I am new to Masters swimming, and I am swimming my first meet at Auburn this weekend. Today when I was practicing, I would get on the blocks and start thinking about the meet. I would get so nervous and shaky that I could barely finish a 50!! After I stopped timing myself and told myself I was "just swimming an easy 50" I did okay. Any advice for Saturday?
Also...I cannot decide about my flip turn. I feel like it is different EVERY time I do it. Sometimes too close, others too far away, and sometimes right on. Should I try it in the meet, or just go for the open turn? It's not like I'm a contender or anything.....
Thanks for any advice!
I've had the most success in races when I've told myself - don't think just go. If you've been practicing and training you'll be fine. I think Patrick's suggestion of having fun is huge. Sometimes I get so caught up going for a PR or whatnot that I forget that I am doing this because it's fun and I love it. Just go out and enjoy the experience.
This is my fifth masters season and I still get nervous every single meet. It's gotten better - but I always am nervous for my first event. Once that's over usually I calm down a bit.
Have fun! Do the flip turn! Learn and enjoy meeting the other swimmers - masters swimmers are a great group of people!
I've had the most success in races when I've told myself - don't think just go. If you've been practicing and training you'll be fine. I think Patrick's suggestion of having fun is huge. Sometimes I get so caught up going for a PR or whatnot that I forget that I am doing this because it's fun and I love it. Just go out and enjoy the experience.
This is my fifth masters season and I still get nervous every single meet. It's gotten better - but I always am nervous for my first event. Once that's over usually I calm down a bit.
Have fun! Do the flip turn! Learn and enjoy meeting the other swimmers - masters swimmers are a great group of people!
