Long-distance triathlon glossary·CSS

CSS : Critical Swim Speed

Swim

Your threshold pace in swimming, computed from a 400 m + 200 m test.

CSS is the swim equivalent of FTP. It represents the pace you can sustain over roughly 1,500 m without breaking. It anchors threshold intervals ("swim at CSS+2", "4×400 at CSS").

In TriPaced:

In TriPaced, you set your CSS in Settings (s/100 m). Swim sessions use this to prescribe intervals at the right intensity, no manual math.

Source Wakayoshi et al., 1992 : Critical Swim Speed as a measure of aerobic capacity

Related terms

  • Swim zones : from Z1 recovery to Z5 VO2max
  • Open water : swimming in lakes, sea or rivers
  • Sea legs : wobbly legs out of the water
  • Wetsuit : triathlon neoprene suit
  • Drafting in swimming
  • Sighting: open water navigation (head lifts)