I have only raced the 100 free twice and have some questions on how to distribute my energy in the race.
I don't do fully rested time trials often in my workouts. I also swim in a 100 ft pool which make splits tough (no coach timing them either). So it is difficult for me to quantify how to race the 100 in practice. I thought it would be a good idea to hear from the strong sprinters.
Do you go all out right off the blocks and then hang on or take just a little off the first 50?
If not all out from the start and you open up and relax a little, do you relax both the flutter kick and upper body arm strokes equally, or just one?
Should I stretch out my underwater or breakout early? I'm not sure, but I think I am faster on the surface when all out, but maybe longer underwaters would delay upper body fatigue?
Also I breathe on every stroke right from the start even though I don't have to. I am thinking it may help in finishing the race by improving the aerobic component and delaying or reducing lactic acid buildup. Does this help, or should I breathe every other stroke until my body says to do it every stroke?
Alot of questions, but racing is new to me. Thanks for the advice!!!
Parents
Former Member
The very best 100 freestylers in the world go all out right from the start. I think this is generally a good strategy (even though I have trouble following it myself). You're not going to chase down anyone in a 100 free. You've got to take it from the get go.
These things are all relative. I have seen plenty of swimmers lose steam in a 100 Free race because they took it out a bit too hard. Your theory is certainly true for the best of the best, but for those who are in this for fun there needs to be some strategy involved if you plan on swimming a balanced race.
The very best 100 freestylers in the world go all out right from the start. I think this is generally a good strategy (even though I have trouble following it myself). You're not going to chase down anyone in a 100 free. You've got to take it from the get go.
These things are all relative. I have seen plenty of swimmers lose steam in a 100 Free race because they took it out a bit too hard. Your theory is certainly true for the best of the best, but for those who are in this for fun there needs to be some strategy involved if you plan on swimming a balanced race.
