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?
Most of my workouts are solo. The local masters team meets twice a week, and right now I can only make it to one Saturday practice a month with them. At our town's pool, there are three adult/lap swim times daily, so I try to go when the lanes are less busy so that I can get some decent set work in.
I do find that when I practice with the team I am able to grind out the sets with more energy. I have always tried a little harder when I have folks to pace from and feel accountable to. It is nice to check in with people between sets as well when we are working together as a team.
I also find that the team workouts help me to slow down a bit and work on stroke mechanics more, as we have different ability levels and try to help everyone swim more efficiently, regardless of what their personal goals are in the water. That is one of the great movements of the Masters programs - not so much of the "us vs. them" mentality that I remember from age group days.
Most of my workouts are solo. The local masters team meets twice a week, and right now I can only make it to one Saturday practice a month with them. At our town's pool, there are three adult/lap swim times daily, so I try to go when the lanes are less busy so that I can get some decent set work in.
I do find that when I practice with the team I am able to grind out the sets with more energy. I have always tried a little harder when I have folks to pace from and feel accountable to. It is nice to check in with people between sets as well when we are working together as a team.
I also find that the team workouts help me to slow down a bit and work on stroke mechanics more, as we have different ability levels and try to help everyone swim more efficiently, regardless of what their personal goals are in the water. That is one of the great movements of the Masters programs - not so much of the "us vs. them" mentality that I remember from age group days.
