Rappstar wrote:
And, it's worth pointing out, that just like with swimming, if you log enough miles in the saddle, you'll figure out your bike position. Just like you'll figure out a lot about your swim stroke with enough hard yards in the pool.
Except for this above, some good points. But I have also been around the block a few times. And I have seen many times exactly the opposite of what you say above, both with cycling and swimming. Unfortunately, more miles or yards does
not at all mean "you'll figure it out."
The problem with this approach is that many triathletes (often guided by so-called 'coaches') who swim a pretty solid amount do not get very good results with the "pile on more yardage" coaching method. And when I say they swim a solid amount, no, it is not a lot by NCAA Division 1 standards, but it is still solid yards by age group triathlon standards (approx 20,000 yds/week).
Unfortunately, I have seen a good number of athletes like this who still have visibly bad technique in the water. When I mean bad technique, I mean that they are very inefficient and far slower than they could be, given their substantial swim fitness. And their coaches, while they pile on the yards, don't take the time to give them feedback to fix the glaringly obvious stroke problems. Or, maybe the coaches don't do it because they have no idea how to correct and teach swim technique. No one wants to look like a dummy, it is always easier just to add yards and say, "you just need more yards, yeah, that's the ticket." I mean who's gonna argue with that?
So, yes, 20,000 yds/week will give you some good swim fitness. But, unfortunately, far too often that increased fitness is used more to move water around laterally instead of propelling the athlete forward.
If only it were so easy. Your swimming sucks, but swim more and all will be good. Unfortunately, that's not the way it happens.
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