I just started seriously doing lap swimming and joined USMS at the first of this year. I even did my first swim meet at Colonies Zone in April just to see what they are all about.
I do all of my training alone and I started with doing only 400m total a workout and now I up to 850m. I am adding gradually each month. But I am still the same speed - horribly slow (about 1:00 for 50 free) so I have purchased a Masters workout card.
I figured that I am not getting any faster despite swimming almost every day because 1) I don't know how to improve, and 2) maybe being in a workout will speed me up.
Now I am nervous about 1) showing up and being with swimmers who qualified for Nationals, and 2) having a coach who sees how slow I am.
I have signed up for some swim meets in October/November - mostly 50/100 back, 50/100 free, and 50 fly - and I would like to see my time drop somewhat. Or should I not compete until I see my times in training drop?
Good for you! I haven't had much of a chance to compete in races because I'm in Juneau, AK, but I think that participation in competition can be inspiring. I did go to one meet in Oklahoma while I was still there and had a great time. I met a lot of competitors at a whole range of ability levels, all were encouraging and very nice!
Also if you have the ability to sign up and go with a group I'd say go for it. The coach should be able to help you with workout strategies and techniques that can get you improvements more quickly than on your own.
Good luck!
-J
Good for you! I haven't had much of a chance to compete in races because I'm in Juneau, AK, but I think that participation in competition can be inspiring. I did go to one meet in Oklahoma while I was still there and had a great time. I met a lot of competitors at a whole range of ability levels, all were encouraging and very nice!
Also if you have the ability to sign up and go with a group I'd say go for it. The coach should be able to help you with workout strategies and techniques that can get you improvements more quickly than on your own.
Good luck!
-J
