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.
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.
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.
