Hey everyone! First post on here so be nice*
So I'm new to swimming, this is my second week. Right now I'm going three days a week in the morning before work. So when I go, it's always the same people there. There is one guy who appears to be a pretty good swimmer. Then three elderly folks who just kind of float from one end to the other; not saying that in a bad way, I think it's great they're active!
So anyways, those four take up four lanes, then the other two are closed for Masters swim practice. The first couple times the elderly man joined lanes with his wife and gave me his. Thought it was great and an awesome gesture, but I could tell it didn't make him happy. So last time it was obvious he wasn't giving me his lane again, but the good swimmer invited me to share his, so I did.
I felt bad for this guy because he's going back and forth like crazy, and I'm going down and back and then resting every time; I can only make it more than once down and back on my first two laps right now. I made sure to tuck myself in the corner when I stopped, but just felt bad, maybe because I'm still new. And I struggled a couple times trying hard to make sure I didn't bump him, and I'd bump the rope or struggle with my breathing and get messed up. Is it wrong to think it sure would be nice for the elderly couple to keep swimming together since they just float back and forth?
Long story longer, the Masters squad that uses the first two lanes stretches for over 30 minutes each day beside the pool, but still have the first two lanes closed even though they aren't using them. Would it be rude to ask the coach if I can use one of their lanes if I get out before their done stretching? I know basically the exact time they get in the pool each day.*
Soon I'm sure I'll be asking technique questions, because I could definitely use the help there too!*
Little update. Everything has been going pretty well. Still using the lane until Masters are ready to jump in. More new people have started coming earlier, so it's been more busy, which has meant more lane sharing. Shared again yesterday and was really happy with how well I swam, best day yet. Didn't have any issues with breathing, which has been my biggest struggle. Figured out how to get a better breath with no struggle with water getting in my mouth or not getting enough air. Didn't run into the ropes at all. And made it more laps in a shorter amount of time. Feeling pretty good, and not really nervous about sharing anymore. 👍
that's great you are starting to swim and improving on your own! why not take advantage of the expertise available to you? I encourage you to talk with the masters coach (or other masters swimmers or lifeguards) and consider taking some lessons to improve your breathing and stroke technique, if lessons are offered (as long as you are swimming regularly, you may as well be practicing "good technique" rather than any "bad habits"). maybe you'll eventually feel ready and interested in joining the masters workout group!
Joining the masters would be fun, but my problem is time. With two kids and working opposite schedules with my wife, it just isn't in the cards right now. I've got just enough time to get to the pool when it opens and get in a 30 minute swim and head to work. Maybe once my kids are a little older it's something I could do.
