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.
Former Member
I'll be old and...flabby some day too!
Well then I guess you'll just have to tell me what it feels like.
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 :)
]Someday (or year), when (not if!!!) I get to the level where I am making NQT's in all my breaststroke events and I'm getting to the level of somebody like Alison (Swimshark) with my swimming :bow:, I'll step up to the plate and treat myself to a legal tech suit for Nationals. But, don't plan on seeing me in one in 2011.
Aw, thanks Elaine. Want to know something ironic considering the way this thread has gone, I've never swam in the latest and greatest in the tech suits. My suit is a circa 2000, I believe, knee skin. My times are still dropping in it so I'm sticking with it until it wears out and then I have a back-up of the same suit.
Djacks (and others)
Thanks for trying to bring this thread back on topic!
And as a reminder to others, keep it civil and on topic. If you have a complaint about another poster, please report it to the administrators.
That's what 2502 is for.
Very well. I have already gone faster unshaved without a tech suit in my 100 free SCM. Less than a second, but faster nonetheless. And over 15 seconds faster in the 800. The events seem to be returning to normal in my age group. The people who I have beaten in the past, but could not in the tech suit era, are returning to the times they have always swum, while mine remain pretty stable.
Southern California hosts about 22 meets per year. Although they seem to be down slightly this year, I believe that there was extra participation last year because of the tech suits' multiple abilities to make one faster and slimmer, while also offering maximum coverage at the same time. Modesty and self image should not be discounted in the mix of reasons to participate or not.
But were you previously wearing a B70 or equivalent? Sounds from your post like you weren't.
I agree with the second paragraph.
Aw, thanks Elaine. Want to know something ironic considering the way this thread has gone, I've never swam in the latest and greatest in the tech suits. My suit is a circa 2000, I believe, knee skin. My times are still dropping in it so I'm sticking with it until it wears out and then I have a back-up of the same suit.
You go girl! :cheerleader: And, don't forget to take the advice you gave me, regarding what to do with my worn out suit: Frame it! Considering what you have accomplished in your circa 2000 suit, you deserve to frame it! :applaud:
much as i hate to, i would concur with the wook; geek is pretty OK in person,
this might mean that some of the other forumites are actually human as well... (anyone want to touch this one?)
Are you saying that you and I might actually get along in person too....oh that's scary.
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?
It was! If you are also going to the winter blitz, maybe I'll see you there!
Carolyn,
I'll probably be there. Hope to see you! I like yards meets because the times are better!!!!
My tech suit is an original FS and even that is way faster for me than a brief. I borrowed a rubber suit once and dropped another .5 seconds off my 100 free over the FS.
Bottom line, your birthday suit is the new "tech" suit and you gotta get ripped so you don't ripple.
