How to prepare for your first swimming race

So you have your first race coming up? How exciting! It’s time to prepare and make sure you have everything for the big day! There is always a lot to remember to take with you to a race day, as well as what you should be doing to make sure your body is prepared before a race. Not sure where to start? Let us help!

1. Get your swimming gear packed, ready for the race the next day. Prepare your meals for the day, including your breakfast so you don’t have to rush around in the morning finding food to eat. Plan your snacks for the day too! Need some help with what food is the best to eat before a swim? Read our ‘What you should eat before a swim’ blog for some suggestions: https://www.proswimwear.co.uk/blog/what-you-should-eat-before-a-swim/ 
2. Check your tickets and ID, which bag you plan to take, your water bottle, and any other equipment you possibly could need. Organise this all before race day so you can focus on the race with no distractions or worries.
3. Get a good few nights of sleep before race day and make sure you stretch before the race. Warming up before the race will help get your body ready and in the zone. Training normally slows down before a race, so make sure your body is prepared in time for the race.
4. You know your mind better than anyone else, so make sure you get yourself in the zone. You can do this by plugging in your headphones and listening to music. 
5. Make sure that you know your end goal, and that you race hard with maximum input. You want to ideally keep realistic goals from your training, to not get disappointed, and should organise yourself accordingly to reach these goals. You know what you want from the race, so go for it.  
6. Make sure you get to the swim meets early! They can be very hectic and can often mean you are rushing around and stressed if you aren’t prepared. Know your event, your heat numbers, race times, and your block position. Make sure you know this information for yourself, even if you have to write it all down!

These steps will help you in your swimming race, but remember that it is all meant to be fun, and if you don’t reach your personal goals this time, work for it for the time after. So race hard, the biggest competition is yourself! 

Do you have a child preparing for their first swim meet and not sure what to expect? We can help! Check out our blog on what you should really expect at your child’s first swim meet:

https://www.proswimwear.co.uk/blog/what-to-really-expect-at-your-childs-first-swim-meet-/