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?
You absolutely should not be embarrassed to show up either at a practice or a meet.
I very strongly recommend you try a masters group, the coach will help you with technique and having people to swim with will motivate you. Talk to the coach beforehand, discuss your goals and current speed and s/he will let put you with lane mates of similar ability.
As far as meets go, as I said you shouldn't worry about your speed; compete if you enjoy it and use it to help gauge your progress. Use others if you wish to race and get faster, or ignore everyone else in your heat and just swim against the clock. There is nothing like an actual meet to get you "up" for a race, and you'll have a chance to swim in a nice meet in your area in early November. Plenty of time to prepare; good luck!
You absolutely should not be embarrassed to show up either at a practice or a meet.
I very strongly recommend you try a masters group, the coach will help you with technique and having people to swim with will motivate you. Talk to the coach beforehand, discuss your goals and current speed and s/he will let put you with lane mates of similar ability.
As far as meets go, as I said you shouldn't worry about your speed; compete if you enjoy it and use it to help gauge your progress. Use others if you wish to race and get faster, or ignore everyone else in your heat and just swim against the clock. There is nothing like an actual meet to get you "up" for a race, and you'll have a chance to swim in a nice meet in your area in early November. Plenty of time to prepare; good luck!
