How They Train: Lenny Krayzelburg

After 18 months of almost nonstop training, Lenny Krayzelburg took a much-needed, two-week break after the NCAA Championships last March. "Eighteen months was a long time to go without a break," says Lenny's coach, Mark Schubert, "but Lenny accomplished his major goal: winning two world championships. I think, though, that the emphasis on long course training may have cost him at NCAAs."

This spring, Lenny was back in heavy training: 16,000 meters a day plus the stationary bike, weights, Vasa trainer and medicine ball. "I have Lenny training right through meets this spring and early summer," says Schubert, "and there's no doubt he's swimming tired."

That's "tired" as in "he hasn't broken two minutes in the 200 back during workouts this season," notes Schubert. (Last year, he and Brad Bridgewater did it with regularity.) "But," says Schubert, "he's training harder this year, and it'll all pay off in the end."

Schubert notes that one of the most difficult things in any sport is getting to the top; but it's even more difficult, he says, to stay there. "Lenny's worked hard to get to the top, and he's got everything he needs to stay there: he's got the ability, he's a great competitor, he works hard every day, he's tough as nails, and he's modest about his accomplishments." —P.W.

Monday, May 25, 1998 (Long Course) Workout

Saturday, May 30, 1998 (Long Course) Workout