Preparing for a swim meet
Preparing for a Swim Meet
Swim meets are an opportunity to test your training and refine the technique that your coach has been teaching. While you may have many meets during the season, the goal is to improve your time as the season progresses. By spending some time preparing both logistically and psychologically, you can help yourself to have a successful meet. Get plenty of rest the day before. Meets are fun-filled, but tiring activities, especially if you're swimming events at the beginning and tail end of the meet. Make sure you get a healthy night's sleep the night before to ensure you swim your best. Relax and visualize your race the night before. Focus on your coach's tips about your particular swim and imagine a successful race. Don't think about the other swimmers; your swim is about your personal best. Eat a healthy meal, focusing on easily digested protein and whole grains, prior to heading to the meet to ensure your body is fueled and ready to swim fast. For morning meats, try eggs on whole grain toast. For afternoon meets, a ham or turkey sandwich on whole grain bread can help speed your way.
Before the meet starts:
Pack supplies, besides an extra cap and goggles, in case of breakage. Bring towels, clothes to wear out of the water, sunscreen and food. Many swim meets have food provided by a vendor or by the club's kitchen; however, you may prefer home-made provisions rather than the options at the meet. Depending on the venue, you may also need to bring chairs and a sun shade. Arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time begins. Upon arrival, find a place to put your blankets, swim bags and/or sleeping bags, the team sits in one place together, so look for some familiar faces. Find the check-in place. Make sure to check in with your coach! Check for special posted instructions in the check-in area. Once
Swim meets are an opportunity to test your training and refine the technique that your coach has been teaching. While you may have many meets during the season, the goal is to improve your time as the season progresses. By spending some time preparing both logistically and psychologically, you can help yourself to have a successful meet. Get plenty of rest the day before. Meets are fun-filled, but tiring activities, especially if you're swimming events at the beginning and tail end of the meet. Make sure you get a healthy night's sleep the night before to ensure you swim your best. Relax and visualize your race the night before. Focus on your coach's tips about your particular swim and imagine a successful race. Don't think about the other swimmers; your swim is about your personal best. Eat a healthy meal, focusing on easily digested protein and whole grains, prior to heading to the meet to ensure your body is fueled and ready to swim fast. For morning meats, try eggs on whole grain toast. For afternoon meets, a ham or turkey sandwich on whole grain bread can help speed your way.
Before the meet starts:
Pack supplies, besides an extra cap and goggles, in case of breakage. Bring towels, clothes to wear out of the water, sunscreen and food. Many swim meets have food provided by a vendor or by the club's kitchen; however, you may prefer home-made provisions rather than the options at the meet. Depending on the venue, you may also need to bring chairs and a sun shade. Arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time begins. Upon arrival, find a place to put your blankets, swim bags and/or sleeping bags, the team sits in one place together, so look for some familiar faces. Find the check-in place. Make sure to check in with your coach! Check for special posted instructions in the check-in area. Once