about my 'lack of swim focus/frequency' please. I know my weakness and am trying to focus on form and there are just only so many hours in the day.

I am a rock but I do try to do flip turns now (usually), so that is a step in the right direction, yes?


2014-03-12 3:06 PM
in reply to: switch

User image

Regular
328
10010010025
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge
Will do...


I have no formal swim training. I started swimming two years ago (almost to the date) with the goal of doing my first triathlon. I did swim A LOT as a kid and had 5 or 6 years of swim lessons. My swimming volume over those two years is quite variabile and is currently very weak. I have never done more than 3 swims per week. I have completed 6 or 7 sprint triathlons and 1 olympic (Typically in top 15 percent for the swim section). Recently, I have been working A LOT on stroke mechanics, so I can add volume in the coming months without reinforcing my bad habits (and I have A LOT).

I am gearing up for my first HIM in July and hoping to see improvements by then

I will do a time 500 yard time trial on Sunday to see where I am at.

Last year, I did a 500 yd time trial @9:05...I would get toasted by Elesa!

Todd
2014-03-12 3:57 PM
in reply to: popsracer

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by popsracer

I'm in.  Another perfectly timed challenge.  I'll post later about details.  Super busy at work today.

Sweet!  Pops is in!

2014-03-12 4:02 PM
in reply to: dtoce

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by dtoce
Originally posted by switch

 

This challenge will begin on March 15th and run through April 15th, but feel free to stop in to the “Challenges Forum” before that and introduce yourself to the group.

The n + 1 swim challenge:

This is a challenge designed to increase your performance through increased frequency--whatever your current number of swims per week (n) the challenge is to add one more (+ 1) for a total of a month. Though there may be a few of us going for 6 or 7x/week, EVERYONE IS WELCOME*. A “swim” must be a minimum of 1000yds.

  • The number of swims you commit to is up to you, I just ask that it’s at least one more than you have been doing J
  • As a part of this challenge I’d like you to do some sort of test to determine a baseline—a 400? 1500? Other? You choose. We will retest at the end of the month.
  • Post your workout with yardage each session and the purpose of your swim.

*If you are new to BT or have never done a challenge, I really encourage you to try it sometime. Challenges are a great way to meet other BTers, learn a ton, push yourself and have a little accountability.

You know that I just can't stay away from 'reasonable' challenges from friends... (Hi Elesa!) I will be going from 2x/week>3 or more/week, depending on my schedule. Definitely 4 more over the month period of the challenge. No comments about my 'lack of swim focus/frequency' please. I know my weakness and am trying to focus on form and there are just only so many hours in the day. I am a rock but I do try to do flip turns now (usually), so that is a step in the right direction, yes?

Daaaaaale!  What's up?!

Yes, flip turns definitely seem like a step in the right direction (though I still can't bring myself to do them). :)

I'm really glad you decided to do the challenge!  This is shaping up to be a great group.

---------

Did you all see the video Jonnyo posted in the tri-forum? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1KReTEXiBM

Scott and Suzanne had some really helpful follow-up comments too.  Good stuff.

2014-03-12 4:07 PM
in reply to: switch

User image


324
100100100
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge
so, the number of swims you plan, or the number you actually get to? winter/kids/work have been not helpful lately.
2014-03-12 4:12 PM
in reply to: el penguino

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by el penguino so, the number of swims you plan, or the number you actually get to? winter/kids/work have been not helpful lately.

Hey Nancy!

The idea is that this challenge helps get you to the pool more often and as a result you get faster.  If you can generally commit to that idea, this challenge can work for you:)

Pick a conservative number to start with for the first week, and if you hit it no prob, you can go for +1 the next.  Success begets success!



