Kelly Palace just broke the world record for the 65-69 age group in the 1500m long course freestyle, swimming 20:19 on only about 12,000 meters a week. She also broke the 400m record this summer (5:09).

Kelly is a 1984 US Olympic Trials qualifier and the first woman head coach in the Southeastern Conference. In this episode she explains why distance swimmers need real speed, shares her favorite sets (including "descend by equipment"), and describes the underwater technique behind her noisy stroke. She also talks about what she has learned from 350+ podcast guests, and why swimmers should take breaks but never retire.

Returning to swimming after years away can leave you feeling exhausted, sore, and disconnected from the water. In this episode, we break down three key things that can help you rebuild your swimming and feel stronger and more comfortable in the water.

You'll learn how body position, breathing, stroke length, and a more relaxed kick can make swimming feel easier and more efficient. We'll also look at how to structure your training when you're getting back into the pool and why giving yourself three to six months of consistent swimming can make a huge difference.

If you're returning to swimming after a long break, these simple technical and training adjustments can help you reconnect with the water and build your fitness without relying on brute strength.

00:00 How to Get Back Into Swimming
00:49 Fix Your Body Position
01:26 Breathe Without Getting Out of Breath
02:03 Build a Longer, More Efficient Stroke
02:46 Stop Kicking So Hard
03:42 How to Train When Returning to Swimming
05:02 What to Expect When You Start Again
05:51 Give Yourself 3–6 Months to Rebuild
06:34 Final Thoughts

#443 : If You Want Your Swimming To 'Click', Do This with Brenton Ford

Shoulder pain after swimming? Your technique could be the reason.

In this episode, we look at three common freestyle mistakes that can place unnecessary stress on the shoulder: an overly high elbow, crossing over the centre line, and overdoing the catch. Through clear demonstrations and underwater footage, you'll learn how to make your stroke more natural, efficient, and shoulder-friendly.

A great episode for swimmers looking to improve their freestyle technique while reducing unnecessary strain.

00:00 – Why Your Shoulder Hurts After Swimming
00:20 – The main freestyle technique flaws that can cause shoulder problems
01:20 – Flaw #1: Elbow too high
02:25 – Shoulder position and rotation
03:00 – Flaw #2: Crossing over the centre line
03:20 – Underwater look at the freestyle stroke
04:00 – Flaw #3: Overdoing the catch
04:55 – What happens when you overdo the catch
05:30 – Finding a more natural catch position
07:00 – Underwater examples and final technique reminders

In this episode, Brenton Ford interviews Jan Prins about freestyle biomechanics, stroke mechanics, and the latest technology used to analyze swimming efficiency. They explore how subtle changes in technique can significantly impact speed and performance.

00:10 Introduction to Jan Prins and his expertise in swimming biomechanics
01:31 Overview of the technology used for stroke analysis
04:40 Analyzing hip velocity and stroke subtlety
07:18 Why strength doesn't always equal speed in swimming
09:15 The importance of sustained velocity over peak power
12:26 Gradual acceleration and maintaining pressure in strokes
16:43 Finding new water and propulsive thrust
22:41 Engaging new water and hand positioning
26:36 The concept of finding new water through hand movement
28:23 Avoiding straight-line pulling and maximizing efficiency
34:39 Breathing techniques and timing in freestyle
42:25 Hip rotation and core stability in swimming

In this episode, sports dietitian and researcher Taryn Richardson dives into the science behind red light therapy, exploring its potential for recovery, performance, and overall health. She shares practical advice on device selection, optimal usage, and the science-supported benefits for athletes seeking faster recovery and better performance.

00:39 What is red light therapy and its scientific basis
01:25 Historical research and terminology: photobiomodulation
02:22 Claims and benefits of red light therapy
03:19 Applications in physiotherapy, veterinary, and sports
05:17 How red light interacts with the body and mitochondria
07:37 Mitochondria as batteries and the effect of light wavelengths
08:59 Impact on performance, recovery, and sleep
10:34 Best timing for red light therapy: post-exercise recovery
12:31 Using red light therapy for injury and tissue repair
13:37 Types of devices and market options
16:12 Choosing quality devices and verification
18:01 Optimal distance and wavelength considerations
18:47 Personal routine and practical tips
20:39 Additional light exposure strategies
21:40 Athletes adopting red light therapy
22:37 How to access Taryn's masterclass
23:31 Infrared vs red light therapy: differences
24:22 Expected benefits and user experiences

Discover the nutrition secrets that could make or break your next long swim—are you fueling properly?

Swimmers and endurance athletes often overlook crucial aspects of fueling, leading to fatigue, poor recovery, and even injury. In this eye-opening episode, registered sports dietitian Eliza Kelly shares behind-the-scenes insights from a 55-kilometer open water swim, revealing how altitude, heat, and unexpected challenges demand real-time nutritional adjustments. Her experience coaching elite swimmers and triathletes will change how you approach long training sessions and races, ensuring you stay energized and perform at your best.

00:11 Introduction to the episode and guest
01:12 Eliza's background and work with swimmers
04:23 Details of the 55 km swim in the Kimberley
05:38 Managing nutrition and hydration during hot swims
07:27 Electrolyte and sodium considerations
09:20 Adapting nutrition in real-time during a swim
12:13 Lessons learned from the Kimberley swim
14:39 Common nutrition mistakes athletes make
19:06 When and what to eat during long sessions
22:45 The importance of fueling and avoiding hunger
29:59 Iron deficiency in swimmers and endurance athletes
31:06 Testing and optimizing iron levels
32:26 How to connect with Eliza for nutrition support

https://www.fluidperformancenutrition.com.au/
fluid_performancenutrition

Want to swim freestyle with less effort while moving faster through the water? In this episode, Brenton shares the three key principles that make freestyle feel smooth and effortless: improving your balance and body position, using rotation to maximize efficiency, and timing your stroke and kick so your whole body works together. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer looking to conserve energy, these simple technique adjustments can help you swim farther, faster, and with much less effort.

00:35 The #1 Secret: Let the Water Hold You Up

01:12 Head Position for Better Balance

02:48 Use Your Lungs to Improve Buoyancy

04:18 Step 2: Rotate for an Effortless Stroke

05:04 Relax Your Recovery

07:29 Step 3: Master Your Stroke Timing

11:42 Beginner vs Faster Freestyle Programs