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
Thanks for all the thoughts! Wow! There are just so many possibilities here!
I think I've done and/ or at least thought all of these things at some point depending on the situation as Osterber mentioned.
To clarify a few things:
Often, the coaches dictate to us if we are to leave 5 or 10 seconds. Sometimes, due to high lane volume (even LCM) we are told to leave 5 back even on things for time. Typically, the very strong boys (and some girls) lead the lane.
I think in the future, if space is available I will leave 10 back. I can absolutely feel draft with 5 seconds back (whether I am leading - drag- or following - free ride). HOWEVER, I feel for the kids in the back of the lane (let's say 10 to 12 of us are in a lane LCM). Being someone that has had to go last in the past, it's very stressful having even a few people leave 10 back b/c you are almost caught by the first person before you even begin! Think about 100 pace on 1:15 and do the math.
Sometimes I'll ask the person in front of me if they want me to leave 5 or 10 back. I've had "I don't care. Whatever you want to do." And often I will be told that "we are leaving 10 back." :angel: So it's useful to clarify things up front. I did not do this with the lane leader today as he usually creams me.
This young man (16) is VERY polite with me (and even calls me Miss Kristina) so I really want to do what is considerate. Sounds like some upfront clarification prior to the set beginning is a good place to start. Thanks again!
Thanks for all the thoughts! Wow! There are just so many possibilities here!
I think I've done and/ or at least thought all of these things at some point depending on the situation as Osterber mentioned.
To clarify a few things:
Often, the coaches dictate to us if we are to leave 5 or 10 seconds. Sometimes, due to high lane volume (even LCM) we are told to leave 5 back even on things for time. Typically, the very strong boys (and some girls) lead the lane.
I think in the future, if space is available I will leave 10 back. I can absolutely feel draft with 5 seconds back (whether I am leading - drag- or following - free ride). HOWEVER, I feel for the kids in the back of the lane (let's say 10 to 12 of us are in a lane LCM). Being someone that has had to go last in the past, it's very stressful having even a few people leave 10 back b/c you are almost caught by the first person before you even begin! Think about 100 pace on 1:15 and do the math.
Sometimes I'll ask the person in front of me if they want me to leave 5 or 10 back. I've had "I don't care. Whatever you want to do." And often I will be told that "we are leaving 10 back." :angel: So it's useful to clarify things up front. I did not do this with the lane leader today as he usually creams me.
This young man (16) is VERY polite with me (and even calls me Miss Kristina) so I really want to do what is considerate. Sounds like some upfront clarification prior to the set beginning is a good place to start. Thanks again!
