New To Masters Swimming

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

. . . 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?

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.

...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!*

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.