Swimming/Training Recommendation Required
In 2011 self coached and swam IMLou in just under 1 hr, no wetsuit. This is my first year training for IM with EN. I'm 46 btw.
In my self coached plan swam 1 day/wk for 14 wks (built up to 2400yds), then for 20 weeks 2 days/wk (built up to 6000yds 1 day 3K other day) 4 wk taper down to race.
In the IM adv it looks to me like we swim 3 days/wk and start swimming until IM plan so 20 weeks including a taper.
Since I'm starting a bit later than normal would anyone recommend keeping to the 3 day/wk or should I still be able to stick to 2 days? If I stick with 2 days/wk on EN Plan, what days should I do and what do I do on the day I don't swim, another bike/run/nothing?
Not wanting to add anything for the sake of adding it. Any and all comments much appreciated.
Comments
Typical EN guidance is to spend time wisely, always looking for your best ROI of time. For most people an hour swim is really almost 2 hours including getting to the pool and back. If you look at your IM times, my guess is that two hours on the bike or run would be a whole lot more beneficial to you than a swim. With an hour IM swim, how much time would you expect to gain by training a whole lot this year - 5 minutes? I'd focus on the Out Season with lots of bike work, looking to push up your FT. Bet you will find a whole lot more than 5 minutes of time. Add back in the swimming as you enter the IM plan.
Now if you were a terrible swimmer, like myself, spending time on skills may be worth it. For you, not so much.