Dear Mom and Dad,
Remember that I might be a little nervous, so a really BIG meal right before I swim is NOT a good idea. Feed me something substantial around 4:30 – maybe a bagel with peanut butter, or some pasta, or a soft pretzel and some fruit. Greasy food will probably not digest well tonight!
These early summer evening meets can be pretty chilly! My towel is going to be WET after my first race. So as soon as the sun begins to set I am going to be cold. Please pack me several dry towels.
And while we’re on the subject of cold … a hooded sweatshirt and some sweat pants will feel great after the sun has gone down, especially if it’s breezy. Also, please pack me something warm to change into after I am done swimming. I might want to stay and watch the older kids, and I don’t want to be freezing.
Chances are I’m going to get a little hungry (O.K. A LOT hungry) after the meet gets going – so I might need a snack. The best thing for me will be some fruit (like apple slices or orange wedges or grapes) or a light snack (like pretzels). My blood sugar is going to do crazy things if I start eating doughnuts, candy and chocolate bars between races. So please help me to eat healthy things if I really need a snack.
And another thing – water, juice or Gatorade will be much better for me than a soda from the concession stand!
The last really, super, incredibly important thing for me to tell you is that I need to get some rest today. I really shouldn’t spend a lot of time at the pool or out in the sun. I’m going to need all of my energy for swimming tonight (and besides I might be up past my bedtime!!).
Okay – one last really, super duper, incredibly spectacular thing for me to tell you is that I can’t wait to see you cheer me on – it makes me feel really important and let’s me know I am doing my best!
Thanks for helping me to have a good first meet!