The thread on how long a meet lasts/seed times got me thinking. Do forumites like a fiercely competitive race or heat or do we swim our own races largely ignoring those in other lanes (especially since seed times may not be accurate)?
For myself, I enjoy a good race or a grudge match, particularly against someone I know. :lolup: But I can also swim my own race, ignore others and focus on my own times. At SCY zones last May, I was so intent on my 50 free, I didn't even notice that the adjacent lane was empty until I watched the race on video with Mr. Fort. I was perfectly oblivious. At my last meet, in my 50 fly grudge race against Muppet, some guy in my heat beat me by .2, but I couldn't have cared less. I was happy with my time.
Former Member
I generally try to swim my own race but I have used the balance of the field to inspire/encourage me after a bad start in a 50 Free. Went from last to first in the second 25 so watching your competitors can be an advantage.
Of course, there are exceptions. Case in point, my 200 Free at the LCM champs this year. My first 200 in any course I should point out..my pacing ability is limited in other words. I had intended to swim my own race but upon diving in the man next to me pulled ahead quite strongly and I made a rather subconscious decision to chase him down (mistake #1). My mistake was not realized until the 50M turn and by then I figured I might as well just try to hang on and see what I can pull off (mistake #2). I was whipped by the 150M mark and my splits were horrible. Blinders would have proved useful in that race I am sure.
Race your competition but be smart about it would be my advice.
I'll swim the 1650 at our Pacific Champs as a 7th event... this was one of the most fun races I've ever had. I swam right next to Charlene O'Brien and we were right next to each other the whole way. It was a blast! She took off the last 50 and beat me by 2 seconds, but to this day we talk about how much fun that was.
I scout out the comp to see where their strenghts lie. For example, in a 200 or 400 IM I like to know who the flyers are, so when I'm getting smoked, I can tell myself, "yea, go ahead, ya flyer! I'll see you after the backstroke!!" LOL. If I am in a close race though I'll push harder...
I prefer to swim my own races, esp. at Nationals because the entry times are not always accurate- more sandbagging than I would like by some... nothing I can do about it though. In the end I have my own goal times and let the medals fall where they may :wine:
