I've never raced a 200, or even a 100 FR; my 50 FR SCY is 26.8.
I'm in a USA meet Sept 20th - expecting to get trounced by kids half my age, but still I want to put in a good showing.
How should I race? What should my 50 pace be? How do I not die on the last 50? etc...
I'm 44, male, swimming masters only 2 years, still learning lots, and open to all feedback - thanks!
Parents
Former Member
The 200 is very much a race of individual strategy and you need to get a feel if you like to swim out front of the pack in clear water or come from behind. It tends to be a cross over race between two types of swimmers. They can meet at the finish line with very different mentalities and backgrounds. Sprinters attempt this race with more "easy speed" the first 100 and hang on the last 50. This can be seen in historical victories such as Andy Coan (Univ. of Tenn) 1979 beating Rowdy Gaines at the NCAAs from an outside lane at Cleveland State. Other swimmers are more middle distance oriented and back half their rivals the last 75 with a stronger kick. Take Mike Heath or Geoff Gaberino for example at the 1984 NCAAs from the Univ. of Florida or Bruce Hayes anchoring the 1984 800m free relay against Michael Gross of W. Germany. Rowdy's breakthrough 1:33 had a bit of both talents..... easy speed and aerobic backhalfing.
Know what you are good at first.
Swim your own race.
The 200 is very much a race of individual strategy and you need to get a feel if you like to swim out front of the pack in clear water or come from behind. It tends to be a cross over race between two types of swimmers. They can meet at the finish line with very different mentalities and backgrounds. Sprinters attempt this race with more "easy speed" the first 100 and hang on the last 50. This can be seen in historical victories such as Andy Coan (Univ. of Tenn) 1979 beating Rowdy Gaines at the NCAAs from an outside lane at Cleveland State. Other swimmers are more middle distance oriented and back half their rivals the last 75 with a stronger kick. Take Mike Heath or Geoff Gaberino for example at the 1984 NCAAs from the Univ. of Florida or Bruce Hayes anchoring the 1984 800m free relay against Michael Gross of W. Germany. Rowdy's breakthrough 1:33 had a bit of both talents..... easy speed and aerobic backhalfing.
Know what you are good at first.
Swim your own race.
