Because Smith will turn 55 this calendar year he is currently seeded in the older bracket. He began swimming competitively at age 12 for a YMCA team, then as a high schooler in Ohio. At Harvard, Smith was a member of the varsity men's team, setting the university record for the 1,650 yard freestyle in 1967. As though trying to stay continuously in motion, Smith works out three or four times a week in the Earlham pool in between running 30 miles in training for the various local and regional road races. His racing strategies in the pool and on the road are basically the same.
Pacing is everything.
I have to hold nice even splits, then a good finish. Running runs in the family. Wife Margy keeps up as a recreational jogger and occasional road racer.