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?
Parents
Former Member
If you enjoy competing, then compete. No need to wait.
Master's teams are pretty laid back. The coach will help you with your stroke, which will help you with your speed and you will try to fit in with what everyone else is doing, which will improve your endurance. Everyone who has not swam before starts out slow and most people remember the experience and are considerate to the new swimmers. Many people relive the "new" feeling by taking time off and returning out of shape and slow again.
I will warn you, the first couple weeks I started swimming with a masters team, I couldn't bend my arms very well. Don't feel bad if you need to get out of practice early to keep your buildup gradual. It is much better than developing shoulder problems from adding too much too soon (I've done that too... twice).
I suggest building up time before distance. Get comfortable swimming an hour with lots of breaks and then try not to skip stuff. Get used to swimming several times a week before swimming long practices.
Good luck, have fun.
If you enjoy competing, then compete. No need to wait.
Master's teams are pretty laid back. The coach will help you with your stroke, which will help you with your speed and you will try to fit in with what everyone else is doing, which will improve your endurance. Everyone who has not swam before starts out slow and most people remember the experience and are considerate to the new swimmers. Many people relive the "new" feeling by taking time off and returning out of shape and slow again.
I will warn you, the first couple weeks I started swimming with a masters team, I couldn't bend my arms very well. Don't feel bad if you need to get out of practice early to keep your buildup gradual. It is much better than developing shoulder problems from adding too much too soon (I've done that too... twice).
I suggest building up time before distance. Get comfortable swimming an hour with lots of breaks and then try not to skip stuff. Get used to swimming several times a week before swimming long practices.
Good luck, have fun.
