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?
Parents
Former Member
Hi Swimmer Wannabe:
Gosh, it will be great when you swim your first meet. In the 11 years I've swam Masters I have never witnessed anyone act in a negative manner toward another competitor... especially for being slow. Never....nothing even close!
Slow is a relative term in Masters Swimming. Slower then the person in the lane next to you? Or, slower then the person who does not get out of bed in the morning and exercise at all? Or, slower then the really fast swimmers in United States Masters Swimming? Heck, even the top-level swimmers get beat.
My point is simple...YOUR A WINNER for keeping fit through Masters Swimming and caring enough to stay in shape. Swimming in meets is an extension of your commitment to keeping fit.
Lastly, I believe that in life, swimming, work, school, relationships or whatever...that you can neither win or lose...unless you walk into the Arena and give it a whack. You’re not sitting on the sidelines in life here....and that makes you a winner in my book.
Enjoy the meet, do your best, have fun and get to know some of the people there...you will enjoy yourself.
Kindest regards,
Tom Ellison
Hi Swimmer Wannabe:
Gosh, it will be great when you swim your first meet. In the 11 years I've swam Masters I have never witnessed anyone act in a negative manner toward another competitor... especially for being slow. Never....nothing even close!
Slow is a relative term in Masters Swimming. Slower then the person in the lane next to you? Or, slower then the person who does not get out of bed in the morning and exercise at all? Or, slower then the really fast swimmers in United States Masters Swimming? Heck, even the top-level swimmers get beat.
My point is simple...YOUR A WINNER for keeping fit through Masters Swimming and caring enough to stay in shape. Swimming in meets is an extension of your commitment to keeping fit.
Lastly, I believe that in life, swimming, work, school, relationships or whatever...that you can neither win or lose...unless you walk into the Arena and give it a whack. You’re not sitting on the sidelines in life here....and that makes you a winner in my book.
Enjoy the meet, do your best, have fun and get to know some of the people there...you will enjoy yourself.
Kindest regards,
Tom Ellison
