New To Masters Swimming

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Wed, 07 Jul 2004 07:22:09 GMT

Well, it's been one week, but.... I FINALLY GOT MY MASTERS MEMBERSHIP CARD TODAY!!!!!! Also, I begin my training tonight with my local swim club! I'm sooo excited and a bit nervous too, since I'm new and don't know anyone there yet.

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Wed, 30 Jun 2004 13:21:15 GMT

...Just got a hold of my LMSC's Registrar over the phone about my USMS # and Card. He told me that he is in the middle of prossessing mine and other newbies' memberships and will ship my USMS # and Card tonight! YAY!!! I'll be getting my membership card and number in a few more days!!! I'm so excited that this is finally happening!! *Cheers!*

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 29 Jun 2004 09:49:52 GMT

I have to say thanks for such great answers to my question. I'm still waiting for my USMS # and Membership Card. I'm assuming that I'll be receiving it between tomorrow and Thursday. Hopefully tomorrow. I haven't been able to swim this week (Arrgh!!! Stupid family activities like chores always seem to get in the way!) but I hope to get some laps in sometime soon.

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 29 Jun 2004 07:52:54 GMT

. . . My question is, what should I expect from Masters Swimming? . . . OK, you asked a serious question. Being new to Masters Swimming, here's something you can expect: Your team might have some very fast swimmers. Please don't let this discourage you. Don't compare, challenge. Don't compare your speed to theirs, or your times to theirs, but challenge yourself to become stronger and faster. In some lane of some pool, there's a swimmer trying to become as fast as you. Another thing to expect is a little sarcasm and facetious banter. Sorry, no disrespect intended. But what do you expect from a bunch of people who spend a good portion of their spare time with their heads submerged?

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Rob Copeland — Tue, 29 Jun 2004 04:55:33 GMT

Your question was, “what should I expect from Masters Swimming?” As someone who has been involved with Masters for many years and someone involved at the local and national levels of USMS to in trying to figure out the evolving answer to your question, I can tell you there is no simple answer. What you should expect are opportunities. How’s that for vague? You should expect to be availed with the opportunity to exercise, train and, if you wish, compete with a group of people who share the bond of swimming. You should expect to be given the opportunity to make a lifelong commitment to personal improvement fitness and health. You should expect the opportunity to meet and become friends with a truly amazing group of people. You should expect to be given the opportunity to get involved as a volunteer at the local and national level to make Masters Swimming even better for others.

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 14:19:12 GMT

Thanks for helping me with my e-mailing problem, Mark. I want to thank everyone here for welcoming me to the USMS forums. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me frequently.

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 11:55:40 GMT

Ouch! I hope that doesn't happen here in Texas! Anyway, Apology accepted. One question: How do I stop this forum from e-mailing me my posts?

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 11:38:32 GMT

Thanks, bmpchill! Hearing yours and dcarson's positive replies makes me glad knowing I've made the right choice of joining Masters Swimming. I can't wait to receive my membership card in the mail this week!

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 10:45:47 GMT

Actually I thought I was being facetious, not sarcastic (or even sarchastic). Don't worry, we'll take care of aquageek and danjobry3. There's no place for that kind of behavior on this forum. I'm not making excuses, but you have to understand that aquageek lives in a swamp.

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 09:15:04 GMT

Actually his post was the most mature sounding. It was the other two users after I started this topic. It was Aquageek's and Danjobry3's I could do without. Sorry for the mixup.

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 09:12:14 GMT

Originally posted by Sonic Swimmer78 Thanks, dcarson! that's probably the most mature responce I've gotten all day. We'll have a talk with dcarson and be sure to correct this problem. Sorry for any inconvinience it may have caused you. :p Welcome. Swim, have fun, use the search function. Lots of good info. on this site.

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 08:53:08 GMT

Actually, your reply added more sarchasm to the first two replies. Either way, I'm in Masters and there's no looking or turning back.

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 08:48:44 GMT

Originally posted by Sonic Swimmer78 Thanks, dcarson! that's probably the most mature responce I've gotten all day. Did I come in second?

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 08:42:25 GMT

Thanks, dcarson! that's probably the most mature responce I've gotten all day. I can't wait to start swimming with the swim club I've joined! I look forward to that day I stand on my starter block and give it all I've got. All I have to say is: Yay for Lap Lanes! Yay for Starter Blocks and most importantly, YAY FOR MASTERS SWIMMING!!! ...For if it weren't for Masters Swimming, we'd be out of the water!

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 08:06:23 GMT

First, welcome to Masters swimming! It's an awesome group of people from around the world involved in it for many reasons, including friendship, fun, fitness, competition, etc... You can find an immense amount of information looking through discussions on this forum. Your question has been asked many times. Here's a few insights from me: - Find a team that fits you best. Some are more recreational, some more fitness, and some more competitive. Some are all of these in one. - Enjoy it. As an adult in swimming, this is something to do because you want to do it. - Compete. It doesn't matter your skill level. If you can swim 1 length of the pool, you can compete. By doing your first competition, it will inspire you to push yourself and continue forward. Masters swimmers are supportive of all competitors, from elite to beginners. Actually, some of the beginners often get bigger applause then the other swimmers because we all know how much it took for that beginner to get on the blocks and do their first competition. - Ask questions. Everyone loves giving advice and tales of their journeys in swimming. So, have fun, enjoy the sport for the purpose of enjoying it, and good luck as you begin on your masters swimming journey.

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 08:05:52 GMT

What about the secret decoder ring and a year's supply of VO2max?

RE: New To Masters Swimming

Former Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 08:03:14 GMT

Originally posted by aquageek Wedgies and athletes foot, at the very least. . . . green hair, red eyes, and that fresh from the Clorox bottle smell. :)

RE: New To Masters Swimming

aquageek — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 07:46:49 GMT

I was just trying to interject some humor, which I believe is a big part of Masters swimming. Besides, this same topic comes up about every 3 weeks on this forum so I figured I have some fun. But, in all seriousness, be on the lookout for the wedgie givers at your first meet. It's a USMS rite of passage and one that can leave unsightly bruising. Those poor first timers at Indy, what a sight in front of all those swimmers!

RE: New To Masters Swimming

pmbchill — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 07:31:19 GMT

Sonic, you will be very glad you joined Masters. Its been a positive experience for me. Set small personal goals and you'll be greatly rewarded. The people you meet are so inspirational and encouraging. When I watch the older swimmers, I see what my future can be and that keeps me swimming. Best of luck!

RE: New To Masters Swimming

aquageek — Mon, 28 Jun 2004 03:56:08 GMT

Originally posted by Sonic Swimmer78 My question is, what should I expect from Masters Swimming? Wedgies and athletes foot, at the very least.