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!
With regards to flip turns - at Auburn one wall will be a bulkhead rather than a solid wall. Make sure you get in some good practice turns during warmup, since judging the wall is different with a bulkhead because the black line keeps going (even though there is still a T). If you have problems judging the wall in warmup, then I would recommend doing the open turn your races - it may keep you more relaxed.
Since this is your first meet, your times will be personal bests, so you will do great no matter what! Have fun and enjoy! Maybe I'll see you there!
With regards to flip turns - at Auburn one wall will be a bulkhead rather than a solid wall. Make sure you get in some good practice turns during warmup, since judging the wall is different with a bulkhead because the black line keeps going (even though there is still a T). If you have problems judging the wall in warmup, then I would recommend doing the open turn your races - it may keep you more relaxed.
Since this is your first meet, your times will be personal bests, so you will do great no matter what! Have fun and enjoy! Maybe I'll see you there!
