... if you are not going to beat anybody?
I pretty much want to go. I am close to NQTs in a few events (I know I can swim some events even if I don't make time). But looking at past results, swimming the QT typically puts you in the lower 1/4. Looking at the schedule, I'd end up swimming the slow heats of one event, 2 if I make time, a day.
Is the overall experience worth the cost of the trip?
(I did lurk in all last year's Nationals threads, but I'd like to hear it all again. :) )
Why go to Nationals ... if you are not going to beat anybody?
I pretty much want to go ...
There, you have answered your own question!
I went to SCY Nationals in Atlanta last year, even though I wasn't going to beat anybody, just for the whole hoopla of it all. And I had a great time, including some unexpected surprises: I won my back-in-the-pack heat in the 100 back and scored a couple of prize shammys, now my most cherished awards!, and I got to see Rich Abrahams' perfect swims and Charlotte Davis' perfect meet and have my concepts of what it means to grow older -- changed forever! Plus lots of other perks ...
That said, seeing as you are in Florida, why not consider Y nationals Apr. 14-17 in Ft. Lauderdale (even though it may be heresy to mention it on this board), and/or USMS LCM nats Aug. 3-6 in Auburn? Either or both would save a roundtrip air fare. USMS SCY nats are in Greensboro, NC in 2012, which may also be within driving distance for you.
Why go to Nationals ... if you are not going to beat anybody?
I pretty much want to go ...
There, you have answered your own question!
I went to SCY Nationals in Atlanta last year, even though I wasn't going to beat anybody, just for the whole hoopla of it all. And I had a great time, including some unexpected surprises: I won my back-in-the-pack heat in the 100 back and scored a couple of prize shammys, now my most cherished awards!, and I got to see Rich Abrahams' perfect swims and Charlotte Davis' perfect meet and have my concepts of what it means to grow older -- changed forever! Plus lots of other perks ...
That said, seeing as you are in Florida, why not consider Y nationals Apr. 14-17 in Ft. Lauderdale (even though it may be heresy to mention it on this board), and/or USMS LCM nats Aug. 3-6 in Auburn? Either or both would save a roundtrip air fare. USMS SCY nats are in Greensboro, NC in 2012, which may also be within driving distance for you.
