I just started back swimming about six months ago and about two months ago signed up for USMS because there was a Masters swim meet at my pool and I thought it would be a fun goal to eventually compete.
I am seriously thinking about signing up for my first swim meet (Colonial Zone SCY Championships) in April but I am afraid that 1)I will finish dead last in every event I do - I have gotten A LOT faster but I don't I am at race speed yet and 2)The people from my swim club might be irritated that I didn't scored well enough in my races to earn them any club points. I also don't think I will be doing any relays because I think I will hurt the team's chances in placing well. I don't know anyone else in the local swim club (VMST) I signed up for.
Right now, I think I want to do the 50 free, 50 back, and 100 back. Should I really wait to do my first swim meet or should I just do this first one for the experience? I don't want people to snicker at my times.
Just do it and don't worry. All of your concerns are unfounded. If you do end up dead last, who cares? At least you tried. No one will care if you don't score tons of points. Any points you do score are just a bonus for your club. As for relays, perhaps your availability will allow one more relay to swim. The vast majority of swimmers at masters meets are there just to do their best and have fun!
Just do it and don't worry. All of your concerns are unfounded. If you do end up dead last, who cares? At least you tried. No one will care if you don't score tons of points. Any points you do score are just a bonus for your club. As for relays, perhaps your availability will allow one more relay to swim. The vast majority of swimmers at masters meets are there just to do their best and have fun!
