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.
Originally posted by battle
I get very anxious before I compete also. I always thought it helped me give my best effort. Anxiety can feel like torture at the time however.
Good point about anxiety. I also swim better when my nerves kick up. If I find I'm really experiencing "fear", like before the 200 fly (wondering if I'll live through it!), I always watch the men and women in the 70+ age groups and I find calming inspiration from them. If they can do it, I'd better not wimp out! I say, think about what you know you'll do well. Concentrate on small strides in improving your time. Easier said than done to try to relax though. Good luck.
Originally posted by battle
I get very anxious before I compete also. I always thought it helped me give my best effort. Anxiety can feel like torture at the time however.
Good point about anxiety. I also swim better when my nerves kick up. If I find I'm really experiencing "fear", like before the 200 fly (wondering if I'll live through it!), I always watch the men and women in the 70+ age groups and I find calming inspiration from them. If they can do it, I'd better not wimp out! I say, think about what you know you'll do well. Concentrate on small strides in improving your time. Easier said than done to try to relax though. Good luck.
