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
You can read 1000 opinions of how to swim this race but the bottom line is that the 200 is a fickle distance and you will have to learn how to swim it on your own. The most relevant advice is to ignore the people in the lanes next to you.
No matter what type of swimmer you are one thing I would tell you is to learn how to swim fast without expending much energy. Sounds impossible but hear me out. There is a certain level of effort in all but the most distance-oriented swimmers where they can achieve roughly 95% of their top speed with only about 80% effort. This is where you want to be on the first 100. It takes a while to figure out what that point is for you, but you'll find it eventually. For me it is characterized by a long and smooth stroke and allowing speed to feel like it is coming from your core, not your extremities.
The 3rd 50 is mentally the toughest. Pain comes on steadily throughout, so ignore it and try to maintain that fast cruising feeling.
The last 50 you hang on, and concentrate on not getting short and sloppy.
You can read 1000 opinions of how to swim this race but the bottom line is that the 200 is a fickle distance and you will have to learn how to swim it on your own. The most relevant advice is to ignore the people in the lanes next to you.
No matter what type of swimmer you are one thing I would tell you is to learn how to swim fast without expending much energy. Sounds impossible but hear me out. There is a certain level of effort in all but the most distance-oriented swimmers where they can achieve roughly 95% of their top speed with only about 80% effort. This is where you want to be on the first 100. It takes a while to figure out what that point is for you, but you'll find it eventually. For me it is characterized by a long and smooth stroke and allowing speed to feel like it is coming from your core, not your extremities.
The 3rd 50 is mentally the toughest. Pain comes on steadily throughout, so ignore it and try to maintain that fast cruising feeling.
The last 50 you hang on, and concentrate on not getting short and sloppy.
