I train to compete. I am fine in training most of the time but lately, the last year or so, my times in meets have gotten quite a bit slower and now I get so anxious before a race that I feel sick. Today I had a SCM meet here I only went to swim the 400 IM. I dry heaved in the corner until they were about to call my heat. How can I get past this? I;m working on getting faster in practice (I'm injured and coming off surgery) but slower in the meets is something that has been lingering and causing the anxiety. Help!
Thank you all for the responses. I am reading them all and taking them all in. Atlantic, sorry you are dealing with recovery as well. I just finished an hour of physical therapy today on my leg and couldn't imagine swimming right now so I guess I haven't come back yet. I hope your come back swims are great.
Steve, no, I don't get nervous before relays. I usually get excited and talk with people around me. I try to do that before individual events as well but not enough, it sounds like. Next meet will have 2 of my former age group team mates timing. Having them there will help me relax a bit more.
Chris, if only I had your speed along with your relaxation. Maybe you can rub off on me at Zones :) I like the idea of swimming to avoid losing. That might be the push I need.
Again, thanks all. I mentioned to one of my coaches that I was too anxious to swim well and he couldn't believe it since I had done that event, the 400 IM in practice on Monday and did well. But that was practice. Very few there to impress, watch, etc.
Thank you all for the responses. I am reading them all and taking them all in. Atlantic, sorry you are dealing with recovery as well. I just finished an hour of physical therapy today on my leg and couldn't imagine swimming right now so I guess I haven't come back yet. I hope your come back swims are great.
Steve, no, I don't get nervous before relays. I usually get excited and talk with people around me. I try to do that before individual events as well but not enough, it sounds like. Next meet will have 2 of my former age group team mates timing. Having them there will help me relax a bit more.
Chris, if only I had your speed along with your relaxation. Maybe you can rub off on me at Zones :) I like the idea of swimming to avoid losing. That might be the push I need.
Again, thanks all. I mentioned to one of my coaches that I was too anxious to swim well and he couldn't believe it since I had done that event, the 400 IM in practice on Monday and did well. But that was practice. Very few there to impress, watch, etc.
