The distance swimmer has better endurance, less applied power and lower LaMax when compared to the sprinter. These typical qualities reflect the requirement characteristics of the different specialist events. When comparing swimmers test results for different swimmers, make sure you carefully consider the different event requirements. Graph 10 attempts to diagrammatically illustrate the relationship that alactic qualities have with the lactate-velocity curve. So, what we have here, is a coach's way of illustrating a concept, which may have the scientists amongst you rolling under the laboratory tables howling with mirth and derision.
Sprinters have to burst into their performance at the very top of their curve.
For any alactic test, a decrease in lactate, coupled with a stable speed, or an increase in speed coupled with stable lactate, is good. LAST WORD Different total volume, and intensity-balance, of training programs ensures that endurance, LaMax and power capacities are developed differently in different individuals. When comparing test results of different swimmers, these factors should be taken into account. Some swimmers are genetically suited to one group of events, say sprint, rather than another, say, distance, so will exhibit different qualities in their total performance characteristics - this is talent. Some swimmers will show greater improvement for the same training input - this is talent.