Race Pace with tech suits!

Jun
9

Race Pace with tech suits!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Saturday at: 12:41pm (June 9th, 2012)
Race Pace with tech suits!

Today was not only the typical race pace practice but also "Tech suit day" where we are free to use the '08/'09 era tech suits.  The tech suits always add a level of excitement to the practice.  In the past I've really enjoyed what they have added to the workout.  After spending 15 minutes putting on my Speedo LZR suit, I was in pain but ready to race.  I warmed up a bit more in the diving well prior to the main set.  I'm just overwhelmed at the massive difference the suits make.  I just felt like I was floating on the water.  Kicking is just effortless.  You need so little core strength to stay stable in the water.  The first round of the workout was a broken 100m swim.  I was just blazing fast. Since it was a split 25/50/25, we never got any useful times but I know I was probably a 24 or lower second 50 butterfly.  I was flyin'.  The suit was really painful to wear it was distracting.  The deck was filled with drama, everybody worried about how their suit was fitting.  Guys were adjusting their suits constantly.  I could tell it was wearing on some peoples confidence.  Some were worried about rips or the tightness around their shoulders.  I just couldn't stand it anymore and remove my suit after the first round.  I primarily ditched it because we clearly won't be using these at Olympic Trials so really, what is the point of racing in them 2 weeks before Trials?  I felt so much better without the full body suit.  I was still tagging 10.7's in a 25 meter race.  My butterfly feels amazing lately.

It was a great practice.  There has been a video crew following around another one of the post grads all week.  I've enjoyed watching how they use their cameras to film and take stills.  I look forward to watching the documentary they are working on.

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