Tricks of the Trade

Jonathan, I wasn't going to reply to your post, where you inquired about what records Fortress had, which read as petty and unnecessary, but this comment shows that there is a level of maturity lacking here. Fortress posted a simple fact to which you again decided to post a petty comment to. I mean, really. "With over 3500+ posts you must be a very good swimmer. I'm obviously not in the same league, with only 160+ posts." What's next? My dad can beat your dad? Where in Fortress' comment did she attack your post count or you at all? Lighten up. I know you are an accomplished competitive swimmer and have set Canadian Masters records, but in all honesty, so what? Does that make you somehow a better or worse person than someone else? No, it just makes you a faster swimmer than others. So lighten up, life's too short for stuff like this. I would suggest that you re-read this post: "You win? cool.. Do you have USMS records? Don't get me wrong, the actual race, moments before the whistle, certainly being hyped is useful... Just not weeks before... " And before you think that I'm the only one, check out the comments that that post generated. You may have meant to say something different but if you did, it missed the mark.

With over 3500+ posts you must be a very good swimmer. I'm obviously not in the same league, with only 160+ posts. Happy swimming, Post counts have no relation whatsoever to swimming ability. Thanks Paul. I'm trying not to take anything personally anymore so I don't scare Geek away from the forum again. Race prep is completely individual, dependent on your personality and chosen events. As a sprinter, I opt for aggression over relaxation. I like Kristina's last tip too. I often clap my hands or slap my thighs before a race. Get all muscles firing if possible.

Preparation/warmup is indeed personalized. What's more, many of us have been racing for quite some time and will have settled on a routine and approach that works for us. It is still fun to read what others do. Fortress posting about "getting hyped" brought to mind a difficulty I sometimes have: getting enough sleep at meets. Paradoxically, the problem is worse when I am swimming well: I get excited about upcoming races when I should be sleeping! I'll read a book or listen to music to calm down but it can be difficult. And, of course, it never fails that I start getting sleepy just when it is time to leave for warmups. Any tips? I suppose reading old forum threads might induce sleepiness... :)

I'm also in the camp where I'll stay in the warm-up pool as long as possible before my actual events. It was a tip someone gave me before my first triathlon ages ago, I was still warming up and had maybe 30 sec before we started (it was an in-pool start, so no biggie). This works especially well for a longer event. Is there a coorelation between post count and records? Maybe that's why I have no records....

Post counts have no relation whatsoever to swimming ability. You speak for yourself! My 1st place at Zones and State Champhood say differently! :lmao: Some folks need to get up to perform at their best others need to mellow and chill...regardless what the challenge is. Breathing: It's important to breathe when you swim.

Breathing: It's important to breathe when you swim. And when you're not swimming.

I have one that may fall in this category.... Okay. This is old school and possibly totally wrong now, but I like to do this. ....... before the start I briskly wipe the top of my starting block with both hands to get rid of splash water on it. It is supposed to sensitize the hands for better feel of the water and sharpen you up a bit. It's probably more of a nervous habit/ritual at this point. Ian.

What exactly are you implying here? Fort doesn't know what she's doing because she doesn't beat everyone? Haven't lost any forum grudge races yet. :lmao: I visualize my races, but absolutely not on race day. Backstroke starts: Commit, you should be looking at the other end of the pool, point your toes, maximize SDKs.

Preparation/warmup is indeed personalized. What's more, many of us have been racing for quite some time and will have settled on a routine and approach that works for us. It is still fun to read what others do. Fortress posting about "getting hyped" brought to mind a difficulty I sometimes have: getting enough sleep at meets. Paradoxically, the problem is worse when I am swimming well: I get excited about upcoming races when I should be sleeping! I'll read a book or listen to music to calm down but it can be difficult. And, of course, it never fails that I start getting sleepy just when it is time to leave for warmups. Any tips? I suppose reading old forum threads might induce sleepiness... :) I can't sleep at all at meets. I usually get around 4 hours per night. Too hyper, too over caffeinated, too excited. I try to log a lot of sleep the couple weeks prior, although that likewise is challenging because I'm a horrific sleeper. My only advice is come home relatively early from partying or dining with your swim buddies and soak in a hot tub. Plus, I am now convinced that I can swim fast on little sleep, so that keeps me from worrying unduly. Jonathan's posting is very paltry because he missed all the forum wars. :thhbbb:

Lighten up. Thanks Paul, You're right, it's very easy to take something out of context. The message was something about Fortress not losing any forum grudge races... So 3500+ posts + many grudge races = good swimmer. Also, my previous question was actually genuine.