Warming up at USMS Nationals

How's this...... we designate an outside lane for breastrokers and the slowest people. Then, we outlaw kicking during warmup. Forget the kicking, it just isn't feasible with 15-20 people in a lane. Then, if your fast you get into one of the middle 6 lanes left in the pool. If your slow and you start getting passed, you work your way toward the outside lanes of the pool. Finally, if you stop and chit chat, get your butt over to the side and get out of the way so people can flip. There ! ..... how's that?

Originally posted by aztimm While it is very helpful to warm up and use the competition pool and facilities, I really don't understand why more people don't take full advantage of all of the facilities available at nationals. I, for one, had no idea there was another pool we could use for warmups at ASU. I'm sure many more were in the same boat--so to speak :D

okay, not to rain on all the fun in here, but i've got a question about warm-ups... i know the website says that no kickboards, hand paddles, or pull buoys are allowed in the competition pool or warm-up pool. but does anyone know if that's just for actual competition days or if that includes wednesday too??? and how strictly does this actually get enforced? thanks for any help!

Mr. Smith, Your idea painted a hilarious picture in my mind :p I like it. However, to be fair to us IMers, I do think that early bidding should take place for reserving a lane. They have that gold medal sponsorship (that I actually did this year, because I get hungry during the meet and have no food!) after all- why can't people pay to reserve a lane? I'll start the bidding for Lane 4 at $1.00. And since I'm paying for the lane I'm using paddles and diving whenever I want! :p

hello john, i knew you'd love MY idea for YOUR warm up lane. Your 100 free is quite respectable. Kicks my butt up one side of the pool and down the next. I only went 50.1, now to my credit, I haven't been lifting or training for sprints. It was all about the 200 IM. For now I'm enjoying the distance events, especially when I split them right, it's way less painful. but I can't see how you could go 47.8 in the 100 then 5:06 in the 500? With your speed it should be no problem for you to go 55 on your first 100 then hold 56 to 58 per 100 on 2 through 5. and if you just cruised 2 - 4 you could probably punch a 55 on your last 100. So was that 5:06 500 an ALTITUDE thing or an ATTITUDE thing? Were you wearing a cheater suit? Raz Originally posted by TheGoodSmith Ande, Now you're talkin' ! Bobby Patten and I need room to warmup for our 500 free. I have SERIOUS beer money on the line here. If I lose it's 2 beers a second ! If he loses he has to wear Longhorn paraphanalia and pose for a hook'em horns photo. We have a lot on the line here and warm up is key ! John Smith PS... the Evil Smith (Paul) is not invited in our lane for obvious reasons. Ande.... I'm in trouble. I went a 5:06 and a 10:41 last weekend. Fortunately my 100 was 47.8

They are always looking for sponsors at Nationals why not sell warm up lanes? Or auction them on EBay.

Ande, Now you're talkin' ! Bobby Patten and I need room to warmup for our 500 free. I have SERIOUS beer money on the line here. If I lose it's 2 beers a second ! If he loses he has to wear Longhorn paraphanalia and pose for a hook'em horns photo. We have a lot on the line here and warm up is key ! John Smith PS... the Evil Smith (Paul) is not invited in our lane for obvious reasons. Ande.... I'm in trouble. I went a 5:06 and a 10:41 last weekend. Fortunately my 100 was 47.8

Karen, I got a FAT CAT rich Houston Lawyer friend that'll probably out bid you.... or out muscle you...... (Robert Killeen). He may have to fund lane four for several of his cohorts. He's a lane hog like Paul Smith. They both need a lot of space during warm up at nationals. Ande.... you have to pay extra for lane space since you haven't been to USMS Nationals in so long. John Smith

Dude, Swimming in Denver is like permanently sewing your lips to a straw. You can forget the conversion charts that are posted on various swimming web sites. Those things only apply to younger athletes that are in great shape. They have nothin to do with Masters swimmers and longer events at high elevations. The longer the swim at altitude the proportionately worse you get if you are older (i.e. over 30) and/or don't swim a lot (i.e. most masters swimmers). I felt great for about 8 lengths on my 1000, then the piano dropped. The 500 was another issue. My goggles were leaking and I was emptying them every 3rd length. Even so, I wouldn't have been under 5:00. Dude, altitude is like swimming on another planet. I have been here for about 4 years and I still hang on the edge during repeat sets like an old man...... then again...... I am an old man. No matter..... I have my beer money saved up for Bobby. I'll set it on the chair behind my block during the race in an envelope. He'll probably be out of the water first to grab it..... :-) I think my 200 will be the best race this year actually. John Smith

Actually the altitude training may have the reverse effect that you have anticipated....sure you didn't swim as fast in the 500 and 1000 as you wanted in that elevation....But the elevation may have conditioned you in ways that lower elevation could not.....when you get in the 500 free down in Florida (the low elevation)....You may be in for a big suprise b/c it will feel like a cake walk in comparison.....you may very well go under 4:40 in that event....so I wouldn't throw the towel in yet on your bet with Bobby! Newmastersswimmer