Lots of folks on this board are pretty experienced competitive swimmers (and you're awesome), but I'm wondering how many of us are in it just for fun/fitness. Is Masters really about competition, or is there room for the fitness swimmer, too?
Of course, I'm looking to get better, improve my stroke and kick and get a little faster. But only because it ups the fitness quotient. I didn't get into swimming to compete, but because my hereditary arthritis started kicking in and I figured it was a safe, effective way to exercise and drop those pounds my doctor's been hounding me about.
Who out there is a non-competitor, how many times a week to you swim, and do you count laps, time, or just do whatever feels good?
Hi Denise. I started swimming in July. Just two months ago. I started by myself and later worked up enough courage to go to our fitness club's adult swim practice (not a USMS group, so I'm unattached). I love swimming so much now. When I started I could barely swim 100 free, at any speed, without choking in water and gasping for breath. Now I can easily swim a 1000 free, slowly. I'm getting fit and my clothes fit better! But, like some others have said, it is the competition that motivates me. I travelled 3 hours to go to my first meet last month. I entered five events, placed dead last (out of everyone, not just my age group) in three events and beat two people (again, out of the entire field) in my other two events. But I had a blast. I met a great friend who I can't wait to see again at the next meet, and most importantly, I have official times! I was proud when they popped up on the USMS site, despite how slow they are. Now, I have a tangible goal to try to reach. Times to beat. Btw, that was my first meet ever. I never swam as a kid.
But it motivates me and makes me work harder in my workouts because I want to improve and beating my times would mean my hard work paid off!
I'm also not trying to convince you to compete if you don't want to, but you had made a comment about the ability of a couple other people being so much higher than yours, but I'm here as proof that those of us who stink (in comparison) still enjoy meets, too.
Whatever you decide, I'm glad you participate in these forums! I often feel I'm out of my league on here, but everyone has been really nice and helpful.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Hi Denise. I started swimming in July. Just two months ago. I started by myself and later worked up enough courage to go to our fitness club's adult swim practice (not a USMS group, so I'm unattached). I love swimming so much now. When I started I could barely swim 100 free, at any speed, without choking in water and gasping for breath. Now I can easily swim a 1000 free, slowly. I'm getting fit and my clothes fit better! But, like some others have said, it is the competition that motivates me. I travelled 3 hours to go to my first meet last month. I entered five events, placed dead last (out of everyone, not just my age group) in three events and beat two people (again, out of the entire field) in my other two events. But I had a blast. I met a great friend who I can't wait to see again at the next meet, and most importantly, I have official times! I was proud when they popped up on the USMS site, despite how slow they are. Now, I have a tangible goal to try to reach. Times to beat. Btw, that was my first meet ever. I never swam as a kid.
But it motivates me and makes me work harder in my workouts because I want to improve and beating my times would mean my hard work paid off!
I'm also not trying to convince you to compete if you don't want to, but you had made a comment about the ability of a couple other people being so much higher than yours, but I'm here as proof that those of us who stink (in comparison) still enjoy meets, too.
Whatever you decide, I'm glad you participate in these forums! I often feel I'm out of my league on here, but everyone has been really nice and helpful.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
