Preparing for a swim meet is not only physical, but mental as well. Giving your body the proper rest and fuel and mentally preparing yourself for the task at hand is the best way to know that you're equipping yourself with the best chance of swimming your best at your next meet.
Instructions
1. Get proper rest the night before. Do something that relaxes you into a good night's sleep, such as reading or listening to music. Try your best to get eight solid hours of sleep the night before a meet.
2. Eat a healthy meal before the meet. If you'll be racing in the morning, have a light breakfast of complex carbohydrates. For early or late afternoon races, have a light lunch or snack of a salad or sandwich, or small quantities of pasta, vegetables and fruit.
3. Prepare your body for the race. Warming up in the pool not only allows you to get your muscles ready for the challenge of the race, but it also helps you mentally to familiarizing yourself with the lane and wall markings, etc., if you aren't swimming in your home pool.
4. Tune out locker room chatter about other swimmers' best times. They may not be feeling their best that day, and are trying to gain an edge for themselves by putting doubt in your mind that you can beat them. Gear your mind toward thinking about your own performance and what you need to do to guarantee yourself a good race.
5. Focus your mind on racing to the best of your ability. For some, this may mean relaxing with friends before their race. Others may prefer to go off by themselves or listen to music to get themselves mentally ready for the race. Do what works best for you.
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