I am scheduled to race in my first-ever meet very soon. I am new to swimming and am very, very slow (to put it mildddly) and have the burden of falling into one of the most competitive age classification. Nonetheless, I am being encouraged to participate (who knows why).
There are no meets in my area before the one in which I am supposed to participate so I can't get a feeling for what to expect. Can someone please give me the lowdown? As likely the slowest swimmer (I'm not being self-deprecating, just realistic) will I be scorned? How embassassing will it be to finish say a 50 Free after the others in my heat have already gotten out of the pool? (My 50 free is on par with most other swimmers' 100 free. Ugh.)
Also, I understand that at some meets, the goal is to rack up team points for a team or workout group title. Can I contriibute to this in any way (remember, I'm the slowest swimmer in the pool)? Should I simply put my foot down and refuse to "race" -- waiting until next year when I will (presumable) be more prepared?
Originally posted by Bert Petersen
because our goal here is to achieve fitness, while meeting friends and having fun along the way. The competition is just an annoying yardstick of our progress. Your new directive is to NOT be the fastest swimmer but to be the OLDEST swimmer........ Think about it. :)
Simple and poinent Bert.
At the risk of killing its intent, I smell a catch Phrase out of this: Something similar to "US masters Swimming where the race is against time - not just in the pool."
I am sure someone can improve on that paltry line.
Maybe Berts' is best : US Masters Swimming - where the goal is not to be the fastest, but the oldest swimmer.
Chris
P.S. Fast Ion - Good to know there are kindred spirits out there. I too have enjoyed reading many of your posts dating back to the "old" discussion forum.
Originally posted by Bert Petersen
because our goal here is to achieve fitness, while meeting friends and having fun along the way. The competition is just an annoying yardstick of our progress. Your new directive is to NOT be the fastest swimmer but to be the OLDEST swimmer........ Think about it. :)
Simple and poinent Bert.
At the risk of killing its intent, I smell a catch Phrase out of this: Something similar to "US masters Swimming where the race is against time - not just in the pool."
I am sure someone can improve on that paltry line.
Maybe Berts' is best : US Masters Swimming - where the goal is not to be the fastest, but the oldest swimmer.
Chris
P.S. Fast Ion - Good to know there are kindred spirits out there. I too have enjoyed reading many of your posts dating back to the "old" discussion forum.
