2004 SC Indy: 500 free

Kirk, Don't stress yourself out. The last thing you need before you try to swim a quality 500 (especially if you are a bit tired from your earlier events) is to be pacing around the pool for several hours, since you showed up in time to swim your heat when you hoped it would go, rather than when it actually goes. My first Nationals I swam the 500 when it was the last event of the day, round about 6-7 pm. But, I had been hanging out at the pool just about all day, and warmed up a couple of times because I was an alternate on a couple of relays. I was blown, mentally as well as physically, well before my heat started. Moreover, if you have a really terrific meet, sticking around is a great way to savor the moment. Find a couple of teammates who are also staying the night, do something touristy that evening. Trust me; it's alot more fun that getting all worked up about making a flight. Matt

Kirk, Don't stress yourself out. The last thing you need before you try to swim a quality 500 (especially if you are a bit tired from your earlier events) is to be pacing around the pool for several hours, since you showed up in time to swim your heat when you hoped it would go, rather than when it actually goes. My first Nationals I swam the 500 when it was the last event of the day, round about 6-7 pm. But, I had been hanging out at the pool just about all day, and warmed up a couple of times because I was an alternate on a couple of relays. I was blown, mentally as well as physically, well before my heat started. Moreover, if you have a really terrific meet, sticking around is a great way to savor the moment. Find a couple of teammates who are also staying the night, do something touristy that evening. Trust me; it's alot more fun that getting all worked up about making a flight. Matt