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
Parents
Former Member
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
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
