A. Stokka <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:Dear Sir or Madam:
I am a college student in the University of Northern Iowa, and I am very interested in competitive
swimming and conducting research on the topic. I would appreciate it if you could provide your
insights regarding the following questions. Your responses to these questions will not be
identified and your identity will remain anonymous in the research. Also, if you wish to receive a
copy of this research report, please indicate so in the last question, and you will receive a copy
when the research is completed. Please send your response to my e-mail address by Monday April
28th, 2003. If you have any questions about this research, please feel free to contact my research
advisor Dr. Sarina Chen at [email hidden]. Thank you.
Sincerely, Ariel Stokka Dept. of Communications Studies Univ. of Northern Iowa
Sarina Chen, Ph.D Associate Professor Dept. of Communication Studies Univ. of Northern Iowa
1) What are some general things a competitive swimmer needs to do to stay in shape during the
season and in the off season?
In Season: Continue to practice, starting off with lots of distance at the begining of the
season, followed by more challgenging sets, being sure to get into the pool more as the season
progresses. Off Season: Run, Bike, Weight Train, etc...
Quoted message said:2) What are some things a swimmer can do to prevent cramping? If a swimmer does get a cramp, what
is the best thing for them to do?
Stretch before you get in the water. If you do get a cramp, stretch
Aa.. then swim it off. Don't stop and hope it goes away because that is just a waste of time.
Quoted message said:3) What are some types of workouts a competitive swimmer can do to build endurance?
Most likely begining of a season, try doing some distance sets... this is the best way to build
up your endurance. Ex. 5x500 (yards that is) on a sendoff of 8:30.... this isn't a very fast
sendoff.. but will get you back into shape without going too fast
5x1650 (alittle longer) on a sendoff of 26:00... again, this sendoff isn't all that fast,
but will get your endurance up. You could always split the 1650 into 75s or 150s
if need be.
Quoted message said:4) How would a workout for a distance swimmer differ from that of of a sprinter?
Basically, many of the workouts would be the same. But, you would tend to see a sprinter
around 3000-4000 yards per practice.. while a distance swimmer would do more like 5000-6000 a
workout. Sprinters would do more 50s and 100s, while a distance swimmer would do more 500s and
longer yardage.
Quoted message said:5) What are some things a competitive swimmer needs to do to prepare for a meet?
Rest... drink lots of fluids (juice, water)... eat pasta and other carbohydrate boosters. Many
swimmers "shave down" for larger meets to reduce drag.
Quoted message said:6) What are some things a swimmer can do to work on their speed?
Practice and do all sets that are asked. Skip yardage as least as possible. You won't see
changes in speed in a couple days or even a couple weeks. Getting faster takes time, but after a
month or two (into the heart of the season), times will drop.. as they will also drop at
championship time when tapering comes.
Hope this helps.
Quoted message said:
Thank you again for your time.
