I'll be swimming my first LJRWS Gatorman (3 mile) this September and I'm wondering if I should use a paddler. The event info says the following about paddlers...
"Of the five LJRWS events, the Gatorman is by far the most technical. Tides, currents and navigation play major roles in successfully executing the Gatorman course. For this reason, board paddlers are recommended and a definite technical advantage."
My concern is that I'm a mid-pack swimmer and I doubt whether my paddler could even find me in the large pack. As far as navigation, I'm hoping to draft in a suitable pack and don't see the advantage of a paddler in that situation.
Can someone with race experience offer their insights?
Thanks
PS - I did a practice swim at The Cove this past weekend and those of you that get to swim there regularly have the world beat.
1. I’m concerned about getting stuck in the mass start and would like to position myself as well as possible. I’ve heard that being on the far right (as you’re looking out towards the pier) has advantages. I’m thinking of starting here and staying on the right for a couple of hundred meters. Good idea?
I've done the 1 mile race the last 3 years and also did the Gatorman last year. Someone gave the same advice re: lining up and it has served me well. Definitely avoid the middle. Now, the more challenging point about lining up is where in the depth of the lineup you stand. I get in the very front, but I'm able to hang with/sprint with those guys. If you can build sufficient speed (think maybe 2:00 pace for the 1st 200 yards), jump to the front and you'll avoid the worst of the scrum.
2. I’d like to do some race specific training to mimic the fast start. I’m thinking of doing sets like: 4 x (200m hard + 400m cruise). Does this sound right?
Yes. You might want to plan on something like a 200m FAST, 200m slightly less fast, then a 200 at your target cruise pace.
3. Is there an opportunity to do an in-water warm-up right before the race?
Not a sufficient time in the race course on the event day. Once they start the kids events in the morning, the course is packed with races. If you get down the stairs early, you'll have some time to splash around in the water to cool off. However, there is another beach just around the point where everyone goes to warmup. You'll have access to that all morning and there will be plenty of people out there; kids and teens (& some adults) body surfing near to shore and others swimming further out.
4. Any other advice?
You don't need a paddler. Find a pack slightly faster than your target pace and try to draft as much as possible, saving yourself some sighting and other energy. If you want a great seat for watching the races, spring for a sponsorship for the best seats in the house; do the $100 sponsorship (mostly tax deductible) and you also get a great parking spot plus 4 seats.
PS: I'm planning on swimming at the cove on Saturday (the day before the race) and would welcome the chance to swim with anybody else that wants to do this.
This is a great time. If you do the Saturday check-in and then walk down to the cove, you'll find people swimming, chatting, lounging there pretty much all day.
1. I’m concerned about getting stuck in the mass start and would like to position myself as well as possible. I’ve heard that being on the far right (as you’re looking out towards the pier) has advantages. I’m thinking of starting here and staying on the right for a couple of hundred meters. Good idea?
I've done the 1 mile race the last 3 years and also did the Gatorman last year. Someone gave the same advice re: lining up and it has served me well. Definitely avoid the middle. Now, the more challenging point about lining up is where in the depth of the lineup you stand. I get in the very front, but I'm able to hang with/sprint with those guys. If you can build sufficient speed (think maybe 2:00 pace for the 1st 200 yards), jump to the front and you'll avoid the worst of the scrum.
2. I’d like to do some race specific training to mimic the fast start. I’m thinking of doing sets like: 4 x (200m hard + 400m cruise). Does this sound right?
Yes. You might want to plan on something like a 200m FAST, 200m slightly less fast, then a 200 at your target cruise pace.
3. Is there an opportunity to do an in-water warm-up right before the race?
Not a sufficient time in the race course on the event day. Once they start the kids events in the morning, the course is packed with races. If you get down the stairs early, you'll have some time to splash around in the water to cool off. However, there is another beach just around the point where everyone goes to warmup. You'll have access to that all morning and there will be plenty of people out there; kids and teens (& some adults) body surfing near to shore and others swimming further out.
4. Any other advice?
You don't need a paddler. Find a pack slightly faster than your target pace and try to draft as much as possible, saving yourself some sighting and other energy. If you want a great seat for watching the races, spring for a sponsorship for the best seats in the house; do the $100 sponsorship (mostly tax deductible) and you also get a great parking spot plus 4 seats.
PS: I'm planning on swimming at the cove on Saturday (the day before the race) and would welcome the chance to swim with anybody else that wants to do this.
This is a great time. If you do the Saturday check-in and then walk down to the cove, you'll find people swimming, chatting, lounging there pretty much all day.
