On February 20, I'm hoping to go to my first swim meet......ever! :eek: I swam on the team when I was younger, but I never competed. I'm incredibly nervous already and I have no idea what to expect because I have never been to a meet before. I swam with my friend who is a coach, and I have what seems like a lot of work to do on my strokes. How realistic is it that I be ready by February? Obviously I won't be at the top of the field, but I'm hoping to at least not make a fool out of myself. But what I really want to know is what to expect. How do I train, and how do I taper? When do I start tapering? Do I even need to taper? Any good pre-meet workout ideas? Any thing that anyone can suggest would be helpful!!! Thanx a bunch!!
~Kyra
Parents
Former Member
I haven't swam in a meet since my high school days. (It wasn't that long ago though). I'll be starting meets again this month. For how to keep your goggles on on a start I recommend pushing them hard into your eye sockets and keeping your chin tucked into your chest on your entry. A key thing I learned a few years ago chuck the goggles if they fall off in one swift movement. Almost everyone has had their goggles fall off, Amanda Beard included - she stopped wearing goggles at meets for awhile after that.
As I understand it you at meets you are seeded by your time not by your age which has its advantages. You'll be racing against other people that are about the same speed as you. I've noticed in my age group (19-24) that very few people swim at meets which is good because it means I should do well in my age group until I have to move up next year.
Congrats on competing. That's awesome you should feel good about that. Try not to get too nervous - I always feel like I'm going to puke before a race. When you are about to step up onto the blocks (the side, the wall) remember how hard you've worked and that you are there to have fun!
I haven't swam in a meet since my high school days. (It wasn't that long ago though). I'll be starting meets again this month. For how to keep your goggles on on a start I recommend pushing them hard into your eye sockets and keeping your chin tucked into your chest on your entry. A key thing I learned a few years ago chuck the goggles if they fall off in one swift movement. Almost everyone has had their goggles fall off, Amanda Beard included - she stopped wearing goggles at meets for awhile after that.
As I understand it you at meets you are seeded by your time not by your age which has its advantages. You'll be racing against other people that are about the same speed as you. I've noticed in my age group (19-24) that very few people swim at meets which is good because it means I should do well in my age group until I have to move up next year.
Congrats on competing. That's awesome you should feel good about that. Try not to get too nervous - I always feel like I'm going to puke before a race. When you are about to step up onto the blocks (the side, the wall) remember how hard you've worked and that you are there to have fun!
