I am new to swimming just started swimming seriously last year (I'm 33). I have never competed. I decided to join USMS and try a meet this year just to give myself something to work towards. I find the rules a bit overwhelming and I'm not fast at all. I just got my front crawl lap under 1 minute. I practice 1 hour 3 times per week. I have taken a few classes including a TI based class which really helped me.
My question is, at my age and with my experience how should I prepare to go to my first meet? Not just skill wise but to learn the rules and not make a total fool out of myself. :) Also, how friendly are the local or regional meets? Will my team be upset if I come in last? How competitive is it really?
Thank you!
Parents
Former Member
Venus,
Welcome to the World of Meets! Almost everyone at these Masters events, including myself, have "been there, done that." The "Other Mark" is correct about starts, but there's probably some "physical pain" in doing a belly-flopper, too. :D Continue practicing starts and you will certainly get the hang of it in short order.
You might also consider these suggestions that I've learned in just over two years of competing:
Bring an extra pair of goggles. I had a teammate break his nose piece just before his next event. The spare pair I had saved him from missing his event.
Bring an extra suit. You never know, you might stick a toe in the wrong place and rip a hole into one. And no one really wants to swim in a holey suit. :D
Arrive early. Nothing is worse than rushing there, changing your clothes and having scant time to warm up and/or think about what's next. Can't stress this enough!
Don't be afraid to ask questions even if you are with teammates.
Ignore the butterflies. You are there to do you personal best and THAT'S all that is expected ... and to have fun.
Do take in what's going on. It will make the next meet easier!
After it's over, you probably feel that you are one Cloud Nine. You deserve it as you done something that most folks would never contemplating doing ... participating in a swim meet.
Now, go get 'em. As ConnieKat says, let us know you how ya did.
Regards,
Mark
Venus,
Welcome to the World of Meets! Almost everyone at these Masters events, including myself, have "been there, done that." The "Other Mark" is correct about starts, but there's probably some "physical pain" in doing a belly-flopper, too. :D Continue practicing starts and you will certainly get the hang of it in short order.
You might also consider these suggestions that I've learned in just over two years of competing:
Bring an extra pair of goggles. I had a teammate break his nose piece just before his next event. The spare pair I had saved him from missing his event.
Bring an extra suit. You never know, you might stick a toe in the wrong place and rip a hole into one. And no one really wants to swim in a holey suit. :D
Arrive early. Nothing is worse than rushing there, changing your clothes and having scant time to warm up and/or think about what's next. Can't stress this enough!
Don't be afraid to ask questions even if you are with teammates.
Ignore the butterflies. You are there to do you personal best and THAT'S all that is expected ... and to have fun.
Do take in what's going on. It will make the next meet easier!
After it's over, you probably feel that you are one Cloud Nine. You deserve it as you done something that most folks would never contemplating doing ... participating in a swim meet.
Now, go get 'em. As ConnieKat says, let us know you how ya did.
Regards,
Mark
