I was just wondering what you guys do for pre-meet jitters. I'm going to my second Master's Meet April 10 & 11th in Lexington, KY. I'm swimming my first backstroke events at this meet. Since I never was an age grouper, high school, or college swimmer, I tend to get really nervous the closer to a meet that I get. It's getting so bad this time, that it's getting to the point that I'm not having fun anymore. I've also started to dread going to practice and just swimming in general. Do any of you have advice? Any help would be appreciated.
I am anxious about my performance and time. I'm also really anxious, because I feel unprepared.
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I'm actually wondering today, if I should skip this meet and just keep working toward my events at Nationals. Thoughts?
I think you should do it. You can actually use your perceived unpreparedness to your advantage. Use the meet as an experience gathering exercise for Nationals. Just get in and swim your best and don't even worry about your times. Think about this meet purely as practice for Nationals.
As far as tackling jitters, I do think visualization helps. Every night when you get in bed vizualize yourself swimming a perfect race. Yes, negative thoughts will creep into your mind from time-to-time, but use this time to focus on the positive.
I am anxious about my performance and time. I'm also really anxious, because I feel unprepared.
...
I'm actually wondering today, if I should skip this meet and just keep working toward my events at Nationals. Thoughts?
I think you should do it. You can actually use your perceived unpreparedness to your advantage. Use the meet as an experience gathering exercise for Nationals. Just get in and swim your best and don't even worry about your times. Think about this meet purely as practice for Nationals.
As far as tackling jitters, I do think visualization helps. Every night when you get in bed vizualize yourself swimming a perfect race. Yes, negative thoughts will creep into your mind from time-to-time, but use this time to focus on the positive.
