[Bstarr]

What would be the best way to account for swimming with hand paddles. Pace certainly increases when paddles are used. I would assume that this would affect pace zones when using them. Would it be recommended to actually do a CV test using paddles and create a separate zone range for when they are used?

[leyla@8020endurance.com]

Bstarr,

If using or prescribing hand paddles in a swim set it is best to use RPE and a form cue for those intervals. A baseline for stroke rate with paddles vs without paddles can also help if RPE is difficult to determine

Unless you are doing a swimrun event where you will be competing with them on I wouldn’t do a seperate test with paddles. I would use the threshold pace from the 400/200 or 1000 time trial to set your zones, knowing there will be a pace change when using swim aids in training.

Cheers
Leyla

[Bstarr]

Thanks Leyla.

I’ve been using RPE but was just curious your folks thoughts on perhaps establishing two sets of zones, one with one without. I typically only use them for occasional Z2 500s.

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