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68 year old Newbie not good enough of masters team

GSHZY

I am a 68 year old newbie swimmer . Yes I wrote 68 years old that was not a typo.

For the moment I swim about 1,000 meters a workout freestyle but predominantly with stubby fins . I feel I am not qualified to swim with a masters group and might even detract from the workout .

My goal is to swim as a competitor at the age of 70 and not to really suck but I am enjoying the process .

I have no coach and seek some advice on how best to improve and get some guidance . I am now moving to the Hudson Valley in New York but would consider traveling for a "swim camp" anywhere that might help me .

I thank all of you for being kind !

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    Congratulations on becoming a swimmer-- the best exercise and sport you can do for your physical and mental health!  You are never too old too start, and I know plenty of other swimmers who started later than you.  A former teammate, Anne Dunivin, didn't start swimming until she was in her early 80's and set an American record for the 200 meter freestyle at the age of 100!  She lived to be 103.

    Maureen Kornfeld is 101 and is swimming at Nationals this weekend.

    In other words, being a 68-year-old newbie is nothin'.

    As for thinking you are not qualified to swim with a masters group, you ARE qualified.  The only necessary qualification to do so is to join USMS.  Done.  All you have to do is search for a club at usms.org/clubs to see which club is closest to you and show up to a workout.  Talk to the coach, share your concerns and goals, and the rest will fall into place.

    USMS is inclusive; all ages and abilities are welcome!  You will be accommodated and assigned to a lane with swimmers of similar skill.  You can also ask the coach to look at your stroke and give advice on improving your technique.

    Meanwhile, poke around on the website here; there is all sorts of great articles and videos that will help you improve.  Due to living too far from a masters club, I train on my own and rely on the information I have found here on the website.  It has been a great resource!

    Please check in here periodically and let us know how you are doing!

    Good luck!

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  • 0

    Congratulations on becoming a swimmer-- the best exercise and sport you can do for your physical and mental health!  You are never too old too start, and I know plenty of other swimmers who started later than you.  A former teammate, Anne Dunivin, didn't start swimming until she was in her early 80's and set an American record for the 200 meter freestyle at the age of 100!  She lived to be 103.

    Maureen Kornfeld is 101 and is swimming at Nationals this weekend.

    In other words, being a 68-year-old newbie is nothin'.

    As for thinking you are not qualified to swim with a masters group, you ARE qualified.  The only necessary qualification to do so is to join USMS.  Done.  All you have to do is search for a club at usms.org/clubs to see which club is closest to you and show up to a workout.  Talk to the coach, share your concerns and goals, and the rest will fall into place.

    USMS is inclusive; all ages and abilities are welcome!  You will be accommodated and assigned to a lane with swimmers of similar skill.  You can also ask the coach to look at your stroke and give advice on improving your technique.

    Meanwhile, poke around on the website here; there is all sorts of great articles and videos that will help you improve.  Due to living too far from a masters club, I train on my own and rely on the information I have found here on the website.  It has been a great resource!

    Please check in here periodically and let us know how you are doing!

    Good luck!

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