Swim Rant

Ranting about other people in your swimming experiences is fun, but it sure sucks when the person you're ranting at is yourself. :bighug: And, I truly mean that; you have my sympathy- and empathy. I had my own personal rant at a swim meet, last month, that was a bummer for me. The day of the meet was freezing (literally) outside and it was a walk from the parking lot to the Georgia Tech pool. Once inside the pool area, it was quite hot and humid. But, then, the pool was 78 degrees; seven degrees cooler than where I swim regularly. I didn't gauge how much time my body needed to warm-up and I did the opposite of you; made sure I got practice time off the blocks, since there are no starting blocks where I swim. On my first breaststroke start, I kicked too wide on the pull out and strained an adductor. So, my 50 breaststroke race was bad; I couldn't get a good kick and my stroke count was high. I was nowhere near my PB. Then, on the 100, my leg tightened up in the cool water and it was a disaster. I also felt EXHAUSTED; I was having a Raynaud's attack from the cold and my body was not feeling right, at all. And, the heat and humidity of the pool air really got to me, because my body can't tolerate heat, either, even though I mentally love it! Right after I got out of the pool, my face was red, but my toes were blue. I couldn't figure out if I was hot or cold; I felt like both at the same time! And, even though I was well-hyrdated and doing everything I could, physically, I felt horrible. Then, my leg tightened up so much that I couldn't walk normally. So, I scratched the 200 breaststroke, took a hot shower, then went home to put a heating pad on my leg. Couroboros, the best thing for both of us is to write off our bad experiences and look ahead to our next meet- and do everything we can in our control to make things right. (I, for one, am checking in with the doctor, tomorrow. And, I plan on warming up more at my next meet!) Good luck! :cheerleader: And, most importantly, don't be too hard on yourself and have FUN! :D

Ranting about other people in your swimming experiences is fun, but it sure sucks when the person you're ranting at is yourself. :bighug: And, I truly mean that; you have my sympathy- and empathy. I had my own personal rant at a swim meet, last month, that was a bummer for me. The day of the meet was freezing (literally) outside and it was a walk from the parking lot to the Georgia Tech pool. Once inside the pool area, it was quite hot and humid. But, then, the pool was 78 degrees; seven degrees cooler than where I swim regularly. I didn't gauge how much time my body needed to warm-up and I did the opposite of you; made sure I got practice time off the blocks, since there are no starting blocks where I swim. On my first breaststroke start, I kicked too wide on the pull out and strained an adductor. So, my 50 breaststroke race was bad; I couldn't get a good kick and my stroke count was high. I was nowhere near my PB. Then, on the 100, my leg tightened up in the cool water and it was a disaster. I also felt EXHAUSTED; I was having a Raynaud's attack from the cold and my body was not feeling right, at all. And, the heat and humidity of the pool air really got to me, because my body can't tolerate heat, either, even though I mentally love it! Right after I got out of the pool, my face was red, but my toes were blue. I couldn't figure out if I was hot or cold; I felt like both at the same time! And, even though I was well-hyrdated and doing everything I could, physically, I felt horrible. Then, my leg tightened up so much that I couldn't walk normally. So, I scratched the 200 breaststroke, took a hot shower, then went home to put a heating pad on my leg. Couroboros, the best thing for both of us is to write off our bad experiences and look ahead to our next meet- and do everything we can in our control to make things right. (I, for one, am checking in with the doctor, tomorrow. And, I plan on warming up more at my next meet!) Good luck! :cheerleader: And, most importantly, don't be too hard on yourself and have FUN! :D