Only Train Backstroke?

Jul
7

Only Train Backstroke?

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 12:47pm (July 7th, 2011)

While planning my trip to Nationals, I read over the entire meet packet.  I seem to remember one of my teammates mentioned that we were able to swim some "bonus events".  Bonus events would be applicable for me since I earned a spot in the 100 back, but it would be nice to swim the 50 free and 100 fly while I was there.  I was happy to hear I wouldn't just be bound to the events I earned a spot in the meet to swim.  Under further review, these bonus events are only available to 18 and under swimmers.  This means I will only be able to swim the 100 Back at nationals.  Obviously I only made one nationals cut so I really only deserve to swim the event I made it in, I was really hoping to get a few more swims in. I'll inquire upon the possibility of time trials while I'm there though.

Since I'll only be swimming backstroke, I asked Coach Mark Hill if I should strictly focus on backstroke leading up until nationals.  He recognized my point of view however mentioned that training variety will serve me well.  In his experience, swimmers who specialize in this way tend to fall behind swimmers who diversify their training.  I admit, everything that CW has taught me thus far has resulted in lifetime best times, I default to their expertise.  I'm going to continue training freestyle, backstroke and everything else leading up until nationals.

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