A distraction along the trip to the ultimate goal

The Big 9 meet is this weekend, diving on Friday Night and Swimming on Saturday afternoon.  

While the temptation to lay it all out against your Big 8 foes is as real as any an athlete experiences, swimmers have to remember, Big 9 isn't the goal, it's a stop on the trip toward the goal. 

You've swam against all but one of the teams, you have beaten half, there is talk of tapers and the end of the season feels near.

The fact is that Big 9 is just another meet and darn good practice for how to perform in a championship format.

It is a preparation for bigger things to come. Swim fast but forget about shaving and forget about the technical suit.

Swim hard, learn, think, but remember, Big 9 is not the prize, it is a distraction on the trip to the finish line.  

And above all, HAVE FUN for gosh sakes!