#367 : From 2:00/100m to A 29 Second 50m Freestyle with Alex Roman
Feb 21, 2025
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In this conversation, Alex Roman, a self-taught swimmer, shares his incredible transformation from a 2:00/100m pace to a lightning-fast 29-second 50m freestyle. He details the moment that ignited his curiosity about swimming efficiency and how he shifted to smarter training strategies. Key topics include mastering technique through insightful feedback, the importance of strength training, and purposeful drills that lead to significant improvements. Alex's journey inspires anyone looking to enhance their swimming skills, regardless of experience.
Alex Roman's transformation from a struggling swimmer to a national competitor highlights the importance of understanding and improving swimming technique for performance enhancement.
Immediate feedback from experienced coaches is essential for swimmers to correct inefficiencies, develop muscle memory, and achieve substantial progress in their training.
Deep dives
Transforming Swimming Technique
A swimmer's progression often begins with a fundamental understanding of technique. It is essential to identify specific struggles rather than focusing solely on individual parts of the stroke. For instance, a swimmer's arms may be straight upon entry into the water, which hinders propulsion. Gathering feedback from experienced individuals or professional resources can guide swimmers in recognizing and correcting these inefficiencies.
The Importance of Individualized Feedback
Obtaining immediate feedback is crucial for improvement in swimming techniques. Swimmers often benefit from personal coaching sessions, where experts can identify errors and suggest adjustments in real-time. This direct interaction contrasts with relying on self-analysis, which can lead to slower progress. As awareness of one's body and motions develops, swimmers can better adapt to changes and enhance their overall performance.
Balancing Technique and Endurance Training
Improvement in swimming requires a balance between technical drills and endurance training. Swimmers should initially focus on one or two technical elements at a time, integrating drills with regular swimming to establish muscle memory. Gradually increasing the pace while maintaining focus on technique aids in developing physical endurance and skill. Learning to maintain proper technique even when fatigued is vital, as this reinforces muscle memory during races.
Addressing Physical Limitations and Injury Prevention
Recognition of physical limitations is important for adult swimmers, especially concerning injury risks. Stretching and strengthening exercises targeted at the shoulders and core can mitigate the potential for injuries due to poor technique or overuse. Understanding specific anatomical issues can further guide adaptation strategies in training. Regular warm-up routines and appropriate strength training are fundamental components for long-term swimming sustainability.
Imagine teaching yourself how to swim, never having a coach, never training in a pool, just figuring it out by watching others. That was Alex Roman's reality for most of his life. He swam to survive, but certainly not to thrive. But one day, a swimmer effortlessly glided past him in the open water. And it sparked something, curiosity, what made them so fast, and what was happening beneath the surface that he had never considered.
That moment sent Alex on a journey of discovery. One that transformed him from a struggling swimmer with inefficient technique, Doing slower than two minutes per hundred into someone now who competes at national meets and swims a 50 meter sprint in under 30 seconds. His improvement wasn't just about training harder.
It was about training smarter. And in this episode, Alex shares the pivotal moments that fueled his rapid progression. The techniques and the drills that made the biggest impact and why understanding the science behind swimming changed everything for him. If you've ever felt stuck in your swimming or wondered if it's possible to make huge gains as an adult, this episode is packed with insights that could change the way you approach your own training.
So let's dive into it.
10:58 What Are The Big Things That Should Be Improved? 13:38 Tuning On How Your Body Feels 25:35 Controlled Chaos 30:55 The Importance of Warm Up 36:28 Building Strength 37:42 Getting Feedback 39:53 Drills
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