Dive into the Heart of Tennessee Swimming: A 24-Hour Journey of Practices and Pancakes!
After an exhilarating SEC Dual Meet between Tennessee and Georgia, SwimSwam had the unique opportunity to spend a full 24 hours with the University of Tennessee’s swim team. This experience offered us a closer look at their rigorous training regime, which included a Monday evening practice focused on short-course yards (SCY) for all groups, followed by a Tuesday morning session that emphasized long-course meters (LCM) for one specific group, concentrating on active recovery.
Let’s break down the main sets from each of the three workouts and explore how the Vols tackled these challenging sets.
Monday Evening – Focus on the 100 Group (SCY):
The swimmers engaged in two rounds of high-intensity sets designed to enhance their speed and endurance:
First Set:
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- Then, they swam a 25 meters with an initial emphasis at a heart rate of 165, followed by a 50 meters easy swim for recovery.
- A minute’s rest was taken before moving on to the next set.
- 3 sets of 25 meters, focusing on 15 meters underwater followed by a strong cycle in 40 seconds.
Second Set:
- Another 3 sets of 25 meters emphasizing a strong finish at a heart rate of 175, followed by a 50 meters mimicking race effort and focusing on the skills needed for laps 2 and 3 of the 100.
- 75 meters easy swimming for recovery followed this segment.
- Another 3 sets of 25 meters emphasizing a strong finish at a heart rate of 175, followed by a 50 meters mimicking race effort and focusing on the skills needed for laps 2 and 3 of the 100.
Third Set:
- The swimmers then performed 3 sets of 25 meters, gradually descending their heart rates from 170 to 190, followed by a 75 meters swim that combined a 50 meters and a 25 meters, initiating both starts five yards out.
- The final portion included a 100 meters easy swim for cooldown.
Final Set:
- They completed 3 sets of 25 meters focusing on a strong finish, culminating in a broken 100 where they swam varying distances with an emphasis on pacing and effort, finishing off with a 175 meters easy swim.
Monday Evening – Focus on the 200 Group (SCY):
In another intense session, the 200 group worked through sets designed for distance and technique:
Two Rounds of:
- 3 repeats of a 75 meters dive rehearsal for the 200 event, progressively descending to reach their targeted pace.
- Followed by a 25 meters easy swim for recovery.
Next Sets Include:
- 4 sets of 100 meters using fins and paddles with a focus on technique, interspersed with 3 sets of 50 meters focusing on 200 pace rehearsals, finishing with a reset and an attack set to push their limits.
Tuesday Morning – Focus on the 500/400 IM Group (LCM):
The swimmers engaged in a series of sets tailored for individual medley and distance:
Two Rounds of:
- A 200 meters swim with variations in pacing, followed by 2 sets of 100 meters aimed at refining their times.
- The practice also included 2 sets of 50 meters focusing on maintaining technical excellence while using effective breathing techniques.
Follow-Up Sets:
- Additional 50 meters swims focused on holding close to their 200 pace, with a final cruise and recovery swim to ease off after a demanding session.
Meet Coleman Hodges
Coleman Hodges, a seasoned member of the SwimSwam team, began his aquatic adventures at the tender age of one, although he admits to having no recollection of those early days. Hailing from Missouri, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at nine years old, where he became well-known for his eye-catching dragon-patterned swim trunks. His journey through swimming has been filled with learning and growth, leading him to share his experiences with others in the swimming community.
What do you think about the intensity of these training sessions? Do you believe such rigorous practices are essential for success in competitive swimming, or do you think there should be a stronger focus on recovery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