2014-03-12 4:21 PM
in reply to: ettringite23

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by ettringite23 Will do... I have no formal swim training. I started swimming two years ago (almost to the date) with the goal of doing my first triathlon. I did swim A LOT as a kid and had 5 or 6 years of swim lessons. My swimming volume over those two years is quite variabile and is currently very weak. I have never done more than 3 swims per week. I have completed 6 or 7 sprint triathlons and 1 olympic (Typically in top 15 percent for the swim section). Recently, I have been working A LOT on stroke mechanics, so I can add volume in the coming months without reinforcing my bad habits (and I have A LOT). I am gearing up for my first HIM in July and hoping to see improvements by then :) I will do a time 500 yard time trial on Sunday to see where I am at. Last year, I did a 500 yd time trial @9:05...I would get toasted by Elesa! Todd

Todd, thank you for posting an introduction.  I think it's a GREAT idea to do a swim focus building into HIM training.  That extra swim endurance will make the whole rest of that day easier!

 

2014-03-12 5:07 PM
in reply to: switch

User image

Elite
7783
50002000500100100252525
PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Hmm, this might work for me.  I'm *supposed* to swim 3x/week but usually only make it to two so I'll make it my target to actually get to all 3 each week.

2014-03-13 3:55 PM
in reply to: switch

User image

Member
119
100
Ledyard, CT
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge
OK, so I saw this challenge and thought, “I’m an awful swimmer and I haven’t been in a pool in months (until this past week), I shouldn’t do this. I’ll just embarrass myself.”

Then it occurred to me; I’m an awful swimmer and I haven’t been in a pool in months, I need to do this. This will hopefully give me the kick in the rear that I need to improve my swimming. So here it goes…

Technically, my n+1 would be 1…but I’m going to plan on 2 swims per week. I’ll do my test (250 yds, hopefully that’s not too short to count) on Saturday and post the workout, including the 250 yd time, in my training log.

By the way, I just started using the training log today – don’t look, it’s not that impressive at all. I’ve been using Training Peaks, and was happy to find that I can import my workouts directly from the website. I have a question about entering workouts though. Consider the following workout:

300 yd w/u
6x150
6x100
6x50
300 yd c/d

Assuming that I got into the pool at 7:15 and got out at 8:30, what would I enter for the time of the workout? Actual time swimming or time in the pool? Also, do I enter it as one workout of 2400 yd or multiple smaller workouts for each set/rep? I'll search the forums but would appreciate any thoughts that any of you can offer.

Thanks,
Mike
2014-03-13 11:57 PM
in reply to: MikeyP4

Master
10208
50005000100100
Northern IL
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by MikeyP4  Assuming that I got into the pool at 7:15 and got out at 8:30, what would I enter for the time of the workout? Actual time swimming or time in the pool? Also, do I enter it as one workout of 2400 yd or multiple smaller workouts for each set/rep? I'll search the forums but would appreciate any thoughts that any of you can offer. Thanks, Mike

Good reasoning on joining!

For the overall time, just use the pool time. Then also put in the set as you did into the description below. And in this part is where I'll put send-off times and "in" times (as best I can), where I come in to the wall to finish an interval. How the set is broken down and executed matters a lot. And in this you can tell what was worked on at different points of the workout. Lots of ways to make things "hard", but how it's hard matters towards your body's response and development.

2014-03-14 9:35 AM
in reply to: axteraa

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by axteraa

Hmm, this might work for me.  I'm *supposed* to swim 3x/week but usually only make it to two so I'll make it my target to actually get to all 3 each week.

Great Arend!  It's always nice to have fish do these challenges. 

Do you notice a difference in your swim performance when you go from 2 to 3 swims in a week?  How much?  Do you find you often skip the third because you feel that training something else or recovery is better?

I have been wondering about this, especially for the fish.  I know we all have our own best ROI in terms of number of s/b/r per week based on our strengths, experience and goals, but it is a tricky part of the puzzle for me to dial in.  My rationale for this is that maybe I can get some really good technique gains with a brief bump up to 7x/week, and that I can go hold that with 3-4 over the season, but when I see swimmers commenting on how frequency helps them, it makes me wonder how much I'll be able to maintain when I drop down.



