Distance Training | Mediterra Swim & Run

Training: 4km High Elbow Catch Conditioning

by Coach Mat | 20 Nov, 2010

Is a high elbow catch helpful to sprint speed and making a longer stroke length? My observations and experience say “YES”. Today, this was my focus for 4km in the sea. I swam 73 minutes, starting at 9:30 at the Konyaaltı Creek area. It was sunny, but not quite warm...

Defining COOL Versus COLD Water

by Coach Mat | 11 Nov, 2010

I have an idea for how to define COOL water versus COLD water for my personal situation. In COOL water staying warm is on my mind by not dominating how I train that day. In COLD water all I can think about is working hard enough to keep from freezing! In COOL water I...

Training: 4k Feeling Better Further and Faster

by Coach Mat | 9 Nov, 2010

I swam 77 minutes today starting at 10:10 at Konyaaltı Creek, swimming west half-way and back. It was sunny, cool-warm, clear, with a soft off-shore breeze, but suprisingly calm on the water. The sea was 23 C, glass smooth at first, then a little chop picking up on...

Training: 4km Tempo By Feel

by Coach Mat | 6 Nov, 2010

I swam 70 minutes starting at 10:10 at Konyaaltı Creek, swimming west along the beach. It was sunny, warm, clear, with a slight offshore breeze. The water was 23 C and totally calm and clear underneath. 11 minute warm-up then alternating 250-stroke race SR, 250-stroke...

Adapting: 17 C Is COLD For Me

by Coach Mat | 5 Nov, 2010

I swam 1536m at 12:20 today, at the PC 32m outdoor pool. I was sunny, warm with a slight breeze from the north. The water was just under 17.5 C on my thermometer. No wetsuit today!!! 512m, 29 SPL, 9:04 512m, 29-30, 9:35 512m, 30-31, 9:41 Oh, it was...

Adapting: 2km in 18 C

by Coach Mat | 3 Nov, 2010

I swam 2048m today starting at 14:30 at the PC 32m outdoor pool. It was sunny, cool-warm, clear. The water was just a hair under 18 C. No wetsuit today! 512m, 26 SPL, 1.12 tempo, 8:52 512m, 28, 1.12 tempo, 9:13 512m, 29, 1.08...