I am considering doing a couple events at the Colonies Zone meet at Rutgers, but I have to admit to being a little concerned about the following:
1. I'm a slow swimmer, and while this has not stopped me from going into smaller, low-key meets, I don't know how it would work for a championship meet. The events I'm considering are the 100 and/or 200 free, and the best I've done in the 100 is something in the low 2 mins., for the 200, 4:21 or 4:22. I recently had a coach do a video analysis of my stroke and he made some very helpful suggestions, but of course I don't look for miracles by December 8. Obviously I want to improve on these times, but would I be totally out of my league in a Zone meet like this? Or are there others getting aroudn these same times (hey, it's okay if those others are 95... just don't want to be totally by myself in the pool as the officials look nervously from their watches to me and back).
2. I know I have to get past my anxiety about getting on the starting block--I've done some dives in practice but not recently... and when I did, I felt very uncomfortable, always afraid I'd slip. In past meets I've done either in-water starts or at most would dive off the side of the pool, but maybe that's kind of dorky for a championship meet. Not that I've ever let the dorkiness of a particular choice stop me if I feel it's the best choice for me... ;) But just in case I decide to try the starting block, do any of you have tips on (a) keeping the nerves under control and (b) getting a safe, not too awful looking dive? Coordination has never been one of my strengths, but I do want to be open to trying things that don't feel comfortable.
Thanks for the input! btw, I'm going to meet with the above-mentioned coach for a few more sessions. He's terrific! Maybe I could ask him to talk me through some starts.
Parents
Former Member
My first meet ever was LCM zones. I was the slowest swimmer in my age group (and the youngest by far in my heats, LOL), but I am so glad that I did it. No one cares how you do but you and the friends who cheer you on.
As for the blocks, that was the single thing that terrified me the most (I was afraid to dive, much less off of blocks). But I got a little private coaching and practiced. Once I had done a couple of dives in the sprint lanes during warm-up, I felt fine. I have videotape - it wasn't elegant or even quick, but I did get into the water head first. And frankly, if it just seems like too much, dive off the side or start from the water. No one cares.
I haven't decided if I'm headed to Rutgers or not yet, but if I do, let's definately meet up.
My first meet ever was LCM zones. I was the slowest swimmer in my age group (and the youngest by far in my heats, LOL), but I am so glad that I did it. No one cares how you do but you and the friends who cheer you on.
As for the blocks, that was the single thing that terrified me the most (I was afraid to dive, much less off of blocks). But I got a little private coaching and practiced. Once I had done a couple of dives in the sprint lanes during warm-up, I felt fine. I have videotape - it wasn't elegant or even quick, but I did get into the water head first. And frankly, if it just seems like too much, dive off the side or start from the water. No one cares.
I haven't decided if I'm headed to Rutgers or not yet, but if I do, let's definately meet up.
