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.
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.
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.
