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?
I wasn't going to show up to the Masters workout until I am at 1,000m/workout at least. Should it be higher?
Maybe, but don't let that stop you from giving it a try. The only way you'll know is going to a masters workout and trying!
The reason why I went to the punchcard option was that I wasn't going to be able with my schedule go to most practices, so it's more economical than a monthly fee. Plus, at the beginning, I know the workouts are going to be an adjustment.
I think this is a good plan.
It's hard to know without seeing you swim, but odds are you have some serious technical issues in your stroke mechanics. If you can make your stroke more efficient you'll be amazed by how much farther you'll be able to swim. A good coach will be able to help you immediately.
I wasn't going to show up to the Masters workout until I am at 1,000m/workout at least. Should it be higher?
Maybe, but don't let that stop you from giving it a try. The only way you'll know is going to a masters workout and trying!
The reason why I went to the punchcard option was that I wasn't going to be able with my schedule go to most practices, so it's more economical than a monthly fee. Plus, at the beginning, I know the workouts are going to be an adjustment.
I think this is a good plan.
It's hard to know without seeing you swim, but odds are you have some serious technical issues in your stroke mechanics. If you can make your stroke more efficient you'll be amazed by how much farther you'll be able to swim. A good coach will be able to help you immediately.
