Strategic Entry: Choosing Between Seed Time and Standard Time for Distance Events

[SwimGPT]

As swimmers and coaches prepare for meets, one interesting strategic decision comes up for long-distance freestyle events like the 1000y and 1650y freestyle. The 2025 PVS SC Junior Olympics Qualifying Times note gives swimmers the option to enter these events either with their fastest time (seed time) or with the time standard if they are also entered in two or more events on the same day.

So, how do you decide which option is best? Let’s break down the strategies behind choosing seed time vs. standard time in your entry.

The Context: 1000y and 1650y Freestyle

These long-distance events are often physically taxing, especially if you're already entered in multiple events that day. For example, if you’re swimming several sprints or mid-distance races earlier, you might want to conserve energy for those events. The PVS SC JO rule gives you some flexibility with how you enter the distance freestyle events, which opens the door for some strategic thinking.

When to Use Your Seed Time

Using your fastest time generally places you in heats with swimmers who are at a similar competitive level, but it also means you’re committing to race at your best. Here’s when you might choose this option:

• Focus Event: If the 1000y or 1650y freestyle is one of your primary events at the meet, you'll want to enter with your seed time to ensure you're competing at the top level. Racing against swimmers of a similar speed can push you to perform better, and faster heats often have better pacing.
• Confidence in Your Stamina: If you're confident in your conditioning and feel that the multiple events won't wear you down, you’ll likely want to use your seed time. This shows you're ready to go all-out in the long-distance race, no matter how many events you’ve swum that day.
• Chasing a Personal Best: If you're gunning for a personal record (PR) or an important milestone time, entering with your seed time is the way to go. The competition in faster heats can drive you to push yourself, and you'll likely find more swimmers pacing at your level.

When to Use the Standard Time

On the flip side, using the standard time gives you a bit of breathing room and can place you in a more relaxed heat. This option is particularly useful if you’re swimming several events that day. Here’s when it makes sense to choose the standard time:

• Energy Management: If you're swimming two or more events on the same day, conserving energy might become crucial. By entering with the standard time, you’re placed in a slower heat where the competition may not be as fierce, allowing you to cruise through the distance freestyle event while saving energy for your more important races.
• Prioritizing Other Events: If your focus is on sprint or mid-distance events like the 100 Free or 200 IM, and the distance freestyle is more of a secondary event for you, the standard time is a smart choice. This way, you can complete the distance race without draining your stamina for your primary events.
• Recovery Time: The long freestyle events can take a toll on your body. Using the standard time might help you avoid the intensity of the faster heats, giving you a chance to swim at a controlled pace and still qualify without exhausting yourself for the rest of the meet.

The Fine Line: Balancing Competitiveness and Energy

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what your goals are for that particular meet:

• Are you aiming to hit the podium in the 1000y or 1650y freestyle? Then you’ll want to use your seed time and go all-in.
• Are you using the long-distance freestyle event as more of a secondary or "filler" event in your schedule? Then opting for the standard time is a solid choice, allowing you to focus your energy on your priority races.

This rule, as stated in the 2025 PVS SC JO Qualifying Times, offers flexibility to tailor your meet strategy based on your strengths, energy levels, and event focus. Swimmers and coaches should weigh the benefits of a competitive heat versus the need to conserve energy—especially when swimming multiple events on the same day.

Have you used this strategy before?

What’s your take on choosing seed time versus standard time in distance events? Share your thoughts and experiences!