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.
So glad I wasn't competing during the "speed suit" era - saved me some cash, and now some tears! I still can't forget my old high school times, but luckily, as I age, their veracity seems more and more unlikely!!
How do you ladies even consider wearing knee skins? They are so ugly! I'm not sure I'm fast enough for an expensive "tech suit" to make any difference anyways!! I'm nervous as heck about entering my first masters meet in over 10 years! Yikes - can I dive in with a towel around me? and over my head?
I've shed nary a tear about my new personal worsts. Moved on. That's why there's no need for any purist gloating (not saying you're doing it!). As Geek noted above, we are merely trying to get a handle on the time differential under the new scanty suit regime.
I absolutely hate kneeskins. Hate them. But I will wear them because they are faster.
The first meet is always nerve wracking, but you'll be happy once it's over. Just wear a warm up suit up to the block until you're about to swim. No harm in that and it will keep your warm.
So glad I wasn't competing during the "speed suit" era - saved me some cash, and now some tears! I still can't forget my old high school times, but luckily, as I age, their veracity seems more and more unlikely!!
How do you ladies even consider wearing knee skins? They are so ugly! I'm not sure I'm fast enough for an expensive "tech suit" to make any difference anyways!! I'm nervous as heck about entering my first masters meet in over 10 years! Yikes - can I dive in with a towel around me? and over my head?
I've shed nary a tear about my new personal worsts. Moved on. That's why there's no need for any purist gloating (not saying you're doing it!). As Geek noted above, we are merely trying to get a handle on the time differential under the new scanty suit regime.
I absolutely hate kneeskins. Hate them. But I will wear them because they are faster.
The first meet is always nerve wracking, but you'll be happy once it's over. Just wear a warm up suit up to the block until you're about to swim. No harm in that and it will keep your warm.
