For the first 5 years of our program our team was very competitive. I really think this was due to the fact that most of us were competitive swimmers in high school and college. Realizing that we needed to enhance our program by getting the more recreational/fitness swimmer involved, we have now become a team of "tile counters" that rarely if ever test themselves at our masters swim meets or postal events. I realize that every doesn't need to compete, nor do I want to force anyone to compete. I'm just looking for some creative ideas or examples of how any of you were able to get people to participate in masters competitions. I would appreciate any help...
Parents
Former Member
Hi eliana2003
Well, I've only been swimming 9 weeks, total, EVER, on a Masster's team. I'm 34, and still some 20-30 lb overweight.
After the 3 week we happened to have hosted the LCM Zone meet, so I ended up entering... 50 and 100 free, just to get a time, I suppose.
Then the coach signed me up for 4 relays. (2 each day)
My time for 100 free was 1:58, (1:59 and 2:08 in relays) and 50 free was 0:49 (I almost passed out at the end of that one) I was seeded in the first heat, along side several 80-year olds who were breaking their world records.
I actually got one point for one of the events, even though I placed last, there were only 8 (something like that, whatever the cutoff was for one point)
And, since i was there, we were able to have the "E" relay team, and in our age group we got one 5th, two 2nd and one 1st place. that's oh, some 40-50 points for the team.
Last week in training, no taking off the blocks, and no sprinting effort, I already shaved 4 seconds off my 100 free, I was 1:55. All LCM times. When coach said that, I just about flipped. He also thinks that I might do a 50 free in low 40's next month. And he is very clear that he wants me to sign up.
Did my first ocean mile in LaJolla last weekend, at 35:41.
I'm shooting for 31 next year.
Heh, even with my fins on I can't keep up with the fast swimmers in our group.
But, hey, I just hop in the water and do the best I can. Other than that, meets make for some great socializing, and i bring my Camera, so I have become the "official" team photographer -found a real use for myself :)
Hi eliana2003
Well, I've only been swimming 9 weeks, total, EVER, on a Masster's team. I'm 34, and still some 20-30 lb overweight.
After the 3 week we happened to have hosted the LCM Zone meet, so I ended up entering... 50 and 100 free, just to get a time, I suppose.
Then the coach signed me up for 4 relays. (2 each day)
My time for 100 free was 1:58, (1:59 and 2:08 in relays) and 50 free was 0:49 (I almost passed out at the end of that one) I was seeded in the first heat, along side several 80-year olds who were breaking their world records.
I actually got one point for one of the events, even though I placed last, there were only 8 (something like that, whatever the cutoff was for one point)
And, since i was there, we were able to have the "E" relay team, and in our age group we got one 5th, two 2nd and one 1st place. that's oh, some 40-50 points for the team.
Last week in training, no taking off the blocks, and no sprinting effort, I already shaved 4 seconds off my 100 free, I was 1:55. All LCM times. When coach said that, I just about flipped. He also thinks that I might do a 50 free in low 40's next month. And he is very clear that he wants me to sign up.
Did my first ocean mile in LaJolla last weekend, at 35:41.
I'm shooting for 31 next year.
Heh, even with my fins on I can't keep up with the fast swimmers in our group.
But, hey, I just hop in the water and do the best I can. Other than that, meets make for some great socializing, and i bring my Camera, so I have become the "official" team photographer -found a real use for myself :)
