Swim Training Plans: Athlete Reviews

Swim Training Plans: Athlete Reviews

As well as 1-1 coaching, I have worked with athletes to design a training plan for them to help meet their swim goals. Particularly popular is the development of a long distance swim plan. Typically, these have been twenty weeks long and have been focused on developing swim fitness, strength, speed, efficiency in the pool – so they are able to start their open water preparation in a great place.

Two of these athletes messaged me with their thoughts on their swim plans so far …

Peter

Peter, who is swimming some long distance swims this year, is following a training plan designed especially for him. I have also met up with Peter to support him with his technique through a 1-1 swim session.

“This year I have taken on a couple of challenges both end to end swims at Coniston and Ullswater. My goal really is to finish – but I wanted to get my speed and efficiency up ready.

I was looking at getting my swim time down under 2 minutes per 100m but wasn’t sure how to do it. 

In January I got in contact with Bryan who then wrote me a 20 week training plan to get me ready – and straight away the structure changed my swimming.

I have become faster like I wanted, but I am also starting to learn how to control my pace and know how to speed up and slow down without exhausting myself. 

During this time I have also had a 1 to 1 session with Bryan which really helped me with my stroke rate and also how to use the kick to benefit my timing and rotation. 

Since starting I was looking to get my time under the 02:00 minute mark and now I am confident that I can achieve this consistently over longer distances and I’m now pushing to get my max speed to 01:30 per/100m – which currently due to the programming I’m now at a 01:37/100m max.

So I could not recommend the programming and the 1-1’s enough. 

I can only say thank you and what’s next!!!

Rachel

Rachel, an experienced swimmer, has written us a lovely review of her experience so far of following a swim training plan (which we designed just for her).

“I am currently 9 weeks into my 20 week plan with Bryan.

I decided I needed some motivation and structure to my training up to doing the length of Ullswater. I was a strong swimmer a few years ago, doing lots of long distances. After a couple of years out of practice I found it hard to find the time and motivation to get back into the pool regularly.

Since starting the plan I have seen such an improvement in my swimming, feeling stronger and more confident.

Also I have found my love for swimming again getting me back in the pool on a regular basis.

The structure is great and really enjoy doing the sessions. The sessions are well planned and built up through the weeks which has helped me get my fitness up too.

I would certainly recommend Bryan for anyone looking for a training programme. I already feel like I have made such an improvement, and look forward to doing the next 11 weeks of my training.”

What a lovely review!

Thanks Rachel.

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Impacts

Two excellent messages from swimmers there!

When designing a swim training plan, I’m expecting the swimmer to get stronger and more efficient in the water. That’s what the programme is for. What’s nice is the other indirect impacts these plans have. In Rachel’s case, she has “found my love for swimming again” through the focus having a plan has given her. In Peter’s case, “straight away the structure changed my swimming” and has enabled him to not only dip under 2 minutes per 100m, but to reach 1.37/100m. I’m confident Peter will reach that 1.30/100m target he has now set himself.

I can’t wait to hear about the progress they make over the next few weeks of their training!