The theory of relative warm-up

You know, the range of plausible warm-up routines that might work for each person is immense! The reality isn't about how you warmed up on race day, it's about how you trained. If your body is prepared and ready to do a race, you'll swim fast. Warming up may help you get into that zone, but if you didn't train properly you won't swim your best. Everyone has a routine they like to do, and that is unique to each person, but there isn't one absolute "right" answer for every racing scenario. The best pre- race plan should stay relative, directly reflecting how you're feeling that day. Focus on the circumstances you're attempting to mitigate during those precious moments before the race, and then you'll have your answer. For example, did your goggles just break, does that $500 swim suit seem smaller, did you just realize someone else might win the race? Deal with it, swim easy, don't stress. Or, do some crazy all-out warm-up, whatever you need to feel at peace with those things you can't change. The training is over, the work has been done, now is the time to let go of the past and put all of your energy into the pool. To swim your best, is to feel the joy of success, that is entirely personal. The final result is directly related to the effort you've put into the preparation, not the warm-up, and yes, relatively speaking, everyone can win.