Long-distance triathlon glossary·SR

Stroke rate: arm strokes per minute

Swim

Number of full arm cycles completed per minute during a swim session.

Stroke rate (SR) counts how many full arm cycles you complete per minute. A beginner swims at 50-60 SPM, a pool swimmer at 60-75, an open-water competitor at 75-90. Rate alone means little: its relationship to distance per stroke (DPS) defines efficiency. A good Ironman swimmer targets 65-75 SR with maximum DPS (fewer strokes = optimal glide). Key drill: tempo-trainer sets to explore different rates and find your personal optimum.

In TriPaced:

TriPaced does not yet read stroke rate directly from Strava (Garmin-specific field). You can log your target SR in session notes. Recommended drill: 10 x 50 m with a tempo trainer at 65 BPM, increasing by 2 BPM per set to find your optimum.

Related terms

  • CSS : Critical Swim Speed
  • 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