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?
Jeff brings up a good point that 850 yards is very minimal. Even at 1:00/50 this would take you 17 minutes. Most masters groups are going to be in the water for an hour minimum. Are you ready for that? Obviously most coaches aren't going to force you to do the entire workout the first time, but I think you need to be willing to work up to that level quickly. I'm not trying to discourage you, but I really think if you are going to join a team you need to be willing to put in the commitment the team expects.
Good luck!
Jeff brings up a good point that 850 yards is very minimal. Even at 1:00/50 this would take you 17 minutes. Most masters groups are going to be in the water for an hour minimum. Are you ready for that? Obviously most coaches aren't going to force you to do the entire workout the first time, but I think you need to be willing to work up to that level quickly. I'm not trying to discourage you, but I really think if you are going to join a team you need to be willing to put in the commitment the team expects.
Good luck!
