Swim Meet Prep

 After discussing with your teammates and coaches, you've decided to participate in a swim meet. First, ensure you're registered with USMS (United States Masters Swimming). When selecting your "Club," choose Arizona Masters, and for the "Workout Group," select "SaddleBrooke Masters (AZSBM)." If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask your coach.

Next, visit our website/calendar to find the link for the meet you want to enter. The entry forms are straightforward, but if you need help, just reach out to a coach. Enter the events you wish to swim. If you enter the maximum number of events but decide not to swim one, you can simply opt out by not showing up at the start.

If your desired events are close together, consider entering a slower seed time for the first event and your best time for the second. This strategy will give you more time to recover, as events are typically seeded from slowest to fastest. Once the Psych Sheets (which list all entrants) are released, review them and consider your strategies for the meet. Your coaches are always available to share their insights and advice.

• Two pairs of goggles
• Two swimsuits
• Swim cap
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Coat or shirt
• Footwear
• Chair
• Food (focus on carbs)
• Plenty of liquids
• Towels
• Soap and/or shampoo
• Positive attitude
• Most importantly, have fun with your friends!
• Remember, it might get chilly when you're wet after the sun sets.

• Check-In: Arrive early to check in for your events. You may need to confirm your entry and get your heat and lane assignments.

• Warm-Up: Before the races start, you’ll have a warm-up period. This is your chance to get comfortable in the water, practice your starts, and loosen up.

• Heat Sheets: Review the heat sheets to see your event schedule, including your heat and lane assignments. These sheets will be available at the pool and may change from what you initially saw online.

• Staging: Before your event, you'll stage behind the blocks or at the pool's edge. Stay relaxed and focused while you wait for your heat to be called.

• Racing: When it's your turn, step up to the starting block (or pool edge for some events) and prepare to race. Listen for the starting signal, and give it your all!

• Post-Race: After your race, exit the pool and check your time on the scoreboard. Take a moment to cool down and regroup with your teammates.

• Feedback and Strategy: Discuss your race with coaches and teammates. They can provide feedback on your performance and help you strategize for future events.

• Enjoy the Experience: Remember to enjoy the atmosphere, cheer for teammates, and celebrate everyone’s efforts!

• Take a shower and breathe a sigh of relief—you made it!

• Check the meet results for yourself and your teammates. Congratulate them on their achievements and graciously accept their compliments.

• Go out to dinner with your swim buddies to celebrate.

• Drink plenty of water and get a good night's sleep.

• Look forward to applying what you've learned in future workouts—every day is an opportunity to enjoy improvement!