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
Hi Kyra!
Here's what I do.... I only carbo load when I'm swimming more than 30 min., like in a 2 mi. open water swim, although I like a hugh plate of pasta the night before a 1650!
I just eat really well a day or two before a meet - lots of fruit and veggies (which I try to do anyway), plenty of water - SUPER important, and I get as much rest as I can. But I can't emphasize enough how important water is - make sure you're well hydrated because it really will help. No cocktails! No high-salt or greasy foods (get that cheeseburger AFTER the meet!). Basically, nothing that will upset your stomach or dehydrate you.
Here's what I pack for food: bananas and a peanut butter sandwich or two - great combo of protein and carbs. I also bring a PowerBar or something like it. I have low blood sugar so I have to have the protein or I will bonk big time (not good at a meet!). There is usually a snack bar at the meets I've been to - they provide fruit, yogurt, bagels, sandwiches, water, etc.
I'm usually too nervous and high strung to eat very much at a long meet, but I make sure that I take a bite or two of my peanut butter sandwich between events and it really does help. Keep sipping on that water bottle too!
Good luck!!!
Hi Kyra!
Here's what I do.... I only carbo load when I'm swimming more than 30 min., like in a 2 mi. open water swim, although I like a hugh plate of pasta the night before a 1650!
I just eat really well a day or two before a meet - lots of fruit and veggies (which I try to do anyway), plenty of water - SUPER important, and I get as much rest as I can. But I can't emphasize enough how important water is - make sure you're well hydrated because it really will help. No cocktails! No high-salt or greasy foods (get that cheeseburger AFTER the meet!). Basically, nothing that will upset your stomach or dehydrate you.
Here's what I pack for food: bananas and a peanut butter sandwich or two - great combo of protein and carbs. I also bring a PowerBar or something like it. I have low blood sugar so I have to have the protein or I will bonk big time (not good at a meet!). There is usually a snack bar at the meets I've been to - they provide fruit, yogurt, bagels, sandwiches, water, etc.
I'm usually too nervous and high strung to eat very much at a long meet, but I make sure that I take a bite or two of my peanut butter sandwich between events and it really does help. Keep sipping on that water bottle too!
Good luck!!!
