Any thoughts? From my perspective, former swimmer, back for about a month, I'd REALLY like to swim a few meets. How did you choose? When were you ready? How did you choose events? How did it go?
Also, maybe some commentary on those who have no competitive swimming background. How did you prepare?
My first meet was also a first swimming competition. It was with almost 2 yrs experience knowing how to swim, but I was swimming almost continuous leading up to the meet. I just did the events I knew how to do and was able to accomplish with dignity (50, 100, and 200 frees). I registered them as NT (no time) which seeded me in early heats with swimmers of a wide variety of times and age. For now on with new events however, I just conservatively guess the time if allowed to do so.
Building up to my first event of this meet I developed severe anxiety. My heart was pounding and I started getting dizzy. While on the block I thought I was about to fall off, then the starting horn beeped, and I was still standing there for a moment looking at the official before I blasted off (for a personal best time of course:D). My wife and kids were watching and filmed it for a laugh. I realized the anxiety was all for nothing but for some reason I always get butterflys leading up to the first heat. I just deal with them visually to keep them controlled.
Just go out and do the swims you know you can and you will keep coming back for more.
My first meet was also a first swimming competition. It was with almost 2 yrs experience knowing how to swim, but I was swimming almost continuous leading up to the meet. I just did the events I knew how to do and was able to accomplish with dignity (50, 100, and 200 frees). I registered them as NT (no time) which seeded me in early heats with swimmers of a wide variety of times and age. For now on with new events however, I just conservatively guess the time if allowed to do so.
Building up to my first event of this meet I developed severe anxiety. My heart was pounding and I started getting dizzy. While on the block I thought I was about to fall off, then the starting horn beeped, and I was still standing there for a moment looking at the official before I blasted off (for a personal best time of course:D). My wife and kids were watching and filmed it for a laugh. I realized the anxiety was all for nothing but for some reason I always get butterflys leading up to the first heat. I just deal with them visually to keep them controlled.
Just go out and do the swims you know you can and you will keep coming back for more.
