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Why go to Nationals..?

Jimbosback
... 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.
  • ... 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. :) ) I go to meets where I'm at the bottom and meets where I'm at the top. It's all fun to me and totally worth the cost.
  • Nationals is a fun meet. I had a blast at Indy 2009. Plus, it was at one of the greatest pools in the world. :bow: Elvis Fans have Graceland and some swimmers have the IUPUI pool. I still got to see alot of Indy so that was cool too. I use USMS Nationals as my vacation. When I go away, it either has to be for swimming or for work. There is no "fundage" for the lazy vacation. I can be lazy at home for free.
  • If you swim some less-popular events, then you can't really predict where you will place. 200 back, 200 ***, 200 fly, the distance free events, and to a lesser extent the 400 IM are the least predictable. Particularly the distance free, since you can usually only swim one of them. If you enter the 1000 and all the distance studs in your age group happen to enter the 1650, you could find yourself in possession of a national champion patch.
  • Yes, if: - you like the atmosphere of big meets - you like to see other people swim (fast) - you like the idea of socializing in/outside the pool (informally and formally) No, if: - your only concern is winning, or even finishing high Exactly my thoughts. Always a fun experience. See if you can get on a relay.
  • Why go? Because it's a lot of fun with a bit of swimming involved.
  • If you swim some less-popular events, then you can't really predict where you will place. 200 back, 200 ***, 200 fly, the distance free events, and to a lesser extent the 400 IM are the least predictable. Particularly the distance free, since you can usually only swim one of them. If you enter the 1000 and all the distance studs in your age group happen to enter the 1650, you could find yourself in possession of a national champion patch. Just go to LCM Nationals and do one of those events. There is even a bigger shot of a national championship.
  • I loved the Nationals!!!!! The best part is meeting and socializing with your favorite swimmers from the Forum and Blogs!!!! Winning an event wasn't even on my mind; being a part of a fantastic swimming extravaganza was!!!! :banana:
  • Yes, if: - you like the atmosphere of big meets - you like to see other people swim (fast) - you like the idea of socializing in/outside the pool (informally and formally) And if it's worth traveling a long way and spending a lot of money to do all that! I'd love to go to Nationals some day, but until it's within driving distance of my house, there's no way I'd go. I just couldn't justify the expense to the non-swimming members (read everyone) of my family. I hope to see a New England nationals in my lifetime!
  • 200 Fly, 200 Back, 200 ***, 400 IM, Etc. Just go to LCM Nationals and do one of those events. There is even a bigger shot of a national championship. If only my job didn't require so much out of me during the summer I'd be all over these events with you at a LCM Nationals.