{"id":642908,"date":"2026-05-01T06:46:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T13:46:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=642908"},"modified":"2026-05-01T06:46:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T13:46:44","slug":"7-tips-for-surviving-and-loving-long-course-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/7-tips-for-surviving-and-loving-long-course-season\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Tips for Surviving and Loving Long Course Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

7 Tips for Surviving and Loving Long Course Season<\/strong><\/p>\n

The jump from short course to long course season can feel like a completely different sport at first. In short course, you get walls, breaks in the rhythm, and constant chances to reset. In long course, it is just 50 meters of continuous swimming at a time, which can feel long, quiet, and sometimes unforgiving for swimmers of all levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With this, long course season is also where a lot of real growth happens. It teaches patience, strength, and race control in a way short course never fully can. The swimmers who learn to embrace it usually come out better prepared for championship season later in the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some practical ways to survive the transition from short course to long course and to actually start to enjoy the long course seasons. <\/span><\/p>\n

Stop Chasing the Clock Right Away\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the biggest mistakes swimmers make early in long course season is expecting their short course times to translate immediately. Long course racing takes patience and is slower on the clock at first, but not because you are not progressing. There are fewer turns, fewer push-offs, and fewer chances to reset your speed. That means your race may feel much much longer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of focusing on best times early in the season, focus on how the race feels. Ask yourself if your stroke is holding together, if your breathing is controlled, and if your pace is consistent. The times will come later. <\/span><\/p>\n

Learn to Be Comfortable in the Middle of the Pool\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In short course, you are never far from a wall. Whereas in long course, you spend a lot more time in the middle of the pool with nothing but your stroke, your breathing, and your own thoughts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This change can feel uncomfortable at first, especially when you are used to using walls as checkpoints. Use this to your advantage as this is where long course can make you mentally stronger. A good goal is to stop thinking about getting to the wall and start thinking about holding your technique. Breaking the pool into smaller mental segments will help a lot. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pace Feels Different, So Train It That Way\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pacing during a long course race is not just about going out fast and hanging on. It is about control from the very second you dive into the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some swimmers often go out too fast in the first 50 or 100 meters in a race and then slowly fade. A better approach is learning what \u201ccontrolled speed\u201d feels like during practice. Long course rewards swimmers who can stay patient when they feel good.<\/span><\/p>\n

Underwaters Matter Less, But Technique Matters More\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In short course, underwaters can make or break a race. In long, they still matter, but they are not going to save a bad race. This is why technique becomes the biggest factor during long course season. Streamlined, efficient swimming is what carries you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Think about:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n