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
Lightning,
3rd 50: This is where I generally try to kick into thinking as if I'm trying to negative split the race. (I won't actually, but want my body to think that's the goal). My goal is to build throughout the last 100. In the 3rd 50, I focus on increasing my stroke rate. I don't think about shortening my stroke length, but it happens naturally and my stroke count for a length generally goes up by 2 strokes. Pick up the legs, but still not blasting them.
4th 50: "let her rip" -- blast legs, increase stroke rate, don't breathe into the finish.
This is great advice. You should have enough energy left to, at least, "feel" like you are negative splitting even if you aren't actually. That is why it is so important that the first 100 is smooth but fast. If your stroke has already started to break down at the end of the first 100 then you are going to be in trouble.
Hope it goes well.
Lightning,
3rd 50: This is where I generally try to kick into thinking as if I'm trying to negative split the race. (I won't actually, but want my body to think that's the goal). My goal is to build throughout the last 100. In the 3rd 50, I focus on increasing my stroke rate. I don't think about shortening my stroke length, but it happens naturally and my stroke count for a length generally goes up by 2 strokes. Pick up the legs, but still not blasting them.
4th 50: "let her rip" -- blast legs, increase stroke rate, don't breathe into the finish.
This is great advice. You should have enough energy left to, at least, "feel" like you are negative splitting even if you aren't actually. That is why it is so important that the first 100 is smooth but fast. If your stroke has already started to break down at the end of the first 100 then you are going to be in trouble.
Hope it goes well.
