So I'm getting back into swimming, hoping to join my university's team in the fall.
Which means competing again. Yikes.
Even as an agegrouper I always had an issue with nerves during and before competition (not so much when I was actually in the water, I was relatively able to focus WHILE swimming, but sometimes getting there was torture.)
So for those of you who still compete, or have competed, how do you deal with nerves during a meet, and especially right before your event? Do you have certain things you do to relax, or ways to calm yourself down? I can't keep letting myself get so paralyzed by fear.
Hi, Hmlee
I swam from the time I was 10 until I was about 13 or 14 (too long ago....can't remember, exactly). I didn't get into Masters' until I was 50 and I think I sort of thought that I would have "outgrown" my pre-race nerves. Funny thing is...when I got up on the starting block I had this sense of deja vu; I felt like I was 13 again! The nerves are still there but I just tell myself I'm going to do the best I can...and that will just have to be good enough.... Don't worry about your nerves; they'll still be there but just keep reminding yourself that your doing it because it's fun...and you want to... no one's pushing you now....except yourself.. Also, aquageek is right, the more meets, the better.
:)
Hi, Hmlee
I swam from the time I was 10 until I was about 13 or 14 (too long ago....can't remember, exactly). I didn't get into Masters' until I was 50 and I think I sort of thought that I would have "outgrown" my pre-race nerves. Funny thing is...when I got up on the starting block I had this sense of deja vu; I felt like I was 13 again! The nerves are still there but I just tell myself I'm going to do the best I can...and that will just have to be good enough.... Don't worry about your nerves; they'll still be there but just keep reminding yourself that your doing it because it's fun...and you want to... no one's pushing you now....except yourself.. Also, aquageek is right, the more meets, the better.
:)
