Improving fly endurance?

loneda

Back when I was a kid and swam competetively, fly was my best stroke. Now I can manage a 25m ok, but when I try a 50m my stroke falls apart on the second 25 because I start breathing every stroke.

What is the best way to improve my fly endurance? Fly drills like one-armed fly? Push myself to do 50s? (I have managed a set of 4x200 IMs, but that is the most fly I've pushed myself to do, and it was tough.)

emmab0902

I suck at fly but need it for the 400IM. I find that doing a gym programme focusing on muscle endurance helps my fly. But it still kills me lol.

fishgutzy

I've never even learned to do the butterfly stroke.
So your for endurance is much better than mine

ryenday

fishgutzy wrote: »

I've never even learned to do the butterfly stroke.
So your for endurance is much better than mine

Yeah me too. Never learned it, I regret that.

loneda

I managed 4×100IMs today and the fly laps weren't too bad. I'd love to work my way up to 400 IMs. A good goal to be sure. Maybe solid sets of 200 IMs by Christmas and a (note the singular) 400 IM by next summer.

emmab0902

loneda wrote: »

I managed 4×100IMs today and the fly laps weren't too bad. I'd love to work my way up to 400 IMs. A good goal to be sure. Maybe solid sets of 200 IMs by Christmas and a (note the singular) 400 IM by next summer.

To be honest the 400IM is 95% mental endurance. Not gonna lie - it's hideous lol. I've raced it twice both long course - once at nationals and once at World Masters Games. Never did it as a young person but it's a great event to be able to say you've survived!

loneda

Long course!!! I have crazy respect for you! I swim in a 25m pool (I know, kind of a weird size) and I am grateful for the walls.

emmab0902

Trust me I was VERY tempted to hop out after about 65m of fly

emmab0902

PS I always swim in 25m pool - we don't use yards here in New Zealand

fishgutzy

Pace being equal to front crawl, fly burns 60% more energy. That is probably why one never sees a 1500m fly event at the Olympics

fishgutzy

Saw a guy last night to a drill. Just the dolphin kick. Hands at his side. Working just the kick and breathing.

gentlygently

Ok I admit it. I feel a total fake posting....

(Some of you may remember me - I was swimming once or twice a week - 1k or so. Then about a year ago I got a dog and that stuffed my time/energy schedule and sadly swimming went out the window. BUT I am aiming to get back in the pool this autumn....so reading upon my favourite mfp group to get my mojo back! Hi everyone - I've missed you ! )

Anyway - firstly I learnt fly as an adult. So don't let that stop anyone... it is a really good challenge

and secondly - in terms of building up stamina - my suggestion would be to really back off on the pace for the first 25m to see if you can build your mental confidence that you can complete the next 25 (or increasing parts of it). And then, once 50m is doable look at increasing the pace. Try almost slo-mo fly...!

And as for fly no arms drills - the one you mention FG was my favourite of all drills ('playing mermaids' in my book). Sadly it is using the arms that often eats up the energy ...

Ok - so now I have publicly declared my intention to get back in the pool....so where did I put my goggles?

loneda

Thanks @gentlygently . I did 5x200 IMs, the first fly I've attempted in a while. I tried slo-mo fly and I think it helped because it forced me to mainrain my technique, and technique is crucial in fly since I can't overcome a poor stroke by powering through. It wasn't an easy set but I did it.