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
Originally posted by vietti
There is no cold water pool here in Thermopolis (I regularly work out in hot mineral water)
Originally posted by James
what pool do you hit, the Teepee or star plunge?
Hello... sorry this reply is not timely..... just got back from visiting son Will who is now swimming for the U of Kentucky!! (Our first "parent" weekend!)
I swim at the Tepee. It only has a 20 yard pool as compared to the 33.3 yard pool at the Star, but the water temp is regularly 90-95 at the Tepee as compared to 95-99 at the Star. You can understand why I need a virtual team to keep me going when swimming workouts in bath water!! In fact, other threads have considered records for various feats such as "late-starting", etc. I think we should also have a category for swimming in various temps of water. Just try swimming a 400IM in 95 degree water, or a 1650. Gives a whole new meaning to aerobic.
Bye! barb
Barb,
We have lots of Masters practices at the University of Kentucky pool! Next time you're in town to watch your son swim, come swim with us! We have a really good Sunday morning practice starting at 10:00 a.m. We also have an 11-1 Friday practice.
I was at UK's last meet, working as an official. I was the lone female official, who got there late because I had had to work another college meet earlier in the day. Wish I could say I particularly noticed your son, but I'm not supposed to be paying attention to who is swimming.
Look me up next time!
Meg
Barb: You're always welcome to drive with me to Worland for Monday and Wednesday night workouts.
I see you've given up on the rope across the Star pool. I never could figure out how you could swim and go under that dumb thing. I swim the 13 yard course across the pool along the rope
but the 20 yard course at the Tepee is sounding pretty good.
(She's not kidding about the water temp.)
This is an interesting thread. I learned that Wyoming apparently is desperate for pools and that a virtual swim team isn't all that far away.
I can't do much for Wyoming pool deficit but I'm sure John Kerry has a plan to address it. On the virtual swim team, I would like to contribute. My first thought (its my 2 cents but probably a cent over-priced) is that the team should create a thread that posts workouts for members and solicit feedback.
Just a thought on Saturday before Halloween. Probably more to come but I have to carve a pumpkin for two little girls.
Happy Halloween.
