What do people think is the ideal number of events to swim per day at a meet? It seems that, for local meets, you're allowed to enter up to 5 events. That is way too many for me. I'm always gassed after 3 or end up scratching an event or relying on caffeine. Yet, I'd like to get more times in different events without traveling the countryside to go to zillions of meets. So, how many is too many if you want to swim fast?
For me, anything over 3 events/day total is pushing it. But, some on our team like to load up and go for it all. If there is an event that I'm really working on, I will go very light on that day. If there's an event that is just throwaway, like, say, the 500 free, I will swim all other events that day even if it means a subpar time.
I know some sandbaggers who only swim one event a day and then feel the crush of humiliation when I stagger to the blocks for the 500 and beat them like a drum.
Oh yeah, only a Canadian would use the term bruised plum. Is that a favorite color of lip gloss?
Actually, you'll be turning that colour when you realize the stranglehold we have on continental energy resources.
You have seen what we do to countries that have energy resources we need. I heard a rumor our Boy Scouts have been mobilized to invade Canada. And, after our victory Budweiser will be the national drink of Canada and you will be forced to correctly pronounce words containing the letter "o." All that French-Canadian nonsense will be banned. Keep it up bruised plum kid!
Peter:
You got it. Relays take a huge toll. Fortunately, my team doesn't usually do them except for big meets. But I did find myself scratching an individual event at zones because I had two relays that day.
Maybe three is the right number. Of course, I'm signed up for 4 at my next meet...but it is a sprint meet. Hopefully, I'll survive. The last time I had 4 events, I was the last one off the blocks, practically falling into the water with a "plop" for the 50 fly (usually my favorite event). My teammates (no doubt attempting to shame me with their trash talk because I am a whimpy sprinter who doesn't swim the 200 fly or 500 free) accused me of of lackadaical racing until the last 15 meters when, fearing a stupid loss, I finally woke up.
I'm so sad to hear of the alleged pollution of NC. I have a very fine friend from there who is a very fast freestyler. And I met a very nice lady in the backstroke lanes at Worlds... Too bad about that.
Leslie
Aquageek:
Now why spend all the time and energy to go to a meet and only swim one event?! I know Ande says it can be good to train for a particular event, but that seems to be taking it to an extreme. Actually, though, now that I think about it, that is exactly what my secret nemesis did at a meet this summer with the 50 free. But I got her by 2/100s anyway. I generally find that swimming one event at least gets me warmed up and ready to go for a subsequent event. And, if my goggles stay affixed to my face and I haven't blown a turn, I usually have more confidence.
Leslie
Leslie- don't forget relays, they can be the wildcard that takes you over the top for fatigue. Our local meet sports 4 relay slots in a one day meet, and yes, you're expected to be available for all of them. I was excused from the 4th one last year after emerging from the 100 brst with a facial colour one smartaleck teamate likened to 'bruised plum'.
Do the number of events you feel you want to do. I do agree that you can use one event to warm up for another. Gets the blood pumping. I tend to sign up for 4 or 5 per day. I have yet to scratch an event, if 2 are close together like the 400IM and 100Fr I did this past summer where I had 2 heats of 100Fr between my heats (5 min. rest). I fully intented to scratch the 100 but I just did my best and actually came close to my best time. Just looked at it as a challenge to overcome.
Donna
I understand that North Carolina stands accused of exploding the world's first 'lard bomb' that produces an epidemic of obesity and illiteracy when exploded, part of a plot to render the world into a comfortable place for the Geek and his many 'cousins'.
Leslie- many masters swimmers 'over-enter' their races and are quite prepared to selectively scratch on the day. Reasons are as varied as there are individuals, but a few: having an injury rehabbed that is specific to a stroke (groin=breastroke) that you're not sure is going to stand up on the day, so you have 'backup' races to swim if it flares up; the dreaded 'going-much-faster-than-expected' local meet where entries are lower than expected; entry date is well in advance of meet & you change mind or vacillate on what your focus is. Bottom line, scratching is ok, esp. if you fear for your health (inc. mental well-being).
