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
Well, I'm back and alive...but definitely toast. The race ate my lunch!
I was hoping for a 2:20 as a goal.
I went out smooth and thought I was pacing well, but went a 30.72 which was probably too fast. I felt ok.
My 2nd 50, I tried to maintain and stay smooth, but I had one poor turn and I think I tightened up in my muscles and struggled to keep my stroke long. I felt ok but was surprised to find I went a 36.85.
Then on my 3rd 50, I tightened up even more - I could feel the piano falling on me and I started dying, and YES as everyone suggested it would, it HURT! I dropped to a 41.12 :drown:
My last 50 was just more of the same agony. Just trying to survive - 41.84
My total was a 2:30. Disappointing to say the least.
I don't understand dying so quickly, I thought I was in acceptable shape. I kept thinking, "if I can just get past this wall, I'll be fine and can turn up the power" but I never got past the wall. What are the physiological reasons for this?
It was suggested I need to totally focus on long, stretched out strokes and swimming "easy" speed; this seems to fit my experience as I was fighting to hold on. It might have given me more even splits, with a slower speed up front and then relatively faster in the back half. What do you all think?
all analysis and feedback are welcome!
Note: although disappointed I am not discouraged; I am more determined actually to figure this race out and am looking at a November meet to try again.
Well, I'm back and alive...but definitely toast. The race ate my lunch!
I was hoping for a 2:20 as a goal.
I went out smooth and thought I was pacing well, but went a 30.72 which was probably too fast. I felt ok.
My 2nd 50, I tried to maintain and stay smooth, but I had one poor turn and I think I tightened up in my muscles and struggled to keep my stroke long. I felt ok but was surprised to find I went a 36.85.
Then on my 3rd 50, I tightened up even more - I could feel the piano falling on me and I started dying, and YES as everyone suggested it would, it HURT! I dropped to a 41.12 :drown:
My last 50 was just more of the same agony. Just trying to survive - 41.84
My total was a 2:30. Disappointing to say the least.
I don't understand dying so quickly, I thought I was in acceptable shape. I kept thinking, "if I can just get past this wall, I'll be fine and can turn up the power" but I never got past the wall. What are the physiological reasons for this?
It was suggested I need to totally focus on long, stretched out strokes and swimming "easy" speed; this seems to fit my experience as I was fighting to hold on. It might have given me more even splits, with a slower speed up front and then relatively faster in the back half. What do you all think?
all analysis and feedback are welcome!
Note: although disappointed I am not discouraged; I am more determined actually to figure this race out and am looking at a November meet to try again.
