I read an article on the methods of Michael Phelps coach, it seems his belief is in improving a persons lactic acid tolerance, so they can swim at a greater average rate would be my assumption. What are the forums thoughts on this(Clemson, Mikeh). I have recently been looking into swimming as i am too heavy to hit the track in my mind(ankle, knee, shin, hip problems prove this to me).
http://www.mensjournal.com/healthFitness/0408/olympic_swimming.html