We talk a lot about how the person you are racing is yourself and that is the most important measure and that you can only control what you do,not what the competition does.At the same time we have medals and AAs and records and TT etc.So which is more important to you? I was musing on this for myself after the SPMA meet.I went my best time in the 100M BR in 5 yr,but was beaten by Jim Clemmons.In the 50 BR I won,but was .3 sec slower than last yr.That got me wondering about goals.So,where do you stand?
I share the same and at the same time reverse opinion as Chris...both are important but for me racing (not necessarily winning/placing)is far more important than times.
Last summer in Portland was a good example, most of the heavy hitters in my age group didn't attend and although I won my events...as bad as it sounds i was bored. Even my 100 fly at 57.6 the fastest I've swam in masters wasn't the same for me as having a great race and winning...or even losing. Case in point was Austin in the 50 free...having John on the blocks next to raises the bar...I blew the start he won and I enjoyed that far more than winning the 200 free and not having a "race".
I share the same and at the same time reverse opinion as Chris...both are important but for me racing (not necessarily winning/placing)is far more important than times.
Last summer in Portland was a good example, most of the heavy hitters in my age group didn't attend and although I won my events...as bad as it sounds i was bored. Even my 100 fly at 57.6 the fastest I've swam in masters wasn't the same for me as having a great race and winning...or even losing. Case in point was Austin in the 50 free...having John on the blocks next to raises the bar...I blew the start he won and I enjoyed that far more than winning the 200 free and not having a "race".
