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.
Parents
Former Member
It's Ok to have butterflies. The secret is getting them to fly in formation.
Being nervous is good. You are excited to compete. To do your best.
Try visualizing yourself in the marshalling area, going around to the blocks, stepping up, diving in and then see yourself swim the whole race. Mental training is also an important aspect of training.
Take a speedo towel for drying off after each race, (after you have done a cool down!) Bring warm clothes, fleece is great or cool max poly prop type clothes. Pack food and fluids.
Don't do anything new on race day. No new goggles, no new food like a gel or a power drink if you haven't tried them before. And don't try your first flip turn in a race. (Trust me, speaking from experience I did this and 'brained' myself on the wall. Came in way to close, face planted but fininshed with a great red face (pun intended).
Tapering also includes sleep. If you don't sleep well the night before, just try to 'relax and rest' as best you can.
Just think you will set all Personal Bests.
You will now have a baseline from where you can set more goals.
Congratualtions and Good Luck on your first meet.
Have Fun.
Masters is Fun Fitness and Friendship.
Kiwi
It's Ok to have butterflies. The secret is getting them to fly in formation.
Being nervous is good. You are excited to compete. To do your best.
Try visualizing yourself in the marshalling area, going around to the blocks, stepping up, diving in and then see yourself swim the whole race. Mental training is also an important aspect of training.
Take a speedo towel for drying off after each race, (after you have done a cool down!) Bring warm clothes, fleece is great or cool max poly prop type clothes. Pack food and fluids.
Don't do anything new on race day. No new goggles, no new food like a gel or a power drink if you haven't tried them before. And don't try your first flip turn in a race. (Trust me, speaking from experience I did this and 'brained' myself on the wall. Came in way to close, face planted but fininshed with a great red face (pun intended).
Tapering also includes sleep. If you don't sleep well the night before, just try to 'relax and rest' as best you can.
Just think you will set all Personal Bests.
You will now have a baseline from where you can set more goals.
Congratualtions and Good Luck on your first meet.
Have Fun.
Masters is Fun Fitness and Friendship.
Kiwi
