I'm thinking of starting up on the Masters swim team here in Las Vegas, and I need some information/inspiration to get started.
I have a goal of losing 30 pounds by the end of the year. Last year I lost 30 pounds and I have kept it off. I just need 30 more and I will have reached my ideal weight of 130 pounds.
That is not my only reason for joining Masters swimming. My other reason is that I miss competing so much. I was on a swim team from the age of 7 to 18, and now I am 28 years old, and I find myself thinking about swimming all the time, and visualizing the races/meets/competition, etc.
My problem is this: Whenever I start swimming without being on a team, I usually get bored and I stop swimming, and I pick up some other type of exercise like aerobics, running, etc.
The last time I was on a swim team was 1993.
So my question is this: Is it easier to stay motivated if I swim on a team?
Thanks for any input.
Take care,
Beckie
I think that to be motivated we all need goals. Your goal of losing 30 lbs will probably help you to a point and then you'll need to consider other goals to remain motivated. The 30 lbs will give you a little time to ponder your "next level", so to speak. And those folks in Las Vegas/Henderson are a good group to train with. I'm sure they'll give you lots of support. Good luck.
Beckie - YES, it is easier to stay motivated on a team. Building relationships with like minded people is probably the best reason for joining masters and swimming. What are you waiting for? Go try a practice and get started.
Good luck,
Michael
Thank you so much!! That is exactly what I needed to hear.
If anyone else would like to offer some encouraging thoughts/advice please do so. I need all the help I can get.
Thank you
Take care,
Beckie
just join! i used to get bored very easily with training on my own- i certainly don't think that i'll get bored with swimming with a team- my coach is more than happy to make sure that i'mworking my butt off! it is good to have a challenge and the people are pretty cool too!
good luck!
I think it depends on who you are whether or not swimming on a team will keep you motivated. I see lots of great things about swimming on a team, but I swim by myself. I get lots of internal satisfaction from putting in the yardage of a tough workout, and that keeps me motivated. These days I feel very non-competetive, and the solitude of swimming laps is relaxing.
I have also learned that you should set concrete, specfic goals and when you meet them, find a new set. For example: This year I came back to swimming after a long hiatus, and told myself I wanted to swim five miles per week by the end of the year. I met that by the end of May, so now I'm going for seven. If I meet that, I'll set a goal of swimming a mile backwards or something. But that's really helped, and there's nothing like the satisfaction of having met a goal you set for yourself.
As I said, I think that question is very subjective. But judging from your earlier posts, it sounds like swimming on a team would suit you perfectly. Have fun!
Sparky
Beckie,
I sat out of swimming for 10 years, though swam on my own every so often. I also found it hard to stay motivated just swimming on my own. If you are indeed visualizing meets in your head, then once you go to your first Masters meet I promise you will have all the motivation you need, before and after the 30 pounds are gone. You will think you are 12 again, and it is totally addictive.
Thank you to everyone for your advice.
I am going to go down to the place where they practice tomorrow and check it out.
Thanks for everything!!
Beckie
UPDATE!!
I want to thank everyone who posted here. I went tonight to the practice, and I had so much fun. I felt like I was home again. I feel like I am on a team again. I can't get over how much fun I had. I should have done this a long time ago.
Thanks again!!
Take care,
Beckie
