I've noticed there have been a lot of new people on the forum lately, and the short course season is finally upon us. So I thought this thread could be a reflection on everyone's first Masters meet...whether that first meet for you was recently, or quite awhile ago!
My first swim meet was a little less than a year ago. I had been out of the water for nine years and was very nervous - I didn't want to time myself in practice because I knew I was way off of my "old form." So I had no idea how I'd do.
I had to come to the meet late because of church (it was on a Sunday morning). So I had to swim the 50 *** and free, my two worst strokes - but you gotta love the distance! I was surprised each time I saw the clock - I thought I was going to swim way worse than I actually did! And even though those times were nowhere near my high-school best, it was exciting and inspiring to have "new best times" to beat later on in the season.
But I wish I would have known that there was no legal back-to-*** flip turn in the IM in Masters Swimming, because I got DQ'ed!
I was also very impressed by the crowd - a lot of kids cheering on their parents or grandparents! Very fun to observe.
Originally posted by Seagurl51
I have yet to go to my first meet. I'm really excited to find one and go to it though! I've been timing my self in practice, and have dropped five seconds from when I got back in the pool. I'm anxious to try my new (and re-found) skills. If you had asked me three months ago if I would be actually looking forward to competing I would have laughed in your face, but after reading all the stories about new swimmers and comeback swimmers I can't wait to go! I realized that it's not about the result (at least for me and only for my first meet) but the fact that you did it which matters!! Thanx for the inspiration!
~Kyra
They have Masters Meets in Idaho, just kidding. Just remember, at your first Masters Meet, just worry about finishing. That is what I did. I had to swim some rough events at my first meet, 200 fly, 400 IM, 400 free. I probably shouldn't have done that full load of events but it was worth the challenge and I am glad that I made it through.
Originally posted by Seagurl51
I have yet to go to my first meet. I'm really excited to find one and go to it though! I've been timing my self in practice, and have dropped five seconds from when I got back in the pool. I'm anxious to try my new (and re-found) skills. If you had asked me three months ago if I would be actually looking forward to competing I would have laughed in your face, but after reading all the stories about new swimmers and comeback swimmers I can't wait to go! I realized that it's not about the result (at least for me and only for my first meet) but the fact that you did it which matters!! Thanx for the inspiration!
~Kyra
They have Masters Meets in Idaho, just kidding. Just remember, at your first Masters Meet, just worry about finishing. That is what I did. I had to swim some rough events at my first meet, 200 fly, 400 IM, 400 free. I probably shouldn't have done that full load of events but it was worth the challenge and I am glad that I made it through.
