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
Originally posted by Bob Boder
I remember my first meet about 5 years ago. I never swam as a kid and was very apprehensive about what it would be like. I had only signed up for a couple of events. Saturday morning after the meet began I started thinking that I was going to drive 12 hours round trip and spend 2 nights in a hotel for about two minutes of swimming. Right then I deck entered everything I could and had the best time of my life.
Bob, Maryland's LMSC has a regular series of meets in the Baltimore/Annapolis area. We welcome registered USMS members out-of-town to visit. After all, you wouldn't have to drive 12 hours round-trip. I too never swam competively as a kid (elementary school through college) and got hooked on meets three years ago this month, so I know your feeling well. Going to any meet is a hoot.
