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
Just to add my 2 cents, here's a quote from Coach *** Jochums of the Santa Clara Swim Club that sums up my viewpoint ---> participating in life is truly better than standing on the sidelines:
“Those who strive, those who leave nothing on the table,
those who will take the risk, will all be winners.
Life is truly sweeter for those who truly live it.
The world belongs, and will always belong,
to the people who participate.
Those who stand on the outside, who never risk,
who never fail, cannot now, or will they ever,
understand the beauty of each breath of life.
So don’t feel sorry for those who fail,
feel sorry for the majority that never participate.
They’ll just never understand, let alone feel,
all that life can and should be.”
I had a fellow Masters swimmer give me the push to compete and it's an awesome thing to do. Doesn't matter how you do, the Masters community supports every swimmer! I'm actually most impressed by new swimmers just going for it. So, welcome to the family of masters swimming.
Just to add my 2 cents, here's a quote from Coach *** Jochums of the Santa Clara Swim Club that sums up my viewpoint ---> participating in life is truly better than standing on the sidelines:
“Those who strive, those who leave nothing on the table,
those who will take the risk, will all be winners.
Life is truly sweeter for those who truly live it.
The world belongs, and will always belong,
to the people who participate.
Those who stand on the outside, who never risk,
who never fail, cannot now, or will they ever,
understand the beauty of each breath of life.
So don’t feel sorry for those who fail,
feel sorry for the majority that never participate.
They’ll just never understand, let alone feel,
all that life can and should be.”
I had a fellow Masters swimmer give me the push to compete and it's an awesome thing to do. Doesn't matter how you do, the Masters community supports every swimmer! I'm actually most impressed by new swimmers just going for it. So, welcome to the family of masters swimming.
