Back in December 2010 I attended a speed camp in Florida run by Terry. I learnt lots and posted several blogs about my experience.  Terry spoke of the pleasure of competition and the many ways to use competition to learn about yourself and your swimming.

I arrived home with good intentions and aimed to get into some competition as soon as possible. Like many good intentions numerous things got in the way.  I was very busy at work, I was finding it difficult to fit a Tempo Trainer session into my week, my new TI business was taking up a lot of time, etc etc. However I retired from work in mid 2011 and by September was swimming with a Masters Club once a week. For numerous reasons being overseas, previous family engagement, and my TI business my first competition turned out to be the Australian Masters Championships in April 2012.

I felt overwhelmed; I would have much preferred to do an interclub first. As I had missed several other opportunities I went.  Looking at others times in my age group was rather depressing as there were some very fast swimmers. I remember what Terry had said you are there to learn about yourself.  When in Florida after a 200M swim Terry had asked me what my plan was.  I was a bit stunned I had never thought of having a plan.  My first event was the 100M freestyle; I was so nervous as I got on the blocks and then out of the blue I suddenly thought what is my plan? Between standing on the blocks and the gun I had decided to enjoy myself, swim concentrating on Balance for the first 15 M then slip into streamline and with 15 M to go concentrate on propulsion.

I had a good swim, felt very comfortable and not overly out of breath at the finish. I then looked at the time I had swam a PB by 9 seconds. I had to look at the board several times. That was a bronze medal swim. Where did that swim come from? 
If you are thinking about competing just do it, goodness knows what will happen when you swim.

Am I faster, yes I am.  

Age group 65-70

100M  1:29:33