2014-03-14 9:36 AM
in reply to: MikeyP4

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by MikeyP4 OK, so I saw this challenge and thought, “I’m an awful swimmer and I haven’t been in a pool in months (until this past week), I shouldn’t do this. I’ll just embarrass myself.” Then it occurred to me; I’m an awful swimmer and I haven’t been in a pool in months, I need to do this. This will hopefully give me the kick in the rear that I need to improve my swimming. So here it goes… Technically, my n+1 would be 1…but I’m going to plan on 2 swims per week. I’ll do my test (250 yds, hopefully that’s not too short to count) on Saturday and post the workout, including the 250 yd time, in my training log. By the way, I just started using the training log today – don’t look, it’s not that impressive at all. I’ve been using Training Peaks, and was happy to find that I can import my workouts directly from the website. I have a question about entering workouts though. Consider the following workout: 300 yd w/u 6x150 6x100 6x50 300 yd c/d Assuming that I got into the pool at 7:15 and got out at 8:30, what would I enter for the time of the workout? Actual time swimming or time in the pool? Also, do I enter it as one workout of 2400 yd or multiple smaller workouts for each set/rep? I'll search the forums but would appreciate any thoughts that any of you can offer. Thanks, Mike

Haha--Mike that reasoning walk-through was great!  Welcome :)

FWIW, I log my swims the same way Ben does. 

2014-03-14 10:13 AM
in reply to: switch

User image

Elite
7783
50002000500100100252525
PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by switch

Originally posted by axteraa

Hmm, this might work for me.  I'm *supposed* to swim 3x/week but usually only make it to two so I'll make it my target to actually get to all 3 each week.

Great Arend!  It's always nice to have fish do these challenges. 

Do you notice a difference in your swim performance when you go from 2 to 3 swims in a week?  How much?  Do you find you often skip the third because you feel that training something else or recovery is better?

I have been wondering about this, especially for the fish.  I know we all have our own best ROI in terms of number of s/b/r per week based on our strengths, experience and goals, but it is a tricky part of the puzzle for me to dial in.  My rationale for this is that maybe I can get some really good technique gains with a brief bump up to 7x/week, and that I can go hold that with 3-4 over the season, but when I see swimmers commenting on how frequency helps them, it makes me wonder how much I'll be able to maintain when I drop down.

I usually skip a swim out of laziness.  I find a good excuse to not go out in the cold at 5am!    I've never really felt that swimming more interfered with my other training or interfered with recovery.  

Going from 2 swims per week to 3 doesn't do a ton for me as far as performance in the speed category.  What I do find is that my swim fitness/endurance gets better (which I guess is speed over a longer swim).  There was a time a couple of winters ago where I was swimming 4x per week for a while and that's when I actually started noticing some measurable improvements in speed.

Strong swimmers with good technique that has been imprinted for years can get away with 2-3x/week.  If you are bumping up to 7x/week and it's helping with technique, I think you can drop down to 4-5x/week and continue to improve or at least maintain.  Once you get back down to that 2-3x/week range I think a non-swimmer is probably going to regress somewhat.  

2014-03-14 1:44 PM
in reply to: axteraa

User image

Regular
5477
5000100100100100252525
LHOTP
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

Originally posted by axteraa

Originally posted by switch

Originally posted by axteraa

Hmm, this might work for me.  I'm *supposed* to swim 3x/week but usually only make it to two so I'll make it my target to actually get to all 3 each week.

Great Arend!  It's always nice to have fish do these challenges. 

Do you notice a difference in your swim performance when you go from 2 to 3 swims in a week?  How much?  Do you find you often skip the third because you feel that training something else or recovery is better?

I have been wondering about this, especially for the fish.  I know we all have our own best ROI in terms of number of s/b/r per week based on our strengths, experience and goals, but it is a tricky part of the puzzle for me to dial in.  My rationale for this is that maybe I can get some really good technique gains with a brief bump up to 7x/week, and that I can go hold that with 3-4 over the season, but when I see swimmers commenting on how frequency helps them, it makes me wonder how much I'll be able to maintain when I drop down.

