Today is DAY 4 of my Race Prep Series! My name is Fares Ksebati – CEO and Co-Founder of MySwimPro.
I’ll be competing in the Masters World Championships in Doha in February 2024, and documenting my training along the way. This is part 4 of a 5-part series where I’ll be giving you a behind the scenes look at my training, how I taper, and how I prep for race mode.
In today’s episode, watch as I competed at the 2024 Dubai Open. It was an incredible experience! Watch the video to see how I set my race strategy, my competition prep tips, and how I performed:
Swimming, often dubbed as the “ultimate test of endurance and speed,” requires more than just plunging into the pool and thrashing your limbs. It demands strategy, precision, and meticulous preparation.
Today, we’re diving deep into the intricacies of swim race strategy, exploring how to unlock your fastest potential in the water.
How To Prepare To Taper For a Swim Meet
When it comes time to get up on the starting blocks and race, the key to swimming fast lies in your meticulous preparation.
As I’ve shared in my previous posts, success begins long before you hit the water. A consistent training plan, adequate rest, proper nutrition, and hydration form the cornerstone of your performance.
Ensuring you’re well-rested and adequately fueled primes your body for peak performance.
I train with the MySwimPro app, which helps me stay on track with personalized workouts as part of my training plan. I sync the workouts to my Apple Watch (See photo below) and it records all my data as I train. This really helps me prepare for competitions, because I can make data-driven decisions to better understand how much rest I need between intervals.
But it doesn’t stop there. The warm-up is a critical phase, fine-tuning your muscles and honing your focus. However, moderation is key.
You want to warm up sufficiently without swimming too much, and expending unnecessary energy.
Related: How To Taper In Swimming
What Makes a Pool Fast or Slow?
In today’s video, you’ll notice the incredible pool I got to race in! It’s considered one of the fastest pools in the world.
Ever wondered what makes a pool fast or slow? It’s not just the water; it’s a symphony of factors working in tandem. From the flow rate of the gutter system to the pool’s depth and temperature, every detail matters.
A fast pool minimizes turbulence, allowing swimmers to glide through the water with minimal resistance. The ideal temperature hovers around 26 to 27 degrees Celsius, striking the perfect balance between comfort and speed.
Additionally, a deeper pool mitigates the disruptive effects of shock waves, while wider lane lines reduce turbulence.
Crafting a Winning Warm-Up Routine at a Swim Meet
With the stage set and the pool primed for speed, it’s time to fine-tune your own performance. A strategic warm-up sets the tone for success, preparing your body and mind for the challenges ahead.
Incorporating short bursts of each stroke enhances your feel for the water without inducing fatigue. I like doing 25s of each stroke.
Remember, it’s about priming your muscles, not exhausting them. The use of training aids like parachutes adds resistance, building strength and power.
Time To Race!
As the countdown begins and the adrenaline surges, it’s time to execute with precision.
Swim race strategy is a multifaceted journey, blending science with artistry, preparation with execution. It’s about embracing the process, relishing the challenges, and continually striving for excellence.
Watch the video above for how I approached my breaststroke events.
So, whether you’re gearing up for a local competition or chasing championship dreams, remember this: success isn’t just about crossing the finish line first; it’s about the journey that propels you there. So dive in, embrace the rhythm of the water, and swim towards your own definition of greatness.
For more swim tips and workout ideas, download the MySwimPro app! With AI-generated swim workouts, personalized training plans, and technique videos – the app is the perfect training partner to help you reach your goals. Click here to start your free trial >
1 Comment
Really enjoyed the video diary of your prelims and finals! Vicarious thrill to be sure!! Congratulations on your races!! Look forward to seeing the same at the Masters Worlds!