Need some training direction.

[deadprez012]

I've (unofficially) finished my tri season and have been thrilled about several breakthroughs in my swimming leg, particularly that I've swam my last four 400-500m events without need to pause or feeling panicked. Now I'm looking at three months without a major swimming or tri event, so lots of time is available for quality practice.

I'm not sure what's the most practical direction to go with my training, though. Does it make more sense to invest this time in speed & pacing or in distance & endurance? Or, ideally, could anyone recommend a few practice structures that target both?

My next two swimming goals, related to next season, are to swim a sub-8:00 OW 500m and to swim a comfortable 1500m, but I'm unsure which would show the most total benefit to my technique during my off-season time.

Suggestions, input, advice?

[RadSwim]

Consult a swimming coach. Identify opportunities for technique improvement. Work on improving your technique so that you are swimming with greater skill and ease next season.
RadSwim