I enjoyed the day set aside for relays alone at Nationals. It contributed greatly to our team spirit. However, after swimming on 4 relays on Saturday, I was exhausted for my individual events on Sunday. I suggest that, if USMS decides to use this format again, the "Relays only" day be the last day of the meet for several reasons: (1) It will not affect a swimmer's performance in any individual event, and (2) if a swimmer is not participating in relays, he/she can enjoy the host city or depart early for home.
I posted on this subject on another thread, but will throw my two cents in here. I swim with Cathy and Mary, who've offered their thoughts above. I would not have participated in LC nationals but for relay day. I swam one event, the 100 free (Friday), but really planned to make the trip because of the relays. I'm just far enough off qualifying times that I did not feel quite legit enough to swim individual events. (Although my 100 was a triumph, for me).
As it happens, I swam in three relays, each of which scored points for my team. Boom, I went from feeling somewhat out of place to feeling like I sort of belonged. The total effect was very positive and cemented my investment in Masters swimming. I am more likely to attend a national meet the next time, even if I can only swim individual events.
The major point is this: for the veterans, relay day may not be a big sell. But given the signals I think I've read from the national organization, which seems heavily invested in growing the sport and participation in it, relay day seems like a coup.
I posted on this subject on another thread, but will throw my two cents in here. I swim with Cathy and Mary, who've offered their thoughts above. I would not have participated in LC nationals but for relay day. I swam one event, the 100 free (Friday), but really planned to make the trip because of the relays. I'm just far enough off qualifying times that I did not feel quite legit enough to swim individual events. (Although my 100 was a triumph, for me).
As it happens, I swam in three relays, each of which scored points for my team. Boom, I went from feeling somewhat out of place to feeling like I sort of belonged. The total effect was very positive and cemented my investment in Masters swimming. I am more likely to attend a national meet the next time, even if I can only swim individual events.
The major point is this: for the veterans, relay day may not be a big sell. But given the signals I think I've read from the national organization, which seems heavily invested in growing the sport and participation in it, relay day seems like a coup.
