RACE PREPARATION

I was asked to give my insight into Race Day Preparation. Here are some Tips & Tricks I found helpful in preparing for Race Day. 

Preparation for races must be done prior to Race day: 

• Ensure you have race goggles and spare goggles, two swim hats and two swimsuits (medication if required).  
• Being prepared reduces pressure, as you need not worry if something breaks/snaps/tears as you will have spares, all that’s left for you to do is race.  

• Tactics are equally important for a successful race, just like preparing to bring spare swim hats and goggles.
• Preparation is key to a good performance. 

Why is having a spare/back-up important? 

Hats Rip – Goggles Snap – Swimsuits Tear, “Sods law if it can happen it will happen.” It has happened to me and my competitors at one time or another and it will happen no doubt again! Experienced swimmers have seen this happen numerous times and at the worst possible moment.

• Swim Hat: I have lined up to race, when putting on my swim hat it ripped. To a swimmer this can be mentally upsetting, to say, “it’s okay, I’ll put on my spare…” not having to borrow another swimmer’s swim hat. While looking for a swim hat you can lose focus.

Tip: For people with long hair I recommend you wear a long-haired swimming hat.

• Goggles: I have stood behind the starting block before a race and had the strap to my goggles snap due to over tightening, again having my spare goggles allowed me to remain focused and not worry. It is important to note that all international athletes/swimmers bring spare gear to competitions/race day.  

Tip: Please ensure that your goggles are not loose as the dive-in/startcan cause them to lift resulting in them leaking. 

• Race Swimsuit: There have been times I have had a swimsuit/race suit tear or rip and having a spare suit allowed me to compete without worry. I cannot emphasize this enough about having spares going to competitions.

Tip: For race suits they need to be tight-fitting but nonrestrictive in body movement.

• Medication is another thing a swimmer should consider. I am asthmatic and breathing is a huge factor in swimming, I always ensure I have my inhaler and back-up inhaler. I would highly recommend that if you take medication to have a back-up and that they are full. I have misplaced my inhalers but was able to remain calm as I knew I had my spare inhaler. 

Race preparation is about being prepared mentally and physically to compete. Training is 80% physical 20% mental. Racing is 20% physical and 80% mental. Competing is about being the best you can be in that moment, removing concerns of possible equipment malfunctions is a distraction that can be easily avoided by having back-ups, allowing you to focus on competing. 

Hope you enjoyed my post. Stay tuned for more upcoming posts!