Indoor Swim Race Strategy

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2006-04-13 7:48 AM

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Subject: Indoor Swim Race Strategy

I am planing to compete in my first "real" triathlon. The swim portion is 400 yd indoor. Swimming sepentine with 10 seconds between swimmers.  We are asked to rate ourselves for the 400yds.  <6 minutes, <8 minutes, <10 minutes etc.

In practice I swim the 400 in about 7:45.   Should I place myself in the <8 min group knowing that other swimmers may "push" me.  Or should I opt for the <10 group and just take it easy.

The bike is 16 miles and the run is 3.1. So a minute or two extra in the pool is not a big deal.  My #1 goal is to finish without looking stupid, which I hope isn't a problem.  However I don't want to "cheat" myself unnecessairly and lose time because of my swimming paranoia.  Any advice and encouragment appreciated.

 

2006-04-13 7:54 AM
in reply to: #395446

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy

It depends- do you want to worry about trying to pass people or people trying to pass you?  Both are frustrating since it's difficult to pass and be passed in pool swims.  It's weird that they're not asking you for your exact estimated time.  That way you could be positioned a little more accurately.

How is the swim course set up.  Do people get indivudal lanes or is it a "snake" type course??

2006-04-13 8:11 AM
in reply to: #395454

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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy
runnergirl29 - 2006-04-13 8:54 AM

How is the swim course set up.  Do people get indivudal lanes or is it a "snake" type course??

The pool is 8 lanes so you go up and back in the same lane then cross over to the next lane.  It seems to me that trying to pass or be passed is going to be tough either way.

I don't like to share a lane in practice, I am kind of concerned what it is going to be like with all of those bodies thrashing around me.

This being my first time out, I would just like to give myself the best chance of getting off to a good start.

2006-04-13 8:34 AM
in reply to: #395446

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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy

I just completed a swim like this, and I was frustrated. I wish I seeded myself faster because people were really clogging up at the end of the lanes. I don't know if you can do a flip turn or not, but people who couldn't were ahead of me, and would hang on the wall for a few seconds, which meant I had to slow up as well. Going under the lane lines is the slowest and most congested part, so if you're with folks that are a little faster, there might not be so much congestion...I also think that if you place yourself in a slower group you will have to pass folks, which will slow you down and waste energy...Good luck!!!

2006-04-13 9:26 AM
in reply to: #395446

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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy
Since you practice at < 8 min per 400, do you think you will race slower? It's really not likely, so put yourself in the < 8 min group. Also, it's alot of work to pass people. My first tri was a pool swim and I registered 3 mo before and had to predict my swim time then. I conservatively gave my estimate and ended up passing about 3-4 people per lap and spent some time treading water to be able to pass nicely. It was a bit frustrating and I really wished I guestimated I would be faster.


Also, most likely, you will have to jump in feet first. Most will jump as far as possible from the edge and then start swimming. I think it's better to drop in next to the edge and push off the wall to get moving. Starting to swim from a near stop takes more time/effort to get going.



2006-04-13 9:34 AM
in reply to: #395446

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Giver
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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy

In pool swims where competitors are asked to estimate their times, people notoriously overestimate and put down times that are faster than they can actually swim. If you seed yourself in the slower group, you'll be frustrated by having to swim over people.

2006-04-13 9:38 AM
in reply to: #395590

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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy
yea, go with the fast group.  You will swim faster from the adrenaline pumping and most of those people ahead of you probably rounded their pace down, so while they claim under 8, it's probably more like under 18.  I would imagine it would be easier for you to be passed, then for you to pass others too.
2006-04-13 9:41 AM
in reply to: #395446

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy
I just did a pool swim tri last month.  My estimated swim time was pretty accurate, although I wished I had seeded myself a little faster- maybe 10-15 sec faster.  I ended up slowing down a lot because I was stuck behind a girl who breast stroked the entire swim.  It took ahwile for the lane to clear for me to pass her.  I passed 4 people in the swim.  With that said, I should have placed myself with a slightly faster swim time because I was really slowed down by others.  I'd put yourself in the <8min category.  If you can easily swim that distance in 7:45 there's no reason to put yourself behind others who will be much slower than you.
2006-04-13 9:41 AM
in reply to: #395446

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy
Seed yourself with the faster group.  People way overestimate how fast they can swim.  If you seed yourself slower, you are going to be so frustrated.  I learned this lesson during my first tri last year that had an indoor swim.  I had to pass a lot of people.
2006-04-13 9:43 AM
in reply to: #395446

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy

GO FAST !!! ITS EASIER TO GET PASS THAN TO TRY TO PASS!

GOOD LUCK!

2006-04-13 1:13 PM
in reply to: #395446

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Subject: RE: Indoor Swim Race Strategy
I too am racing this weekend-first ever
It's a pool swim, 4 people per lane, circle swim within the lane.
My problem is that when I registered months ago I put down 23 min for the 1000, now I do it in about 20 min. The heat assigments were posted today and if I do swim that fast (and everyone else swims their reported time), I will be the first one out of pool. While on the surface this sounds cool, I know it means I will have to pass those in my lane, which takes a lot of effort!

I messed up, I should have over-estimated! In thinking about it now, I would rather be passed by others faster than me than have to pass everyone in my lane

Any suggestions for strategies here would be sooooo appreciated.
Do I wait until we are both close to the wall and try to out-push who I want to pass or do I wait for oncoming "traffic" to clear and then put on my go-gadget propeller arms to pass mid-lane?

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