I survived. Although my nerves almost got the best of me. Swimming in front of those kids was very nerve wracking to me. I was there all day. Arrived at 6:45 to time. Rested and cheered from noon until 3 and then warmed-up. I took 3 sec off my 400 IM time. I was pleased with that but it didn't feel as smooth as I wanted. I blame that on the long day. :cry:
The blocks at this pool were horrible. Imagine the platform being half size of normal front to back. They were normal width but only about 6 inches deep. You couldn't even get a good track start. Luckily with the 400 the start doesn't matter as much. As I was on the block for the dive-over start the touch pad came off. Nothing like a delay while on this time platform.
Went to workout today and we did a nice long 4400. Stretched everything out and now I feel good.
Alison
Just finished reading this thread, I'm gathering that for those who swam in age group meets the experience was a positive one overall? I'm asking because I'm going to start swimming with an age group team (this afternoon in fact). I haven't really thought about doing a meet, but since master's meets are few and far between I might consider it. We'll see how the practice goes first.
:banana:
I'd say it was a positive experience. I don't train with a kids' team. I signed up for the meet because I was going to be there anyway watching my kid. Now that she's aged up, we can swim in the same session. I have trouble getting to many local or other masters meets because of my kids' events. This was a convenient way to combine cheering for my kid and her team and getting in a couple swims myself. I swam an event I rarely get a chance to swim. The atmosphere was low key -- it was an "open" meet with no QTs, so pretty mellow. (Sorry for the nerves Alison!)
Kids seemed to think it was interesting. Masters are a rarity at our USA meets. But, according to my daughter, the kids on her team said "Cool, I didn't know old people swam and competed." :lmao: Maybe this is the way to get out the word that masters swimming exists as a sport?
Perhaps, as Alison notes, there was a little pressure not to mess up big time or have the piano fall dramatically in front of the kiddies. (I don't do many starts either, Art.) But it was worth it to get some more meet experience and times. Wouldn't do it all the time, but every once in awhile seems fun. Give it a try -- especially if there aren't others masters meets available.
I have heard that some parents are irritated when elite masters swim at important USA meets, sometimes taking a kids' place during finals. This would not be my issue, as senior QTs are outrageously hard, but I think those parents should get over it.
:bouncing: let me know how it goes!!!!
One of my friends told me that she'd come if and only if no one else comes with her. She fears :joker: that someone will laugh at her.
Originally Posted by The Fortress
I have heard that some parents are irritated when elite masters swim at important USA meets, sometimes taking a kids' place during finals. This would not be my issue, as senior QTs are outrageously hard, but I think those parents should get over it.
The Nevada State SCY Championships are open to all who make the QT's but a few years ago they changed the rules and now swimmers over 19 do not advance to finals. They can only swim prelims. The reason was supposedly to keep kids from being bumped out of finals but probably had more to do with scoring and teams losing points to adult swimmers.
Originally Posted by The Fortress
I have heard that some parents are irritated when elite masters swim at important USA meets, sometimes taking a kids' place during finals. This would not be my issue, as senior QTs are outrageously hard, but I think those parents should get over it.
The Nevada State SCY Championships are open to all who make the QT's but a few years ago they changed the rules and now swimmers over 19 do not advance to finals. They can only swim prelims. The reason was supposedly to keep kids from being bumped out of finals but probably had more to do with scoring and teams losing points to adult swimmers.The over 19 rule seems to be meant to apply against college athletes. I’ve heard a number of grumbling parents when Georgia or GA Tech swimmers show up to the Georgia state meet; especially when these Olympic medalists or NCAA All-American are from outside the state.
Personally (now that my son is one of THOSE college swimmers), I think it is great to see these swimmers raise the level of competition.
Anyone who complains about another swimmer "taking their kid's spot" in finals definitely needs to get over it. The swimmers that deserves a spot are the swimmers that swam the fastest in prelims, regardless of age or where they live. If they are eligible to swim in the meet, they should be eligible to swim finals as well.
Anyone who complains about another swimmer "taking their kid's spot" in finals definitely needs to get over it. The swimmers that deserves a spot are the swimmers that swam the fastest in prelims, regardless of age or where they live. If they are eligible to swim in the meet, they should be eligible to swim finals as well.
Totally agree!
Interestingly, I'm not sure the kids have any huge objection to masters swimmers swimming in prelim/final meets. They seem to think it's pretty cool and make it a point to watch. Besides, the elite masters are great role models.
Kristina, your team mates idea is good. I wouldn't want to swim the same event twice in a day anyway.
Sorry to hear you couldn't swim. I hope for better results next time.
Alison
Anyone who complains about another swimmer "taking their kid's spot" in finals definitely needs to get over it. The swimmers that deserves a spot are the swimmers that swam the fastest in prelims, regardless of age or where they live. If they are eligible to swim in the meet, they should be eligible to swim finals as well.
...but Kirk that means little Timmy or Suzy might not be the all conquering hero that gets to be number 1 that their parent's have raised them to believe they deserve...we're all winners...they are no wrong answers...there is no such thing as negative consequences...ad nostradamusum
I have heard that some parents are irritated when elite masters swim at important USA meets, sometimes taking a kids' place during finals. This would not be my issue, as senior QTs are outrageously hard, but I think those parents should get over it.
I agree. Their times are hard to get. The Open meets are the best since anyone can compete.
Alison
Totally agree!
Interestingly, I'm not sure the kids have any huge objection to masters swimmers swimming in prelim/final meets. They seem to think it's pretty cool and make it a point to watch. Besides, the elite masters are great role models.
Les your rollover turn got a "Wow, I've never seen that!" from the girl timing at the Sprint.
Whereas I normally get a "Wow, I've never seen it done quite like that before! Hahahahaha!"
