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
When I am swimming a 200 strategically, this is what I am thinking.
1st 50: easy stroke, don't kick at all
2nd 50: pick up the pace a little on the stroke, nice easy kick
3rd 50: strong stoke, build to strong kick
7th 25: build to sprint stroke, strong kick
8th 25: all out kick and stroke
Now my mind thinks I am neg splitting, but my body is even splitting the last 3 50s and my first 50 is a couple seconds faster then the other 50s.
I wish there wasn't such a disconnect between what I think I am doing and what I am actually doing, but that is my thought process to split my 200 well.
This is probably why everyone thinks the 200 is so hard. You actually have enough time to think about your race, but not ponder it. And what you think you are doing and how that translates into splits probably varies for everyone.
My suggestion for figuring out your mental game plan. Start doing fast 200s regularly in practice. Swim your 200 at a pace you know you can make, then turn it on full blast the last 25. Next time add another 25 that is fast before your full blast. What does it feel like to swim that 25 and still be able to go full blast on the final 25. This will help you figure out mentally what you need to do for the last 150.
As for the first 50, only real racing will help you. I am so hyped up on adrenaline, rested and ready to race, that if I think I am going out faster than warm up speed, then I am really going out way to fast.
When I am swimming a 200 strategically, this is what I am thinking.
1st 50: easy stroke, don't kick at all
2nd 50: pick up the pace a little on the stroke, nice easy kick
3rd 50: strong stoke, build to strong kick
7th 25: build to sprint stroke, strong kick
8th 25: all out kick and stroke
Now my mind thinks I am neg splitting, but my body is even splitting the last 3 50s and my first 50 is a couple seconds faster then the other 50s.
I wish there wasn't such a disconnect between what I think I am doing and what I am actually doing, but that is my thought process to split my 200 well.
This is probably why everyone thinks the 200 is so hard. You actually have enough time to think about your race, but not ponder it. And what you think you are doing and how that translates into splits probably varies for everyone.
My suggestion for figuring out your mental game plan. Start doing fast 200s regularly in practice. Swim your 200 at a pace you know you can make, then turn it on full blast the last 25. Next time add another 25 that is fast before your full blast. What does it feel like to swim that 25 and still be able to go full blast on the final 25. This will help you figure out mentally what you need to do for the last 150.
As for the first 50, only real racing will help you. I am so hyped up on adrenaline, rested and ready to race, that if I think I am going out faster than warm up speed, then I am really going out way to fast.
