... 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. :) )
To me, swimming is an individual sport first and foremost. Some of the races against other swimmers are great, and when you have enough teammates to do relays and/or compete for a team banner, that makes it more fun. But in the end, it is just you against the clock.
I've never come to Nationals with my goal to beat someone (other than desire to be faster than my fiancee's 200 backstroke) or to finish in a certain position, though that National Champion title would be nice. To me, Nationals has always been about a time on the clock.
So Jimbo, and any other wafflers, my advice to you is that if you want to set a goal for yourself, why not make it Nationals? Train for it, taper for it, shave, maybe buy a nice suit... and who knows, you may surprise yourself!
To me, swimming is an individual sport first and foremost. Some of the races against other swimmers are great, and when you have enough teammates to do relays and/or compete for a team banner, that makes it more fun. But in the end, it is just you against the clock.
I've never come to Nationals with my goal to beat someone (other than desire to be faster than my fiancee's 200 backstroke) or to finish in a certain position, though that National Champion title would be nice. To me, Nationals has always been about a time on the clock.
So Jimbo, and any other wafflers, my advice to you is that if you want to set a goal for yourself, why not make it Nationals? Train for it, taper for it, shave, maybe buy a nice suit... and who knows, you may surprise yourself!
