Hello-
Atlanta will be my first Masters national meet. For those who have competed in them before (3-4 days of it) - how do you all handle getting enough rest, fuel, whatever in order to swim well over that span of time? I have 5 individual events and will more than likely be on all the relays... any advice or comments? I've done 3 day meets in college, but as I've gotten older - the body doesn't respond the way it used to.
;)
Thanks!
There are a couple of issues to look out for.
First, while there is usually lots of time between events, finding space to adequately cool down after a swim, or to warm up just prior to your event, can be a challenge. The dive wells at Federal Way and Austin were both nose to toes pretty much the entire time, with some folks trying to rev up for their events and others trying to cool it down. At times, and especially after a disappointing swim, I found it difficult to work up enthusiasm for inserting myself into the crowd and getting 300-400 yards in, no matter how much I knew I needed to. I'm guessing the situation will be even worse this year with the numbers we have coming and 20 lanes running.
Second, I have struggled with cumulative fatigue hitting pretty hard on the last day. In addition to the swimming, all that adrenaline and the emotional highs and lows really seem to take a toll on me. That problem seems to be getting a little better as I get more experience swimming one or two big meets annually.
For fueling during the meet, you can't beat the gold medal sponsor option. Eat whenever you want, no scrounging up cash or card and trying to find somewhere to buy something, it's usually in a nice quiet area away from the hubbub but close enought to keep tabs on what's happening, great socializing, food is usually decent (I still crave one of those breakfast burritos at Austin from time to time), bottled water always available, etc. etc. etc.
There are a couple of issues to look out for.
First, while there is usually lots of time between events, finding space to adequately cool down after a swim, or to warm up just prior to your event, can be a challenge. The dive wells at Federal Way and Austin were both nose to toes pretty much the entire time, with some folks trying to rev up for their events and others trying to cool it down. At times, and especially after a disappointing swim, I found it difficult to work up enthusiasm for inserting myself into the crowd and getting 300-400 yards in, no matter how much I knew I needed to. I'm guessing the situation will be even worse this year with the numbers we have coming and 20 lanes running.
Second, I have struggled with cumulative fatigue hitting pretty hard on the last day. In addition to the swimming, all that adrenaline and the emotional highs and lows really seem to take a toll on me. That problem seems to be getting a little better as I get more experience swimming one or two big meets annually.
For fueling during the meet, you can't beat the gold medal sponsor option. Eat whenever you want, no scrounging up cash or card and trying to find somewhere to buy something, it's usually in a nice quiet area away from the hubbub but close enought to keep tabs on what's happening, great socializing, food is usually decent (I still crave one of those breakfast burritos at Austin from time to time), bottled water always available, etc. etc. etc.
