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!
Instead of bailing on the flip turn, during warmup and at near race speed, find some mark on the bottom, probably a lane lane from a crossing lane and establish a stroke count from that point to where you need to start your turn. That's the best way I know of to handle turns on short bulkheads.
Thanks for all the great advice! I am really getting excited.
I don't leave for a few more hours...the lines are open for more advice for this swim meet virgin!
Instead of bailing on the flip turn, during warmup and at near race speed, find some mark on the bottom, probably a lane lane from a crossing lane and establish a stroke count from that point to where you need to start your turn. That's the best way I know of to handle turns on short bulkheads.
Thanks for the tip! We are going to try and swim at the pool this evening. I will try that and I think I will feel better having a plan.
It's OK to be excited, but don't forget to have fun! Unless you are going for a state/national record, remember when you were a kid:bouncing: & just have fun/enjoy the water1 !00 meets later you will look forward to these feelings!:)
