Physiological data indicates that when you train at high intensity intervals you develop an increased endurance capacity and burn more calories. Interval training is standard in the pool, but what about intervals in open water? You could map landmarks on the shore and use these as your reference for intervals, but this can cause you to focus your attention away from your forward momentum. You could also wear a watch and go hard for specified time periods. But there’s easier way: simply count your strokes. One of my favorite sets going 10 x 100 strokes (or 50 stroke cycles) with 50 strokes easy in between (when counting strokes you may find it easier to count by 2’s). For me this is comparable to swimming 10 x 100 in the pool. This also gives you specific training related to open water racing where the pace is often variable. So next time you head out for a swim try and incorporating some interval training into your workout rather than just swimming point to point. Have fun and see you on shore…Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source