Type: cardio/swimming
Author: Daniel - TinyVik1ng
A Beginner’s Journey to Mastery in the Waters of the North 🌌🌊
Program Overview:
- Duration: 6 Weeks
- Frequency: 3-4 sessions per week
- Focus: Improving swimming technique, building stamina, and feeling at home in the water.
Week 1-2: Arctic Awakening
Objective: Build water comfort and improve basic swimming strokes (freestyle and backstroke).
Tip: Focus on relaxed breathing and efficient movement. Rest as needed between sets.
Day |
Activity |
Day 1 – Calm Fjord Swim |
- Warm-up: 4 x 25m easy swim (freestyle/backstroke, RPE 2-3), rest 30 seconds
- Main Set:
- 6 x 25m (freestyle) focusing on technique:
- Odd laps: Focus on smooth arm strokes
- Even laps: Focus on breathing rhythm
- Cool-down: 2 x 25m backstroke, easy pace
|
Day 2 – Glacial Drift (Technique Day) |
- Warm-up: 6 x 25m alternating freestyle and backstroke (RPE 2-3)
- Drill Set:
- 8 x 25m technique drills (rest 20-30 seconds):
- 2 x Catch-up drill (focus on extending arms)
- 2 x Finger-drag drill (for relaxed recovery)
- 2 x Side-kick drill (focus on body alignment)
- 2 x Freestyle with focus on exhaling underwater
- Cool-down: 2 x 25m easy freestyle
|
Day 3 – Rest or Optional Open Water Exploration |
If available, do a short open-water swim (10-15 minutes) in a calm, shallow area. |
Week 3-4: Midnight Flow
Objective: Build endurance and confidence in pacing. Add variety with short, controlled efforts.
Tip: Keep strokes smooth, and focus on body rotation and breathing.
Day |
Activity |
Day 1 – Nordic Flow Endurance |
- Warm-up: 4 x 25m alternating freestyle/backstroke (RPE 2-3)
- Main Set:
- 2 x 100m steady swim (RPE 4-5), rest 45 seconds
- 4 x 50m moderate pace (RPE 5), rest 30 seconds
- Cool-down: 2 x 25m easy backstroke
|
Day 2 – Midnight Sprint |
- Warm-up: 6 x 25m freestyle (RPE 2-3)
- Main Set:
- 8 x 25m freestyle sprints (RPE 7-8), rest 20-30 seconds
- 4 x 25m slow and controlled freestyle, emphasizing smooth strokes and relaxed breathing
- Cool-down: 2 x 25m backstroke
|
Day 3 – Rest or Recovery Swim |
Easy 15-20 mins swim (alternate strokes) in a pool or open water, emphasizing relaxation (RPE 2-3). |
Day 4 – Aurora Intervals |
- Warm-up: 4 x 25m (freestyle/backstroke, RPE 2-3)
- Main Set:
- 10 x 50m:
- Odd laps: Moderate pace (RPE 4-5)
- Even laps: Fast pace (RPE 7)
- Rest 30 seconds between each lap
- Cool-down: 100m freestyle/backstroke mix at easy pace
|
Week 5-6: Northern Currents
Objective: Build sustained endurance and prepare for open water swims. Begin extending distances.
Tip: Practice sighting in open water to simulate real-world conditions.
Day |
Activity |
Day 1 – Arctic Endurance |
- Warm-up: 4 x 50m alternating freestyle and backstroke (RPE 2-3)
- Main Set:
- 2 x 200m freestyle (RPE 4-5), rest 1 minute
- Focus: Maintain a steady pace and consistent breathing rhythm
- Cool-down: 4 x 25m easy swim (freestyle/backstroke mix)
|
Day 2 – Midnight Sprint Progression |
- Warm-up: 6 x 25m freestyle, easy pace (RPE 2-3)
- Main Set:
- 8 x 25m sprints (RPE 7-8), rest 20 seconds
- 4 x 50m moderate effort (RPE 5), rest 30 seconds
- 1 x 100m freestyle, steady effort (RPE 5-6)
- Cool-down: 2 x 25m backstroke
|
Day 3 – Fjord Recovery Swim (Optional) |
Easy open water swim (15-20 minutes, RPE 2-3) focusing on relaxation and sighting (lifting your head to look forward). |
Day 4 – Aurora Long Swim |
- Warm-up: 4 x 50m alternating strokes (RPE 2-3)
- Main Set:
- 300m continuous freestyle, steady pace (RPE 4-5)
- 4 x 50m backstroke (RPE 3-4), rest 20-30 seconds
- Cool-down: 100m easy freestyle
|
Additional Notes:
- Progress Gradually: Each week, aim to increase total swim volume by 5-10% if you feel comfortable.
- Practice Sighting: In open water, practice lifting your head slightly during freestyle to spot landmarks.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated, especially during long sessions.
- Rest as Needed: Listen to your body and take breaks as required.
By the end of this program, you’ll feel confident swimming longer distances and exploring open water. Just like the calm yet powerful northern waters, you’ll glide with strength and grace. Skål to your swimming journey! 🏊♀️✨
Download Program
Views: 36
Downloads: 0