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?
Chris, I printed out the workout. Thanks for pointing me to that thread. I'll give it a try.
FindingMyInnerFish, it sounds like you're in pretty good shape. I started a 5k class. It's been too hot and steamy to run; however, it's supposed to cool down this weekend so I plan to get back out there.
Not in too bad shape, considering I didn't start masters swimming until I was 54 (I'm 63 now). (i did swim laps on and off since I was in college and whenever I'd have running injuries, so I was no stranger to swimming). Also didn't start running until around my mid-30s. After a brief fast spell in my 40s, I've been slowing down with running ever since, and now pretty much am near the back of the pack as a runner as well as a swimmer. Ha ha, the two match now! Yet I still enjoy racing both sports, partly to add some spice to my training, partly for the social aspect. Today, I ran a cross-country 5k race in 90something degree heat. I thought fondly of large bodies of water while running. ;)
Chris, I printed out the workout. Thanks for pointing me to that thread. I'll give it a try.
FindingMyInnerFish, it sounds like you're in pretty good shape. I started a 5k class. It's been too hot and steamy to run; however, it's supposed to cool down this weekend so I plan to get back out there.
Not in too bad shape, considering I didn't start masters swimming until I was 54 (I'm 63 now). (i did swim laps on and off since I was in college and whenever I'd have running injuries, so I was no stranger to swimming). Also didn't start running until around my mid-30s. After a brief fast spell in my 40s, I've been slowing down with running ever since, and now pretty much am near the back of the pack as a runner as well as a swimmer. Ha ha, the two match now! Yet I still enjoy racing both sports, partly to add some spice to my training, partly for the social aspect. Today, I ran a cross-country 5k race in 90something degree heat. I thought fondly of large bodies of water while running. ;)
