Just returned from the DAM scm meet in Dallas. The format was slightly different this year, with all events on one day, but the pool conditions were the same. Tapered and shaved and wore Aquablade jammers instead of a full body B70. My training had been solid, and I'd had no recent illnesses.
What I found was a 2 second difference per 100 in the 400. Granted this was the last event (at 11:30 am), and I had already swum the 1500 four hours earlier (which was by the way slower than my 1650 in February also wearing a B70). I plan to retaper for zones in two weeks and swim another 400 (first event of the day). Perhaps I will be able to shave a bit of time off (no pun intended).
Train harder? Train smarter? No--I believe the difference in suits is very real.
Interesting quote by Grant Hackett regarding Sun Yang nearly taking down his 1500 LC record (Sun is coached by Denis Cotterell, who also coached Hackett):
I would have been a little bit upset to see the record go under the fast suits," Hackett told the AP. "But to see it done naturally, and I'm sure it will go, is much more rewarding for me as well.
www.usatoday.com/.../2010-11-19-82576814_x.htm
I guess Hackett's a purist :)
Interesting quote by Grant Hackett regarding Sun Yang nearly taking down his 1500 LC record (Sun is coached by Denis Cotterell, who also coached Hackett):
I would have been a little bit upset to see the record go under the fast suits," Hackett told the AP. "But to see it done naturally, and I'm sure it will go, is much more rewarding for me as well.
www.usatoday.com/.../2010-11-19-82576814_x.htm
I guess Hackett's a purist :)
