Hi all, So I'm starting college next year, and I swim often for recreation and exercise. I usually swim laps at my gym after school. I was on a club for two years in middle school before quitting. My friend and I are going to be attending the same college in the fall, it's a d3 school, but is not known as a particularly fast team, so the time standards are low. In fact, this school competes against NJCAA teams in addition to other d3 teams. My friend has been encouraging me to walk on the team and swim with her, but I'm not so sure. I spoke with the coach and gave him my times, and he said they were good enough. I'd ask him and my friend these questions, but my friend is on vacation and my potential coach will be out of the office until July. However, I'm not exactly sure what to expect as a walk on. How do I balance swimming and academics? Are practices tough and cover a ton of yardage? What do I expect at meets? Do men and women usually train together? What are the attendance requirements? I'm pretty nervous about this whole thing. Also, especially with the Olympics coverage 3 years ago, I've heard a lot of swimmers pee in the pool. I find this personally disgusting, and I'm not sure if I would want to be swimming with other people peeing in the pool, that's so gross. Do swimmers on college teams pee in the pool? Thanks everyone in advance Sarah
True, plus having that preliminary team experience and getting used to the workouts could go a long way in the fall... said someone who only started masters' swimming at age 54! ;)
The pee in the pool thing? I feel 100 percent certain that my Y pool has its share of ... uh... ingredients aside from water and chlorine. I just try not to think about it--and shower before/after swimming.
Nothing is 100 percent pristine. Staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, getting your vitamin c... all help.
Don't forget to rest--don't overload yourself w/ courses so you haven't time for adequate rest and food.
All that aside, go for it! I only wish there had been a swim team at my college because at the time I started, swimming was about the only sport I enjoyed (later added running but that's another story). Better to try it and maybe decide it's not for you than to keep wondering "what if"!
True, plus having that preliminary team experience and getting used to the workouts could go a long way in the fall... said someone who only started masters' swimming at age 54! ;)
The pee in the pool thing? I feel 100 percent certain that my Y pool has its share of ... uh... ingredients aside from water and chlorine. I just try not to think about it--and shower before/after swimming.
Nothing is 100 percent pristine. Staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, getting your vitamin c... all help.
Don't forget to rest--don't overload yourself w/ courses so you haven't time for adequate rest and food.
All that aside, go for it! I only wish there had been a swim team at my college because at the time I started, swimming was about the only sport I enjoyed (later added running but that's another story). Better to try it and maybe decide it's not for you than to keep wondering "what if"!
