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.
Hi Anna Lee.
Regarding "Swimming to Lose" - mark me down for 65 lbs lighter since I started USMS. I am maintaining the reduction in weight too! I did that without any type of program. Just consistent swimming and better eating habits.
I have something to send to the Fitness Committee in December too. They'll just have to wait until then.
:applaud: Way to go, Bill! :cheerleader:
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. ;)
I swim for fitness too. I was a distance runner until my knees decided enough was enough. I started swimming about a year ago. I usually swim 3-4 times a week, usually for an hour if I have the time. I am somewhat compulsive about counting my laps - probably because being a runner, I counted everything....miles, pace, cadence...:) I try to do different workouts...some emphasize more technique, some endurance, some (attempted) threshold type workouts. I am pathetically slow, but working on improving!
I need a "like" button for this post! lol!
Yes, but as soon as Jim breaks down and adds a "like" button, people will start clamoring for a "dislike" button. :)
Yes, but as soon as Jim breaks down and adds a "like" button, people will start clamoring for a "dislike" button. :)
You say that like it's a bad thing. ;)
Hi Denise MW!
I'm a member of the National Fitness Education Committee. I encourage you + all swimmers to check out some of our programs and activities in the Fitness Education section of this website. "Go The Distance" and "Check Off Challenge" are both ways to make your workouts motivating whether it helps you swim more yardage or to try different strokes. If you can think of anything your Fitness Ed. committee could do for swimmers to help make their workouts/swimming better feel free to pm me on this forum. We have fairly frequent phone meetings and would love new ideas!
I personally love to swim in meets but I consider myself a fitness swimmer. I will never be paid to race or make swimming my full-time occupation and do it to stay fit and happy. I feel like meets are a way I can measure my fitness, test my stroke progress, plus spend some time with super cool, fun people.
