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
I'm with everyone esle, if it sounds like fun, just do it.
The only other reason I might suggest it that it will give you a benchmark for how fast you are now. Hey, and it will be your personal best, no matter what! Then, when you compete again, you can have the goal to do better than last time. So, again, it won't be a BAD thing if you go slow, because then next time, it will be easier to beat your personal best again!:)
I was talked into going to my first masters meet at age 39. I was reluctant, partly because I had never worn goggles at a meet (back in the old days, we didn't wear them). My friend, a coach, tried to show me how to dive with goggles during warm-up and I couldn't. He finally laughed at me and said, "start in the water." So I did. Everyone was supportive, and it was fun. And I think that is just about everyone's experience.
I'm with everyone esle, if it sounds like fun, just do it.
The only other reason I might suggest it that it will give you a benchmark for how fast you are now. Hey, and it will be your personal best, no matter what! Then, when you compete again, you can have the goal to do better than last time. So, again, it won't be a BAD thing if you go slow, because then next time, it will be easier to beat your personal best again!:)
I was talked into going to my first masters meet at age 39. I was reluctant, partly because I had never worn goggles at a meet (back in the old days, we didn't wear them). My friend, a coach, tried to show me how to dive with goggles during warm-up and I couldn't. He finally laughed at me and said, "start in the water." So I did. Everyone was supportive, and it was fun. And I think that is just about everyone's experience.
