So I have decided to join USMS at the ripe age of 35, after spending the past 12 years teaching myself to swim. I've never been able to be a part of an organized USMS team due to work schedule or being in the middle of po-dunk America with no teams nearby.
So with my recent move back from Korea, I now have a good opportunity to train with a team, a real coach, and get good at this.
My first observation is this: I suck. I mean I REALLY suck. Everything I thought I had been doing right for the last decade, the coach quickly pointed out everything I was doing wrong. Which is good of course, because I want to learn and do it right and get better. But this is going to be tough, I can tell.
My question to everyone is this: Am I unique in the age I join and try to be on an organized team? Is it worth my time and effort to do this?
You're situation is not unusual at all. There is a very wide range of skill and speed in masters swimming even at meets, let alone practice.
Don't focus on how fast or far you are swimming or what anyone else is doing in other lanes (especially those young whippersnappers). Focus on the technique changes your coach is suggesting. Because, it's technique that provides efficiency and speed, once you get past the basics. The speed and conditioning will develop over time, if you have good technique. A good coach can be so very helpful.
You're situation is not unusual at all. There is a very wide range of skill and speed in masters swimming even at meets, let alone practice.
Don't focus on how fast or far you are swimming or what anyone else is doing in other lanes (especially those young whippersnappers). Focus on the technique changes your coach is suggesting. Because, it's technique that provides efficiency and speed, once you get past the basics. The speed and conditioning will develop over time, if you have good technique. A good coach can be so very helpful.
