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?
Very few of the people I swim with compete in meets. I had no interest in competing when I started back swimming, but I tried it, liked it and used the improvement I made in meets as a reason to work harder in workouts.
This is so true for me! :). I swam in my first meet back in June (after saying that I'd NEVER do one), & I too use them to gauge my progress, set objectives, & for the opportunity to try new events. Also (as my coach said) gives you something to work toward.
I feel fortunate that I can work out with my team, then on other days, practice on my own (often in areas that I need to improve on). But definitely takes discipline to stay on intervals, complete the set, etc. on your own when others aren't there with you, doing so.
Very few of the people I swim with compete in meets. I had no interest in competing when I started back swimming, but I tried it, liked it and used the improvement I made in meets as a reason to work harder in workouts.
This is so true for me! :). I swam in my first meet back in June (after saying that I'd NEVER do one), & I too use them to gauge my progress, set objectives, & for the opportunity to try new events. Also (as my coach said) gives you something to work toward.
I feel fortunate that I can work out with my team, then on other days, practice on my own (often in areas that I need to improve on). But definitely takes discipline to stay on intervals, complete the set, etc. on your own when others aren't there with you, doing so.
