Hey All! I would love to see the response from people on this question.
I am about to swim in my first meet in over five years. My preparation has been pretty good the last year or so. Plus, I am looking at this from a realistic standpoint of going out to have fun, swim again and see just where I am at in training. Not expecting lifetime bests or to light up the waters in my first outing.
When you all made the decision to race again(pool or open water) what were you feelings leading up the first meet? Excited, nervous,etc? And how did you cope with second thoughts, nerves, etc leading up to the meet, so you wouldn't have second thoughts?
Look forward to hearing other people's stories.
John
Former Member
I must admit I was a little nervous. I got to do 2 starts off the block but only 1 backtroke start which was not too pretty. I opted for the push off the wall start for that one.
The greatest thing that I am taking from this meet was the energy and enthusiasm of the entire older population of swimmers. There was an 88 year old women and a 91 year old man. I hope to be alive then none the less swimming! There was actually a mixed relay with all 4 swimmers over the age of 85!! What I took from them is that you are competing against yourself and it doesn't matter how big or out of shape you are, you are THERE when there are so many at home watching tv. It was really a joy to see the athletisism of a population of people that is not usually considered in that way. I swam next to women that were older than my mom. I now look back and see how silly it was for me to worry before I got there. I now have 5 official times and am more than psyched for the next meet in April. This experience also will cause me to increase my yardage a little and practice moving a little faster in the pool!
Well said Kristen! I had those same thoughts myself. I'm not sure how old you are, but for me it is nice knowing that it is quite possible I could be swimming for another 40-50 years!
How cool is that?!?
I think the best part of the whole thing was that I only concentrated on myself and my times, I really wasn't concerned about winning or losing. Such a change from work where winning is everything and losing is not an option.
I think the only reason I was nervous was because if I had swam poorly (according to my opinion and the goals I set), I would not like swimming any more and I didn't want that to happen.
I am almost 39. I too hope to have many good years ahead. I was pleased by some of my times but also realized when I swam the 200 free (and coughed up a lung), that I have a long way to go!!
Originally posted by pooch1
... but also realized when I swam the 200 free (and coughed up a lung), that I have a long way to go!!
I can relate- the 200 feels like the 500 when I was younger.
Pace yourself and build up yardage.
Speaking of loosing trunks at first Masters Meet ever I was a victim of failing to wear the proper suite! i wore a snorkle rash guard bottom with no draw string.
At the Valentines masters massacre at the USF pool i entered the mens 50 free in the 60-64 bracket. my test dive was fine. at race time i had an awsome dive and lost my trunks to below my fanny. had to pull them up and continue where i lost at least 2 seconds.
my lady lane timer said the dive was great, time lousy but she liked the view!
Hank of Marin county Northbay Aquatics :D
