... 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. :) )
Thanks, and I know you are all right. I will like it. I guess it's coming down to cost. I might go to Auburn, and I also hope to go to NC. By 2012, I think I might actually be fast. :banana:
I know there's a lot more to swimming than winning/finishing high. I'd love for a trip to nationals to become an annual thing for me. It would be great to meet some forum members, especially those of you who have helped me so much while I got back into this.
WELL - this year I age up :cane:& the NQT are a bit slower for me. This quirk of fate allows me to MAYBE do a swim near a medal this year !! If not it is a great place to visit & remember how fast I used to be !
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
For me it was worthwhile to make the 3 hour drive to Sheffield and 6 hour drive back when I was in the UK.
I was in the lower 1/4 to begin with, but when I aged up, a lot of the competition took time out for family (myself included) so although the top times were even faster, I ranked closer to the top. 1 year I totally lucked out and won the 800 free, and the next year made 4th in pretty much all my events, so you never know!
As of now I'm not swimming with a team, and don't feel it worthwhile to travel to Mesa and be in the lower 1/2 or so. Plus I have 2 young kids and hubby would need time off work etc etc. I would however make the 5 hour drive to San Antonio for Nationals if it were held there again.
That said, it was a great experience and I got to watch Mark Foster and Nick Gillingham swim which was awesome.
I'd say if you have the time and $$ it'd be a lot of fun.
Just wanted to update. I still really want to go, but I am waffling.
So, I have decided to put my fate in my performance in the Valentine's Meet I'm swimming.
If I feel good in my 4 events (50 Fly, 100 IM, 50 BR, 100 BR) and my times have not gotten worse, I am going to go to nationals.
I have been feeling great in practice, so it's pretty much a lock, but you never know.
(and I'm a little uncomfortable going to a Valentine's meet wothout my wife with the words 'unattached' next to my name whenever it appears, but that's a different topic lol)
Then, if I don't hit NQT, I have to pick one to drop (or decide to swim 200 BR instead of 2 of them).
Hopefully, there will be lodging left when I make the decision.
Although it is always a temptation to let decisions ride on performance, remember that there will be about 1600 other people there who generally have the same questions you do (remember that there is only 1 winner in each event), but also have other reasons to go. Those with excuses have many more opportunities to miss the event.
It is a very social atmosphere. You may make friends with someone you have never known, or reconnect with someone from the past. It is very difficult to walk the length of a pool at nationals without seeing someone you know.
It is a cocoon from society and work. the few days you spend there are almost devoid of outside rancor and news. It is all swimming and smiles.
Arizona in April is glorious. I spent 2 years in school there and have fond memories of nearly every day.
No suit spinners are necessary, just get out of the pool and your suit will dry in about 5 minutes, on you or off.
And the biggest secret that is not one at all - if you want to place in an event, swim the 200 fly. Even if you are slow, men and women alike will all think you are a god for even trying.
Although it is always a temptation to let decisions ride on performance, remember that there will be about 1600 other people there who generally have the same questions you do (remember that there is only 1 winner in each event), but also have other reasons to go. Those with excuses have many more opportunities to miss the event.
It was between using this meet and rolling dice. :-)
Swimming will decide -- and more how I feel than times.
Thanks for the advice.:applaud:
A lifeguarding buddy of mine swam for Arizona (or maybe ASU). He loved it out there.
The greater Phoenix area is built around tourism and by that time of April many of the snowbirds will be gone. There will be loads of lodging. Even if you head up into north Scottsdale or downtown Phoenix, you're 20-30 minutes from the pool outside of rush hour.
I am staying an extra day after nats for touristic stuff...would appreciate any suggestions you throw our way!
