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?
I like your perspective, Bert! It reminds me of the first Nationals I went to, in Nashville (my hometown). Four of us from my team went, and although some of us were swimming lifetime bests, we still weren't placing very high. We were downright discouraged, and it showed on our faces as we were walking to our car. A fellow we passed said "Cheer up ladies. Just remember: no matter how fast or how slow you were, there are 1 billion people in China who couldn't care less!" Words to live by!
I like your perspective, Bert! It reminds me of the first Nationals I went to, in Nashville (my hometown). Four of us from my team went, and although some of us were swimming lifetime bests, we still weren't placing very high. We were downright discouraged, and it showed on our faces as we were walking to our car. A fellow we passed said "Cheer up ladies. Just remember: no matter how fast or how slow you were, there are 1 billion people in China who couldn't care less!" Words to live by!
