Another thread has provided lots of food for thought about the value (or not) of joining Masters Swimming. I have lived in several areas with great Masters swim teams and joining was a no brainer. Fitness, competition, insurance (as I recently learned), and a social life are all reasons to participate.
However, I now live in an area where I swim alone, and after reading messages on this forum, I find that there are a whole lot of us out here in the same boat. I have joined Masters but every year I ask myself WHY? I guess am doing it to support the organization but I really don't think I am getting anything out of it.
One thought that comes to mind as I swim hour after hour by myself is that we should somehow take advantage of the web to not only create "virtual swims", but "virtual swim TEAMS" for those of us who would like to be a part of a group. We could check for workouts, discuss local events, provide personal support. Maybe a nationwide group is not the answer, but perhaps we could break down into States or areas. I realize that there would be plenty of logistical problems such as "coaches", workouts, etc. But as someone mentioned in the other thread, perhaps just a place to log in your distance and compare it with others in your State would be helpful. Maybe something as small as that could motivate some of us out here in the hinterlands to keep swimming when there is no one to keep us going.
Just a thought.......... :rolleyes:
barb
Former Member
Sounds like a great idea. There are groups in my area, but cost prohibits me from joining so I swim alone. I do the virtual swims, but having a virtual team would be better!
Vietti - well see your first problem is you're in WY. I mean who in their right mind would live in WY??? (ignore my location ;) :p )
If you ever are gonna hit up a meet down in CO lemme know!
Also what about practicing with the local USS team there (if there is one) if you want some people to train with? I train with the local club team here and it's not a problem. The kids and coaches (personal friends) have even convinced me to swim some USS meets with them this year.
I think this is a great idea!
I also am in an area that doesn't currently have a USMS swim team.. our YMCA is creating one as we speak, but I'm not sure with swim times/costs etc.. if it is feasable for me. If not, this would be a great way to stay motivated!
Originally posted by vietti
We could check for workouts, discuss local events, provide personal support. Maybe a nationwide group is not the answer, but perhaps we could break down into States or areas. I realize that there would be plenty of logistical problems such as "coaches", workouts, etc.
Don't forget that three coaches (Kipp, Chambers, & McBride) arrange to have posted workouts. But I do like the idea of a forum thread, for virtual whining. ("I didn't want to swims those 200s, but I think the coach was watching." ;) )
Originally posted by mattson
Don't forget that three coaches (Kipp, Chambers, & McBride) arrange to have posted workouts. But I do like the idea of a forum thread, for virtual whining. ("I didn't want to swims those 200s, but I think the coach was watching." ;) )
We could have the virtual gutter chatting, and the virtual VO2Max
Originally posted by Fitswimmer04
Sounds like a great idea. There are groups in my area, but cost prohibits me from joining so I swim alone. I do the virtual swims, but having a virtual team would be better!
I was considering joining my local Masters group once I build a bit more stamina, ie swim a 400 free without a break. You mention that costs are prohibitive. Just how much do club dues cost?
Docwhorocks...
Tis a privilege to live in Wyoming!!!!!! Unfortunately, we are a little bit "swimming pool challenged" . There is no cold water pool here in Thermopolis (I regularly work out in hot mineral water) so I DO occassionally drive to Worland, 33 miles away to workout with the Worland Waterjet USA swim team. But I am a white nuckle driver even in good weather, and the path to a cold water pool with age group swimmers is littered with deer, sugar beet trucks, and snow and ice in the winter. And... I have to pay the USA-S fees, so now I am registered both with USMS AND age-group swimming. It doesn't make a lot of sense to fork out the money and not get a lot for it.
I think we all appreciate the workouts that are available on-line. But sometimes it isn't the workouts that we are craving... it is the interaction with other swimmers. And, that is where a "virtual swim team" might fit the needs some of us.
Craig111.... maybe we can get something going. Thanks for the interest!!
bye, barb
