Swimming..More is Better

There has been a lot of talk lately on swimming, whether more is better. Matt Dixon recently published a blog about this exact topic,and in my opinion hit the nail on the head. http://www.purplepatchfitness.com/purplepatch_fitness/Knowledge+/Entries/2011/2/19_Secrets_of_the_Triathlon__Secret_1_Swim_More%21.html
I coach masters swimming, and have witnessed dozens of triathletes come to me and ask, "What drills can I do to get faster?" I quickly bite my tongue and politely say, "well how many times are you currently swimming?" The answer is always two or three times a week. The problem is swimming is a technique sport so many people assume that drills will make them faster...Wrong! Anyone can swim a pretty 50 in the pool, but it takes strength and endurance to hold the form over distance. Since triathlons are a distance swim one would assume that fitness carries more weight. So what am I saying...Chris McCormack once said, "Swim 40,000 yards a week for six months, and you will never ask another question about swimming again!" Without a doubt the number one limiter in triathlon swimmers is time in the pool. Ask them to ride for two hours no problem, but ask them to swim two hours, watch their face turn pale. The moral of the story is this swim more, more is better, at least for now!

Example of one of the best distance swimmers, more yards in this set than some people get in a MONTH! Erik Vendt 30 x 1000 (short course yards) going 10 off 10:45, 10 off 10:30 and 10 off 10:15.

Some of my favorite workouts
40x50 with paddles and buoy
4x1k 30 sec rest between
6x50 with band followed by fast 200 repeat
30-40 x100 on short rest

(4-5k with warmup and cooldown)
Keep it simple and get the work done!

Family dinner

Every week we (Me, Meg, and Neil) get together for a family dinner. This long standing weekly tradition always brings good times. Usually encompassing good food, quality micro brew, and conversation. Neil lived with us our first two years of marriage so he is practically family, or like they say brother from another mother. So here is to more family dinners and good times.




(meg preparing the sides to tacos, and always ready for the camera)


(Neil prepares the elk meat, while simultaneously examining the micro brew)


(We didn't plan the matching hats...Cheers!)