200 IM Splits: Training Tips for a Faster Time

Question
Hello I am a second year competitive high school swimmer.  I am not sure what ideal splits would be for the 200 I.M. This year at districts I swam a 2:10 and I am shooting for a 2:05 by next year.  My main strengths are breastroke and butterfly (1:08 breastroke and 1:02 fly). I am not too weak on the other strokes, however.  I would appreciate a little help.  Thank You.

Answer
Hi,

Well for a world record time of about 1:54 long course splits would be
24.72, 53.20 [28.48], 1:26.28 [33.08],1:54.10 [27.82].

I was a breast stroker and always gained a few seconds on that part of the race and then just held on to my lead in the final 50 m free.

With a 68 for 100 yards breast stroke, you should be able to pull off a 36 for the 50 m breastroke part and a 32 second first 50m fly. That gives you less than 60 seconds for the other 2 parts. I am not sure how strong your back stroke is but if you can go out in a 30 second 50 m fly then a 34-35 breastroke leg you should get close to 2:05 for total time.

Thanks.