Swim pace is the time taken to cover a fixed distance, almost always expressed per 100 metres (or per 100 yards in the US). It is the swimming equivalent of running pace. Knowing your pace lets you plan sets, hold even splits and compare sessions. Fitness swimmers often sit around 2:00–2:30 per 100m, while competitive swimmers hold well under 1:30 per 100m over distance.
Key points
- Time per 100m or 100yd
- Swimming's version of running pace
- Fitness swimmers ~2:00–2:30/100m
- Used to plan sets and even splits