What's the right thing to do in this situation?
In general, in the National level group, drafting is a no-no. I really like training with them b/c drafting of any kind is pretty minimal. Either we all go 10 seconds back or if we are going 5 and you catch the person in front of you, you either pass them or they let you go in front of them at the next stop.
However, what do you do in this practice situation?
You are swimming 2nd in the lane. Boy in front of you starts missing the intervals during the last 25% of the set. He's done a great job of leading the lane until this point. You catch up to him as your entire lane is now missing the intervals (although the rest of the lane was missing the intervals on their own doing anyway).
However, you are not sure you can/ should pass him. Should I have tried to pass even though we were at the tail end of the set (and passing would be a heck of a chore as we were all pretty dead)? Stayed on his feet as the set is almost over? Waited another 5 seconds but then having other people on my feet? No one else was really on my feet as we had sort of put some distance between us and the rest of the lane. I sort of feel if the lane leader misses the send offs that it's more of a touch and go/ anything goes/ fend for yourself scenario.
Thanks!
Parents
Former Member
Given that situation, with the two of you out in front of the rest of the lane, if you can make the interval, you should take the lead. This will give the current leader a small break, and a small draft, and he might be able to pull off the rest of the set.
If you can't make the interval, and you are dying as badly as he is, passing will only cause you to crash. If you pass then crash and get run over, there was no benefit and a lot of harm.
If you can't muster the extra energy to pass, and you are not where near his feet, then stick with your new interval.
You are a girl, and he is a boy, so lane etiquette favors whatever you decide to do, as long as you are not a total ***** about it.
Given that situation, with the two of you out in front of the rest of the lane, if you can make the interval, you should take the lead. This will give the current leader a small break, and a small draft, and he might be able to pull off the rest of the set.
If you can't make the interval, and you are dying as badly as he is, passing will only cause you to crash. If you pass then crash and get run over, there was no benefit and a lot of harm.
If you can't muster the extra energy to pass, and you are not where near his feet, then stick with your new interval.
You are a girl, and he is a boy, so lane etiquette favors whatever you decide to do, as long as you are not a total ***** about it.
