I think we can all be certain that the suits are here to stay -- love them, hate them, it does not really matter -- Speedo, TYR and the others will not allow the suits to all over sudden disappear.
But, we as Masters swimmers have to make a decision about our own reasoning to compete -- why do we compete in swim meets ?
There are many reasons - social, participating in a sport beats the hell out of watching one on TV and so on --- but for me, 2 of the main reasons are the competition aspects. We obviously compete against other swimmers --- but more than maybe many other sports, we compete against ourselves. I can tell you my best 100 Free from every season over the last 30 years (10 of which I did not compete).
I have used most of the suits and did very well -- I set some personal bests and also achieved some record swims, but I have no idea how my times really compare to other seasons. I can keep telling myself that all that speedwork and lifting paid off - but I just don't know.
I like to give a golf comparison -- let's say you have a home course and you always shoot in the low 90s going from the Blue Tees --- well guess what, if you are going from the white tees you will probably average high 80s and going from the red you may get down to the mid to low 80s. But you are not a better player because of it. The LZR seems to be the "white tees" and the new Jaked suit may be the "red tees".
I think we really have to make a decision now to what matters more -- your personal records and history of swimming or the competition against other swimmers ? For me, this may change from meet to meet - but I must be able to stay honest with myself and be able to compare my times -- I do not want to be cheating myself.
Old generations suits (Fastskin Pro) only for: all major Masters meets (individual swims) except for Worlds. That means, I am ok to lose a few places in a meet, in order to know what my time really means. I could just go really old school -- but I think the older generation suits are pretty equal to shaving -- and they allow you to be "shaved" and swim fast in season, which is a huge plus.
LZR / Blue70 for: relays, Worlds and maybe some USS meets, if I am going for a time standard. I want to give any relay my fastest time possible - I swimming Worlds to win the title, so if others use the suits, I will have to do the same - if I go to USS meets, I may use them to get into the finals or to make a time standard for a big meet.
It may take some adjustments - but I think it will work --
Who is with me ?
Former Member
It said Liscinsky on his cap. :) I would have lost to either methinks.
If that's ALL you lost to Mark by in the race... that's impressive.
Chris, this is what I have found, too. My number is 10 kicks for the 15m. I actually do that off each wall. I have tried doing 11 off the turns, but was told that I crossed the line when I did that.
Anyway, I have not witnessed this number changing when I change suits. I should try the 25 test.
No question you do now, but my point is maybe you shouldn't have to.
No, but I could swim a 1650 w/o goggles. If would most likely be slower, but I could do it. You could also run a track race without shoes (see Zola Budd). There's no way you can compete in a bike race without a bike.
All what you say is certainly correct, but I don't think it matters whether the sport absolutely requires equipment or not. The fact is that swimming at the highest level requires dependence on equipment. It has been that way for a long time whether through the wearing of goggles, swim caps, low drag suits, etc. You are admitting that you would go slower without a piece of equipment. So, I think comparing swimming to any sport where equipment enhances performance is valid.
Sure you can run a race without shoes, but I know my race would not be as good. My shoes are motion control shoes which keep my feet from rolling inward. Without my shoes, and my orthotics, I should add, I would not run as fast because I would lose time and power with my feet rolling in so badly. My shoes and my orthotics enhance my performance.
There are so many ways runners could point out how their shoes enhance their performance, but you don't hear them getting into it the way we have about the suits. It would be nice to think that we shouldn't have to rely on equipment, but I don't see people racing in the nude without goggles anytime soon.
I don't think you have heard these statements made by anyone with credibility. Actually I think you are justifying your own misgivings on the suit by focusing on a stance that only exists at the extreme edge. I am sure it makes things easier when you assume that the people who object to the suit are as ill-infomred as Dolphin.
Oh an for the record Ehoch was making a statement that he was certain several people supported and thus "we" was 100% the correct pronoun.
Hmmmm....to side with Fort, I spoke to a person that used the B70 in the 1000. Does the fact that he went 9:04 add any cred. to his comments? I think so...
He said that during the first 500, he thought he was wearing a pull buoy, as he body didn't have to kick much, he arms weren't taxed at all(btw...he was out in 4:30) He did say he felt like he was crusing during the first half of the race.
No, but I could swim a 1650 w/o goggles. If would most likely be slower, but I could do it.
Well, I couldn't. Some of us are half blind, and utterly dependent on our contacts. So goggles are mandatory/essential equipment for me.
Personally, I've never given a toss whether I'm faster than I was as an age grouper or worried much about lifetime bests. I just focus on masters times.
I have swum in briefs, then the aquablades, fastskins, and so forth. I love the new suits. If I go to a meet, I don't really worry if I post a "fast time or not" I go to have fun, race hard and let the chips fall.
While some "purist" would say I should wear briefs then if I am not worried about my times, I still give the best effort possible in each race. I will use the suit that I am most COMFORTABLE wearing. Being comfortable with a suit is a big key in helping one put forth their best effort possible. I like the way the neck to ankle suits feel on me, there for I will wear them. I use the Renegade, FS Pro body and an older Arena bodysuit. If the renegade is banned, then I will continue to use the other 2. If somehow they are banned, then legskins or jammers. But until that time, I will use the suits that I am most comfortable racing in.
Suit choice is not an entirely personal thing. My wife would pitch a fit if I spent more than $100 on a swim suit.
I'm going to call my husband now to thank him for not being like that with me.
I'm going to call my husband now to thank him for not being like that with me.
No kids makes it a lot easier financially, it's a trade off. They bleed you dry, and you get to feel like wringing their necks frequently...while no longer spending lavishly on yourself!:anim_coffee:
No kids makes it a lot easier financially, it's a trade off. They bleed you dry, and you get to feel like wringing their necks frequently...while no longer spending lavishly on yourself!:anim_coffee:
Well dang Stud, you pitch a good story! Sign me up for that! :lolup:
As for blasting, it's an interesting choice of word considering that's what you frequently do
Absolutely and I wouldn't claim other wise. I think you are smart women who likes a good argument. I hope you think the same of me (sic!).
As for what Kristina said, well, we're both above that.
