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 ditto Cathy's thoughts.
My team had a blast with the relays. We had 6 people who only did relay day. I think the last day would be a great idea. The first day could be distance day, and everything else inbetween.
I have mixed feelings about the relay day in the middle of the meet like it was this year.
On the one hand, I think it is an awesome idea. Like Red pointed out, this was a great way to get more USMS members involved - especially those that wouldn't have otherwise come to the meet. For those with large teams, this is a great chance to meet some great people you may not otherwise swim or hang out with.
On the other hand, if your team is small, or can't muster up enough people for a relay, it kinda sucks when the rest of your friends are at the pool swimming all day long and you're stuck trying to fill your day with activities without blowing your taper and your wallet. I could have done without the extra night in a hotel + meals and activity fees.
However, in the end, I will say that the way this meet worked out for me was great. I was able to race three races in two days, then have a day off (because our team was only two members) to recover and enjoy a movie, dinner and Colts Pro Shop trip with my lady-friend. And the following morning, we both wake up refreshed and belt out more fast swims.
Are you a distance swimmer?
Actually, yes I consider myself a distance swimmer. I swam the 1500 free on Monday. I also swam the 200 back, 200 fly, 100 and 50 back. My 6th event was the 400 IM. Since I swim all those other events, I prefer the 1500 to be at the end of the meet.
When the distance events are on the first day, I will only swim the 800.
Mary
I think relay day should be Sun and after all the events or all but the distance.I agree it shouldn't be Mon.I think it my well improve attendance as swimmers could come in Sat and swim Sun if they wanted to just do relays and not miss work.I'd also do the 800 relays last as a hard 200 takes more out of me than a shorter race.I talked to several swimmers who thought swimming several relays adversely affected their Sun swims.
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 liked relay day in the middle of the meet since it promoted team participation and brought many teams closer together. I would prefer to have the distance day at the start of the meet than at the end, but then again I am a distance swimmer learning to sprint.
I imagine the previous posters and the poll mean Sunday when they say "the last day of the meet" to be preferred for relays. The actual last day of the nationals just concluded was Monday - the distance day. (Let's not forget those distance freestylers). In several cases the team standings were not determined until the conclusion of the 800 free.
I don't think Monday would be at all successful for relays. I like the relay day format and wouldn't mind if it were Saturday or Sunday, but not Monday. I like the distance day being at the end of the meet.
I think having the relay day format certainly promoted the participation in relays and team cohesiveness.
Great Nationals. Thanks to the Meet Hosts!!!!
Mary
I loved the relay day, but it wore me out. I would like to do it again, but not every year. I agree that the placement is important, but I don't have a solution.
