Good... but not great

Tonight I swam in the Finals heat of the 100m Backstroke at my first International meet.  I was in the fastest heat of the evening seeded 5th out of 20 who made it back and only 10 who achieved the fastest heat.  I did everything correct to prepare for the race, I even borrowed a "dome" cap from a friend/teammate because I left mine at home.  I tend to psych myself out in high profile races like these.  Tonight was no exception.  I had a good start, surfaced at 15 meters at or ahead of everybody else.  I took out the first 35 meters at a pace I knew was solid.  At that point I looked over and noticed I was ahead of everybody.... I admit I freaked out.  I thought  "oh no, I'm taking it out too fast" and I slowed down.  Not a good idea.  I split a 27.38, two tenths slower than the morning swim.  I flipped at the wall and brought it home at a solid pace.  I felt like there was something missing during my entire race.  I admit I was freaked out, I was obsessing on the lane lines and my lane position due to the difficult ceiling.  I was maintaining a good pace till I let my competitors into my head.  I need to trust my abilities and race myself.  I touched the wall in a 58.01 which was 0.41 seconds slower than my morning swim.  It was good enough for 9th place out of 100+ swimmers.  I will do better next time.

I warmed down 200 meters and headed for the "ready room" to be paraded out for the 50 fly.  I was still out of breath when they announced my name.  I would have really liked to get a rested time in the 50 Fly.  I was a little slow off the blocks and touched in a 25.09 which was 0.05 seconds slower than this morning.  I placed 9th in this race as well.  At that point I was just happy to be done with my races, that 100 back really takes it out of me.  I stayed to cheer on some of my teammates and headed out to get some food.

The meet has been a blast thus far.  Great swims, supportive coaches and teammates as well as a fun new experience.  Tomorrow morning I have the 50 Free and 50 Backstroke.  I'm really hoping to tag an Olympic Trial cut of 23.49 in the 50 Free.  I think I can do it.