Hi!
I stumbled across this site while I was looking for some new interesting workouts and thought I'd look into it. I swam on community teams when I was young, and then varsity teams in high school. Now I'm a freshman in college and really missing the competition.
So I was wondering - how do you get involved w/ USMS meets? or teams? (if it helps, I'm currently in Souther CA, and spend summers in MA) Can anyone compete or do you have to be at a certain level? (according to this site, I'm a Masters Level 2) Can I compete in one state during the school year, and other during the summer?
Also, about how much/how often does everyone swim? Currently, I'm swimming about 3000yds 6x/week. Is this pretty average, or too low?
Thanks so much for all the information. I appreciate it, and hope you have a great day!
ashley
Former Member
It sounds as if you'd enjoy participating in Masters meets. I returned to the pool, partly for the competition, and have really enjoyed it. I dug up contact information for meets I wanted to attend through this website. I participate in Masters events in more than one state (due to business travel). You'll be seeded according to the entry times you submit.
If you want to compete, do it. Masters swimming is about challenging yourself. Albeit some are former Olympians, others have just begun swimming. Some have the luxury of training several hours a day, and there are those of us that are grateful for a few hours a week. Masters swimming has a different feel than club or high school swimming did. I sense less focus on speed, and more esprit de corp with those training (and competing) in the water. Find a meet, pick some events, and give 'em a try!
If I could fit 18K yds into my week, I'd certainly compete more than I do.
All of your questions can be answered by going to the USMS home page (www.USMS.org). Scroll to "Join USMS", then click on "LMSC info". Anyone can join and swim in meets, but you must register first. You don't have to join a local club, but I suggest that you do so. There are many advantages, the best being able to get advice and support from fellow swimmers. Good luck.
!8,000 a week is good yardage by master's standards. There are so many different age groups and many people work full time, so few people are able to do 18,000 a week. In your age group, people with a swimming background are more likely to do that than mine-18,000. Master swimmers that can do a 100 yard free under 1:00 tend to do one hour workouts at 3,600 up to 5,500. Many of us middle age women do 2,400 to 3,800 in an hour.
Thanks for all the info everyone! I have lots of places to swim as I work at a fitness club and a kids summer camp. I coach a kids swim team, teach lessons and work as a lifeguard. So I'll keep swimming and join the NE branch....I can't wait to compete again! :)
When you get back to MA this summer go to:
www.swimnem.org
You'll find a list of places to swim in MA (and other places in NE) and lots of opportunities to compete. In fact, this year we are working with the Bay State Games to sponsor a "masters" division and hope to have these details worked out soon.
By the way, if you join New England Masters, your membership will also work in southern CA.