I usually skip a swim out of laziness.  I find a good excuse to not go out in the cold at 5am!  :)  I've never really felt that swimming more interfered with my other training or interfered with recovery.  

Going from 2 swims per week to 3 doesn't do a ton for me as far as performance in the speed category.  What I do find is that my swim fitness/endurance gets better (which I guess is speed over a longer swim).  There was a time a couple of winters ago where I was swimming 4x per week for a while and that's when I actually started noticing some measurable improvements in speed.

Strong swimmers with good technique that has been imprinted for years can get away with 2-3x/week.  If you are bumping up to 7x/week and it's helping with technique, I think you can drop down to 4-5x/week and continue to improve or at least maintain.  Once you get back down to that 2-3x/week range I think a non-swimmer is probably going to regress somewhat.  

Thanks Arend.  I  am really going to try to stick to 4-5.  I know how easy it is for me to regress and I don't want to have to build back up--so scary :)

 

2014-03-14 5:00 PM
in reply to: switch

User image

Elite
7783
50002000500100100252525
PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: n + 1 swim challenge

I did a baseline swim this morning.  400 meters - 5:12 which is 1:18/100m.  

I don't think 3x/week will get me any big improvements but I'll see if I can drop it to 1:17/100m.

New Thread
Other Resources Challenge Me! » n + 1 swim challenge Rss Feed  
 
 
of 21
 
 
RELATED POSTS

Dec Swim Challenge Rules/Terms Pages: 1 2

Started by Renee
Views: 3939 Posts: 38

2005-12-13 8:13 PM vortmax

12/05 Swim Challenge: Georgia (Posers) People: Pages: 1 2 3

Started by run4yrlif
Views: 4262 Posts: 68

2006-01-03 7:26 AM Comet

December Swim Challenge Pages: 1 ... 11 12 13 14

Started by Renee
Views: 13848 Posts: 329

2005-12-07 12:43 PM Renee

Problems with the swim challenge thread?

Started by TH3_FRB
Views: 1746 Posts: 3

2005-05-23 10:13 AM possum

BT Swim Challenge Pages: 1 ... 20 21 22 23

Started by TH3_FRB
Views: 26519 Posts: 575

2005-06-01 8:03 PM davido
RELATED ARTICLES
date : January 14, 2008
author : dr_forbush
comments : 0
In addition to writing your race number on each upper arm, they also wrote your age on your calf. This allowed me to see who was passing me by in the bike section of this race.
 
date : November 28, 2007
author : Tri Swim Coach
comments : 0
Question and answers on swimming strength challenges, is kicking important, 'runners kick' with ankle inflexibility and the usefulness of fins, pool buoys and paddles.
date : October 9, 2007
author : dr_forbush
comments : 9
The boat was being tossed around. Someone noted that there were whitecaps on the waves. Another guy said, “This is going to be challenging.” I began to wonder what he meant by 'challenging'.
 
date : July 10, 2007
author : Ontherun
comments : 0
Having three seasons under my belt I thought I knew what I was doing. That all changed with a few new challenges and a bunch of new friends.
date : January 7, 2007
author : Ontherun
comments : 4
We were all there once, a beginner. Time to take the challenge and help a beginner triathlete!
 
date : January 29, 2006
author : lv2teach
comments : 1
It’s a challenge to push yourself a little harder and a little further. Be proud of every workout that is accomplished and every step-even the baby ones-that you take on this course to the finishline.
date : September 3, 2005
author : infosteward
comments : 0
The Boulder Peak bike course is legendary. It is, literally and named as such, one of the toughest bike legs in the country.
 
date : August 31, 2004
comments : 0
WAYNESVILLE, Ohio (August 22, 2004) Professional triathlete Felipe Bastos (BRA/USA) took another trip to Ohio this weekend...