hello everyone,
i recently saw a sign-up sheet for USMS at my gym and i would really like to check it out but wanted to ask if it really is for any ability.
most people who post here seem to have had some formal swimming training, even if it was 10 or 20 yrs ago. i never had a chance to learn from a coach or to join a swim team, i'm not even sure who taught me swimming. all i know about swimming strokes is what one can learn by observation.
i usually go to my gym's pool once a week or so and swim laps in what might most resemble a breaststroke. i'm a 25yr old female and i'm in good physical shape otherwise, but i think i might die a little if i were to jump into twice a week two-hour workouts.
i greatly enjoy swimming and would really like to join but not sure if my ability isn't just a tad below the necessary level.
thank you for any advice!
Well, my group puts up with me! :)
Seriously, I'm a newcomer to masters' swim groups. As was said, I knew how to swim, would resort to it when running injuries kept me off the roads, but last year, out of curiosity, joined a masters' group that was being announced at my Y.
Wow, am I ever glad I did! It opened the door for some very cool experiences, including an ocean swim (I was always terrified of swimming through breakers and wasn't sure I'd do it, but my coach was persuasive...very persuasive!).
When my coach's life demands made it impossible for him to lead the masters' group, I was going it alone for a while, then just joined another at a "companion Y" (my membership is good in two local Y's), and it's great!
In both groups, I have been the "slowpoke in residence," although I gradually began being faster than a couple of the newcomers in the first one. But in neither case has anyone made me feel I shouldn't be there b/c I'm too slow. I would swim in the "beginner lane" and get plenty of encouragement and advice. I notice my times are picking up a little and that's encouraging!
It's true some groups can be more competitive than others, but it's worth talking w/ the coach and honestly explaining your situation. In both cases, for me, the coaches were very welcoming and helpful. I had looked into another group at one time, where the coach told me that it was a pretty competitive group, and I respected that too. But it never hurts to get info and find out whether a group you're considering will be a good fit.
Oh and by the way, since doing the swim workouts, my running picked up as well--fewer injuries, quicker recovery from hard workouts, long runs, and races. What's not to like!
Well, my group puts up with me! :)
Seriously, I'm a newcomer to masters' swim groups. As was said, I knew how to swim, would resort to it when running injuries kept me off the roads, but last year, out of curiosity, joined a masters' group that was being announced at my Y.
Wow, am I ever glad I did! It opened the door for some very cool experiences, including an ocean swim (I was always terrified of swimming through breakers and wasn't sure I'd do it, but my coach was persuasive...very persuasive!).
When my coach's life demands made it impossible for him to lead the masters' group, I was going it alone for a while, then just joined another at a "companion Y" (my membership is good in two local Y's), and it's great!
In both groups, I have been the "slowpoke in residence," although I gradually began being faster than a couple of the newcomers in the first one. But in neither case has anyone made me feel I shouldn't be there b/c I'm too slow. I would swim in the "beginner lane" and get plenty of encouragement and advice. I notice my times are picking up a little and that's encouraging!
It's true some groups can be more competitive than others, but it's worth talking w/ the coach and honestly explaining your situation. In both cases, for me, the coaches were very welcoming and helpful. I had looked into another group at one time, where the coach told me that it was a pretty competitive group, and I respected that too. But it never hurts to get info and find out whether a group you're considering will be a good fit.
Oh and by the way, since doing the swim workouts, my running picked up as well--fewer injuries, quicker recovery from hard workouts, long runs, and races. What's not to like!
