I’ve been using the audio feature since I started training. Watch my new video blog learn about my experiences!
- Bennett Clark
My Mid-Season Point
Now that I’m at the midway point of my season and Avidasports usage, I’ve refined my training tactics. April and May are going to make or break my chances at earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, so I need to continue to train smarter, better, and faster.
Starting the first week in April, I will incorporate Tempo to my audio feedback along with Stroke Count. I am happy with the length in my stroke but am not happy with my stroke rate. I still want to make sure that I am not compromising the power in my stroke for tempo, but I need to train my subconscious to KNOW what a 1.1 tempo feels like as opposed to a 1.2. I’ve found that there are certain lengths in practice when I’m supposed to be going 100 pace (1.17-1.22) and I’m actually going 1.4 or slower. This must change.
Avidasports helps me shorten my learning curve and practice great racing habits. I’ve learned what a good stroke count is (33 strokes for a 100 free…35/36 for a 50) – now I must apply it every day in practice while keeping tempo in mind. I look forward to the added motivation Avidasports will continue to bring me, along with the challenges and successes it will add to my everyday training regimen.
Watch for my new video blog coming next week!
- Bennett Clark
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Bennett Clark – Using Avidasports to help with technique
Avidasports is helping to improve my technique, by using automated feedback. http://youtu.be/2IqkHAOBSD4
- Bennett Clark
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Time Isn’t Everything
Just because your time is faster does not mean that you swam efficiently (or effectively). A lot of my Avidasports usage tries to uncover the WHY…in other words, “why was my time faster or slower on that length” – was it because my tempo was higher, my breakout time was longer, I was kicking more, etc.
A couple of weeks ago I swam four 50’s long course all at a 100 pace-effort from a push with some aerobic work in between. My times were as follows:
(1) 26.9, (2) 26.5, (3) 26.2, (4) 24.7
I found two major correlations that influenced my time – tempo and kick tempo. On the first two efforts, I carried a 1.40 swim tempo and a .24 kick tempo. Number 3 was a little quicker with 1.36 swim tempo and .22 kick tempo. The final effort is where I saw the biggest drop (I got a little bit more rest on this one). My swim tempo was 1.16 and my kick tempo was .19.
The first three efforts, my stroke count was 36 and on the fourth it was 39 (but my swim tempo was MUCH higher, so more strokes is to be expected) and I carried a more electric kick.
Although my time was much faster on number four, I did take three extra strokes. My goal is to swim as efficiently as possible, so finding a way to take 1-2 more strokes as opposed to 3 is going to be big. Lengthening my stroke is something I work on every day, so having benchmarks to monitor my improvement – such as this set – lets me know what I need to work on.
- Bennett Clark
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Bennett Clark’s Tips for Sprinters and working with Avidasports Data
Working with Avidasports is really paying off, watch my video blog this week to see my progress. http://youtu.be/lgapgBhOZPw
Bennett Clark
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Bennett Clark – Maximizing Metrics (using Avidasports)
I’m going to try and maximize my experience using Avidasports by phasing metrics – meaning I will focus on one metric (stroke count) and gradually shift towards another (tempo). I will use the other six metrics to monitor how I am swimming, but my focus will be on stroke count and tempo.
I have a 7’2” wingspan so using my levers to my advantage is something I constantly work on in practice. Hearing my stroke count after each length helps me swim more efficiently because of the constant reminder I am getting to minimize strokes. I try to take no more than 12 strokes when swimming at 50 pace for short course, and I must be under 40 strokes when swimming long course (from a PUSH).
When I hear that I am taking more strokes than I should, I think about ways to reduce drag, improve bodyline, tighten my turn, etc. in order to reach my desired stroke count. This makes me keep a tight core, flatten my lower back, and try to ride high in the water in order to reduce drag.
Eventually I will get to the point where I’m happy with the length in my stroke, and I am constantly taking 36-38 strokes when sprinting in a long course fifty, and will shift my focus on increasing my tempo.
Be sure to look for my next video blog next week!
- Bennett Clark
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Using Avidasports for Sprinters
Check out my latest video blog at: http://youtu.be/fKYXHWx9wig
This week I’m highlighting the use of Avidasports for sprinters and talking about kick tempo!
Bennett Clark
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