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
I've learned so much about myself from swimming.
I waited to join a team until I was sure I could keep up and not embarrass myself. False pride really held me back on that one. My coach is unbelievably generous with helping newbies. I would have progressed much faster if I'd had the humility to show up.
The flip side of false pride is genuine pride. I should have been proud of myself for trying to improve. Being a newbie is not for sissies. It takes courage, dedication and hard work.
Finally, if you swim the 200 fly and get a point, medal, ribbon or anything else, it is not won by default - there is a reason that most people choose not to swim that race and those people who do, are deserving of their rewards.
Nicely said.
I've learned so much about myself from swimming.
I waited to join a team until I was sure I could keep up and not embarrass myself. False pride really held me back on that one. My coach is unbelievably generous with helping newbies. I would have progressed much faster if I'd had the humility to show up.
The flip side of false pride is genuine pride. I should have been proud of myself for trying to improve. Being a newbie is not for sissies. It takes courage, dedication and hard work.
Finally, if you swim the 200 fly and get a point, medal, ribbon or anything else, it is not won by default - there is a reason that most people choose not to swim that race and those people who do, are deserving of their rewards.
Nicely said.
