My first Masters meet is coming up on March 27&28 and I don't have a clue about:
1. Should I swim the day before or just rest?
2. What (and when) should I eat before my first race?
3. What (and when) should I swim to warm-up before my first race (200 breaststroke)?
4. What about cooldown then warming up again before my next race (medley relay)?
5. Any other recommendations, besides stretching and HAVING FUN? :D
THANKS!
I like to swim the day before the meet - light - like others have said. Warm up, pace set, cool down.
I recommend warming down after all races. When I don't I get legcramps that night and don't sleep well.
Make sure you do some starts - the blocks at Dynamo are shaky and small, so if you can try out the block in the lane(s) you are racing in, even better to prepare for what's coming.
Carbs the day before are good - it's the only time I ever convince my husband to go out for Italian!
Day of meet food depends on you - some people eat very little, others need a filling breakfast. You can also think about it in terms of how long a day it will be. Check out the psych sheet a few days before the meet - if it's going to be an all day event, make sure you pack more snacks. I like bananas, graham crackers, and possibly half a bagel if I have a long time between races. They do have a concession stand at the Dynamo pool as well.
They have plenty of bleacher seats at Dynamo so you will have space to sit down, but bringing a folding chair can be extra nice.
Good luck!
I like to swim the day before the meet - light - like others have said. Warm up, pace set, cool down.
I recommend warming down after all races. When I don't I get legcramps that night and don't sleep well.
Make sure you do some starts - the blocks at Dynamo are shaky and small, so if you can try out the block in the lane(s) you are racing in, even better to prepare for what's coming.
Carbs the day before are good - it's the only time I ever convince my husband to go out for Italian!
Day of meet food depends on you - some people eat very little, others need a filling breakfast. You can also think about it in terms of how long a day it will be. Check out the psych sheet a few days before the meet - if it's going to be an all day event, make sure you pack more snacks. I like bananas, graham crackers, and possibly half a bagel if I have a long time between races. They do have a concession stand at the Dynamo pool as well.
They have plenty of bleacher seats at Dynamo so you will have space to sit down, but bringing a folding chair can be extra nice.
Good luck!
