I did an open water swim over the weekend and drafted for almost the entire race (Donner Lake Swim - 2.7 miles). I'm a good drafter and never touch feet; however, the person surely knew I was there and I wonder if they found me annoying. I'm also having a bit of trouble celebrating my time, feeling like I "cheated" (even knowing that it's perfectly legal and accepted). Maybe a better way of putting it is to say that I'm not sure if I could get that time on my own, and so I don't feel quite the same sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, trying to keep up with my draftee did spur me to swim faster and also kept me more mentally focused than usual, which was nice. So, I guess I am looking for how to sort things out for myself, and curious how others think about it.
The main reason is that I trust my own sighting ability more than that of others. I was burned a couple times drafting off someone who couldn't swim straight, so drafting actually cost me time/energy.Good note to self - head east so I can draft off Chris and let him do the sighting.
I draft whenever I can because I'm one of those people who can't swim straight. I'm so bad at swimming straight that, even in the midst of a pack of 10 or so swimmers, I can go from being tucked right in the optimal drafting position to 10 yards away from the pack in a matter of 30-60 seconds if I don't pay attention.
Drafting is a part of the race. But I feel like a drafter should be willing to take a turn pulling, like in cycling. But unlike cycling you can't talk to each other.
One race I was drafting off someone for a time. Then I pulled out to pass -- to take my "turn" -- and he sped up, not wanting me to pass. I wasn't willing to spend the energy in the middle of the race to force the issue, so I went back to drafting off him and out-sprinted him at the end of the race.
Usually I don't draft though, but it isn't for any of the reasons listed. The main reason is that I trust my own sighting ability more than that of others. I was burned a couple times drafting off someone who couldn't swim straight, so drafting actually cost me time/energy.
In the past, I've always been doubtful of the draftee's line or pace. This was the first time I was pretty confident about both (that is, I still did my own sighting, and was working hard to keep up). But I too have been burned in past races by drafting off of someone who was taking a bad line.
Perhaps I should have taken a turn. Not sure what would have happen if I had pulled ahead, though, as your story suggests.
Drafting is a part of the race. But I feel like a drafter should be willing to take a turn pulling, like in cycling. But unlike cycling you can't talk to each other.
One race I was drafting off someone for a time. Then I pulled out to pass -- to take my "turn" -- and he sped up, not wanting me to pass. I wasn't willing to spend the energy in the middle of the race to force the issue, so I went back to drafting off him and out-sprinted him at the end of the race.
Usually I don't draft though, but it isn't for any of the reasons listed. The main reason is that I trust my own sighting ability more than that of others. I was burned a couple times drafting off someone who couldn't swim straight, so drafting actually cost me time/energy.
So, I've started to think that there is yet another option for my poll: drafting as a learning experience. I've learned that I can go faster than I thought I could and stay focused more than I thought I could. Now I just need to learn to do those things without someone in front of me. :-)
In many races, I end up in that in between speed where I won't be able to draft off of the front pack for more than 400 yards, and I'll pull away from other swimmers so I don't have the option. I've also been pulled off course.
However, a 5K I did a couple of weeks ago, I drafted for most of the first 2/3 of the race. I drafted off of a small pack who didn't seem to be concerned with drafting and were mostly swimming side by side with each other. I saved enough gas to pass probably 10 people in the last half mile.
I draft whenever I can because I'm one of those people who can't swim straight. I'm so bad at swimming straight that, even in the midst of a pack of 10 or so swimmers, I can go from being tucked right in the optimal drafting position to 10 yards away from the pack in a matter of 30-60 seconds if I don't pay attention.
I should clarify from above, that I'm horrible at sighting. In race mentioned above, I left the pack in a span of a minute and had to catch back up to them after a kayak put me back on course. At the end when I wasn't drafting I finished 30 yards downshore from the finishing arch. To be fair, the sun was in my eyes, but still.
One race I was drafting off someone for a time. Then I pulled out to pass -- to take my "turn" -- and he sped up, not wanting me to pass. I wasn't willing to spend the energy in the middle of the race to force the issue, so I went back to drafting off him and out-sprinted him at the end of the race.
This has happened to me a few times, too. I have no problem taking a draft or giving one, but I don't fight if someone would rather lead. :D
How can you tell if the person you are drafting is going at a good pace for you? I tried drafting during a 2 mile lake workout last Saturday. The guy I hitched onto is pretty much the same speed I am. He was really pushing a hard pace but when I decided to sneak in behind him, it was very little effort for me to stay on his feet.
How can you tell if the person you are drafting is going at a good pace for you? I tried drafting during a 2 mile lake workout last Saturday. The guy I hitched onto is pretty much the same speed I am. He was really pushing a hard pace but when I decided to sneak in behind him, it was very little effort for me to stay on his feet.
I have always struggled with this. I think if it's easy to stay on the person's feet, they are probably too slow. You want to be pushing a bit to try to stay up with them. Someone who passes you is a good candidate. But maybe others have better ideas about this.
