Opinion

THE VIKING MANIFESTO Part 6: USRPT. Duh…

In part 6, the Viking forays into training styles and tackles the ever-popular and ever-contentious Ultra-Short Race Pace Training, or USRPT.

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On the Outside Looking In: Race in Swimming

This opinion piece is courtesy of Franco Pacheco. There is a moment when an athlete or coach walks onto a…

  13 Comments

7 Ways to be a Better Teammate

It’s the season for championship meets, and the goal of any program is to finish on top. One of the easiest ways to do this is to compete as a cohesive team, with everyone participating as the best teammate they can be.

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Yik Yak Reveals the Ugly Side of Swimming – Shout From the Stands

In what has been an amazing conference championship’s season, an elephant has been sneaking onto the deck.

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The Pros, Cons and Misconceptions of Ultra Short Race Pace Training (USRPT)

Eric McGinnis: “Ultra Short Race Pace Training (USRPT) is one of the most widely debated topics in swimming at the moment. It’s also one of the worst names ever created for a training program.”

  73 Comments

THE VIKING MANIFESTO Part 5: Muscle Fiber Types, Recruitment and Specificity

This week, the Viking tackles the different types of fast-twitch muscle fibers and more.

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The Magic of Swimming

Tim Elson: “I’m here to tell you that anyone can experience the magic effects of swimming…”

  5 Comments

3 Sleep Habits to Boost Your Performance

Swimmers see 3 to 4 sunrises per week, often warming up in the dark before dawn. It is difficult to get up early and work your tail off in the pool at 5 a.m., but it is even harder if you aren’t getting your proper shut-eye.

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5 Ways to Prepare for your First College Swimming Championships

#4 – Expect the unexpected as you prepare for your first college swimming championships.

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THE VIKING MANIFESTO Part 4: LCHF and Energy Metabolism Within the Muscle

In part 4, the Viking looks to show that the implications for adaptation to the low-carb, high-fat diet go beyond long-distance swimming at low intensity levels.

  8 Comments

6 Reasons to Push Through Championship Swimming Season

If you’ve been feeling burnt out lately, it’s ok. It’s been a long season, and even though we’re on the home stretch, it can be hard to motivate yourself.

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3 Tips to Help You Enjoy Swim Practice and Conquer Swimming Dread

Everyone experiences the distinct, anxiety-inducing thoughts of the cold water and the long workout ahead, but the truth is, the feelings of reward and satisfaction after a swim are irreplaceable.

  1 Comment

6 Things to Do Before Swimming Your First College Championship Mile

Since the mile isn’t a part of the regular meet schedule but happens to be swum at most championships meets, the coming of the mile is something of an event.

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3 Ways to Recover Faster Between Prelims and Finals

Good recovery between prelims and finals sessions at a meet has a huge impact on how you race in finals. The second half of the day demands much more energy, excitement, and, most importantly, mental and physical preparedness.

  10 Comments