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.
Former Member
In high school I used to be a great practice swimmer, and an ok meet swimmer. Now I'm older I've learned I only have so much energy for the week, and I've learned to be a better meet swimmer, than practice swimmer. My first masters meet was really cool, lots of friendly people.
I did my first meet in almost ten years just this last weekend. I swam a pentathalon. I did have a lot of fun and did surprisingly well. My next meet is next weekend. I just really hate being nervous!!
The turn from back to *** can still be done as long as you touch the wall and do a summersault. Its a little faster than touching and turning around.
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
My first meet, I included on another thread, (should have read this one first!).
It was memorable.
I had no idea at all about racing or competing. I had never ever even been to a swim meet so the total atmosphere was quite intimidating. Officials all dressed and looking so serious in their white outfits complete with badges.
I discovered what feeling really nervous was.
I learnt how much my fellow swimmers new and how much better in control and calm they appeared.
I learnt what 'pace' meant. I learnt my swimming knowledge was negligable.
I found out the meaning of 'Garage Sale" after I lost my goggles and cap on my first 'dive off the blocks'.
I was totally motivated and inspired by all of the swimmers.
I revelled in my very first ribbons.
I couldn't believe the excellent food we had following the meet, supplied by the host team.
I was totally exhausted, stunned yet still very excited following my very first meet.
I was determined to work hard and improve.
And to learn how not to be so nervous. I am still working on that one!!
Kiwi
That was such a great story! Really encouraging! Thank you soo much! It got me really excited to go to my first race now, and even if I don't come in first, at least I did it and that is an accomplishment in and of it's self.
~Kyra
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
Originally posted by Seagurl51
I have yet to go to my first meet. ~Kyra
I read this a while back and thought you might smile at it. www.dartes.co.uk/.../ssfirstmeet.html
Originally posted by Seagurl51
That was such a great story! Really encouraging! Thank you soo much! It got me really excited to go to my first race now, and even if I don't come in first, at least I did it and that is an accomplishment in and of it's self.
~Kyra
I ran Cross Country in high school (would have been a swimmer if there'd been a team. Alas, there wasn't, so here I am now...a frustrated fish!) and I wasn't very fast at all. But I realized that only one person could win a race, and it wasn't going to be me, so I just concentrated on beating myself. I got SO much out of running that way, and it never bothered me that I didn't place.
So I'm thinking that I'll have to learn to apply the same mentality to my swimming. If I can ever get past the sick feeling that I get when I think about competing, I might muster up enough guts to actually try a race. Of course, I think I need to train a little more intensively than I am now. Honestly...I don't think there's anything better than beating your own PR.
Originally posted by centaur532
I ran Cross Country in high school ... and I wasn't very fast at all. But I realized that only one person could win a race, and it wasn't going to be me, so I just concentrated on beating myself. I got SO much out of running that way, and it never bothered me that I didn't place.
I like that attitude (although it doesn't stop me from aiming at the top 10 masters times. :D )
I had a similar Cross County experience in high school. I remember a season-ending invitational, where I started out in the middle of the "B" racers. A couple dozen people in the front turned sooner than they should have, and had to turn around. At the actual turn, a score more people went straight when they should have turned. About a mile into the race (after two more turns), I and this other guy found ourselves way in front! (It pays to remember the actual course.) No matter that a lot of people caught me after the second mile, but I had my moment leading the field. ;)
As long as you keep plugging away, opportunities will await you.
I have my first meet this weekend...first meet in an awfully long time. I am really nervous - but keep telling myself that my goal is to set times to beat, not beat my old PRs...just wish I could believe myself!
It is good to hear other experiences from people who are "back of the pack" runners/swimmers etc. I'm pretty sure that's where I will be. I am nervous , even grappling with why I entered the meet in the first place. Then I wonder why I am so nervous - I think maybe it's performance anxiety - that my best won't measure up to my own expectations.
Wish me luck!
