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.
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.
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.
