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.
Go,no one but you will care if you swim slow,and I would be stunned if you don't find the people friendly and accepting.We are always glad to have new swimmers show up.
Go,no one but you will care if you swim slow,and I would be stunned if you don't find the people friendly and accepting.We are always glad to have new swimmers show up.
Agree with Allen! As someone who swims for the meet host and has swum at this meet with fast swimmers and newbies alike for many years, I can assure you that you would be most welcome. No one ever snickers. Many people sign up with VMST as a default team if they don't want to swim unattached, so don't worry about VMST either. The first meet can be a little nerve wracking; you might as well take the plunge now and get some times.
Whether you're 18 or 80, slow or fast, everyone is welcome to compete. If you're worried about how you'll fit in, check out the results from last year's meet:
www.patriotmasters.org/.../index.htm
Don't worry about the points race, it's fun to try to win the team trophy but most people come to meet old friends and enjoy themselves,
and maybe use the upcoming meet as motivation to get themselves to the pool for practice.
And the relays are fun. VMST puts up many many relays at this meet and I'm sure they'd love to have you join them.
No one should laugh and who cares what other people think. If your team mates don't like what you do, so what.
If you are in the swim it should be for your own good.
Good luck and all power to you.
I don't want people to snicker at my times.There will be no snickering. No one pays attention unless something drastic happens - like your suit falls off on the blocks. Right now I recall the first time I was ever on the blocks about 12 months ago(didnt swim as a kid)> Not being familiar with the cues I hesitated on the blocks while glancing at the marshall. Everyone else was in the water, I couldnt hear the horn with earplugs in:blush:. I reviewed the video and the only laugh I heard was from my wife.
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!
Swim as much as you can! Enjoy it! Everyone I've ever met at ANY meet in the nation have been AMAZING to me!
Besides - you'll probably meet The Fortress there, I've been told she's actually quite nice in person! :rofl: J.k. Les.
