I couldn't find this question answered on the USMS site, so here goes....
What's the mix of courses in USMS competition?
I take it that Nationals are always LCM?
Below that, are there general trends I should expect to see, e.g. mostly SCM with some SCY but few LCM?
The reason I ask is that I want to know how best to train, especially if/when to spring for a membership where I can use a SCM pool (my gym is SCY), altho I'll probably do that anyway at some point b/c the gym pool has no blocks. :(
I'm also curious about others' experience with training SC and competing LC. There are some LC pools in the "big city" nearby, and perhaps I could do some training there as I get closer to having to compete LC (which hopefully I'll do eventually).
A rather open-ended post, I know, but any information is helpful.
Do y'all find that your performance is affected one way or the other by the move from SC to LC? I would think it could be a shock to train w/ a turn every 25m and then have it removed. Time should slow down, no, without the rest and push that a turn provides? Or is that compensated for by not having the zero-momentum time at the wall?
swimming long course allows you to get in a groove and keep it going w/o having to turn. the best LC swimmers seem to have pretty good fitness levels, good kick and a strong, efficient stroke. as you become more efficient, the time difference between SCM and LCM really shouldn't be that much (my 200 free SCM is only .15 faster than LCM).
The key is good turns. In LC, since there are significantly fewer turns, it is even more important to make sure you come into the wall fast, tumble quickly and push off strong, tight and long. A good turn will maintain your momentum, carrying it over from one length to the next.
to answer the question, i think my performance is affected in the positive because of LC training. I feel much more in shape, much more efficient and my turns are near flawless towards the end of summer. it's a great way to feel heading into the fall engine-building season.
Do y'all find that your performance is affected one way or the other by the move from SC to LC? I would think it could be a shock to train w/ a turn every 25m and then have it removed. Time should slow down, no, without the rest and push that a turn provides? Or is that compensated for by not having the zero-momentum time at the wall?
swimming long course allows you to get in a groove and keep it going w/o having to turn. the best LC swimmers seem to have pretty good fitness levels, good kick and a strong, efficient stroke. as you become more efficient, the time difference between SCM and LCM really shouldn't be that much (my 200 free SCM is only .15 faster than LCM).
The key is good turns. In LC, since there are significantly fewer turns, it is even more important to make sure you come into the wall fast, tumble quickly and push off strong, tight and long. A good turn will maintain your momentum, carrying it over from one length to the next.
to answer the question, i think my performance is affected in the positive because of LC training. I feel much more in shape, much more efficient and my turns are near flawless towards the end of summer. it's a great way to feel heading into the fall engine-building season.
