Hi all...
I'm just getting started with this whole serious swimming thing, and at 20 I'm trying to make up for lost time.
A friend of mine who was an excellent swimmer in high school is sort of coaching me now, although I'm a little skeptical about some of his advice. He suggests that I shave down like a competition swimmer in order to achieve a "better feel" for the water while I'm improving my technique. Is there any truth to this, and is there any other reason I should consider doing it? I'm obviously not anywhere near ready for competition, but I want to do whatever I can to learn quickly.
Any advice on this, and any other advice for a late starter would be really appreciated!
Parents
Former Member
Originally posted by sundevil86
Just an added question about my progress...is it reasonable for me to want to compete once before the end of this summer? I'd really like to if I could, but based on my current ability, I'm not sure.
I don't see any reason to delay competing. Just remember that there are three ways to win:
1) You win if you come in first.
2) You win if you place higher in an event than you ever placed before.
3) You win if you get a faster time for an event than you ever got before.
The first time you race, you're guaranteed to do both 2 & 3, so you're guaranteed to win!
If you're ever tempted to worry about what other people think of your performance, remember that the worst you can do is come in last, and if you do, there will always be one person who will be very glad you came, and that's the person who comes in next-to-last!
Bob
Originally posted by sundevil86
Just an added question about my progress...is it reasonable for me to want to compete once before the end of this summer? I'd really like to if I could, but based on my current ability, I'm not sure.
I don't see any reason to delay competing. Just remember that there are three ways to win:
1) You win if you come in first.
2) You win if you place higher in an event than you ever placed before.
3) You win if you get a faster time for an event than you ever got before.
The first time you race, you're guaranteed to do both 2 & 3, so you're guaranteed to win!
If you're ever tempted to worry about what other people think of your performance, remember that the worst you can do is come in last, and if you do, there will always be one person who will be very glad you came, and that's the person who comes in next-to-last!
Bob
