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
My first masters meet was in Feburary in Canadiagua, NY. Only swam 3 events but teh memories of my youth was wonderful. i was really nervous but all that ended when I was on the block of my first race. And after that first 50 free race, I looked up at the stands and saw my wife, two sons cheering and realizing that this was the best time of my life, other than my wedding day and the days that my boys were born.:D
My first masters meet was in Feburary in Canadiagua, NY. Only swam 3 events but teh memories of my youth was wonderful. i was really nervous but all that ended when I was on the block of my first race. And after that first 50 free race, I looked up at the stands and saw my wife, two sons cheering and realizing that this was the best time of my life, other than my wedding day and the days that my boys were born.:D
