Well, I'm not sure I've ever written fast / efficient / no syntax errors / zero bugs code; except for maybe "Hello World!" programs - but then again, I distinctly remember fubaring one of those too (in Motorola 68k assembly...), so I can't really address your primary question. But I have done a fair amount of swimming and some of the best advise from my coaches was that anything under 500 yards is a sprint.

So don't bother pacing yourself for 100 yds. Go all out.

Best of luck in your race.

Cheers!

Brent