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
I've been swimming competitively for over 10 years now (high school, college, and masters), and if I'm not nervous during the meet, then I know something is not right. I think being nervous does you good (as long as you're not getting sick from it). As a result of being nervous, I tend to sip a lot continuously out of my water bottle, which makes me have to go to the bathroom every 20 min. or so. It sounds like a hassle, but it's become routine for me after all this time. I get the most nervous when I'm standing behind the blocks before my event, but as soon as I stand up on them the nerves disappear and is replaced by confidence and determination.
Best of luck in your meet Kyra, and have fun!
I've been swimming competitively for over 10 years now (high school, college, and masters), and if I'm not nervous during the meet, then I know something is not right. I think being nervous does you good (as long as you're not getting sick from it). As a result of being nervous, I tend to sip a lot continuously out of my water bottle, which makes me have to go to the bathroom every 20 min. or so. It sounds like a hassle, but it's become routine for me after all this time. I get the most nervous when I'm standing behind the blocks before my event, but as soon as I stand up on them the nerves disappear and is replaced by confidence and determination.
Best of luck in your meet Kyra, and have fun!
