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!
Former Member
Not sure what you're looking for here Mary . . . most teams are exactly that. I'm not aware of any masters team that doesn't have a range of swimmers (range of skill, range of speed, range of fitness, range of attitude) . . .
We've got national caliber/record holders . . . fast ocean swimmers . . . mediocre ocean and pool swimmers . . . fitness swimmers who never race . . . triathletes . . . and people who work hard to make it up and down the pool . . . we've got swimmers in their early 20s fresh out of Div. I swimming . . . and swimmers in their 80s . . .
We all swim together (at the same time) . . . just not in the same lanes . . .
People who have a history of competition . . . and "late bloomers" . . . (read no competitive history as an age grouper, HS or college swimmer . . . thus forever doomed and specially marked . . . but I digress . . . and I'm just kidding . . . it's an inside joke familiar to those with some history on this board)
People who swim 4500 to 5000 in an hour and a half workout
People who swim 3000 to 4000 in an hour and a half workout
People who show up late
People who leave early
People who swim 500 in a workout
I'm guessing that this fits most masters teams out there that are of any size . . .
Is the Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA) an exception to the rule? I doubt it. Any comments?
The ability level on my team seems to range from solid ex-age-groupers to wicked good. I was easily the worst swimmer on the team. I had a fighting chance on freestyle sets, but any kind of stroke or IM set and I was dead in the water. Free is really my only decent stroke; my breaststroke kick is lousy, my fly is limited to some 25s, and as for backstroke... ugh!
Originally posted by IndyGal
I joined a team in spring and ended up in well over my head, so I doubt I'll renew for next year.
This is exactly the problem I'm having. If your health club doesn't have a program, you have to go to one that does. Clubs are different prices. So now you change clubs, and find that program isn't for you. Now you have to change clubs again. OR you have to have dual memberships in two clubs. (I can't really afford that.)
I'm sorry, I'm just venting a little here. I've looked into a few with disappointing results. One looked like it was just lap swimming, very minimal instruction or help. (or even direction of any kind, for that matter). Another I looked into seemed like they were training for the Olympics. I realize different groups have different people with different goals.
The search goes on...
like many other things in life it is all about attitude. everybody pays the same exact amount of money. now being new you might feel out of place but just go and do as much as you can and over time you will become part of the group or you will help other new people in your range stay and your group gets bigger. Ande has some great tips and i could not be in the same county as him swimming but im sure his group would welcome new swimmers
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the social aspect of masters swimming.
Most of us who swim with a group do so for social reasons as well as athletic. So join a group if you wish, and if you like the folks, chances are they like you, too, and will help you to find your place in the group.
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!
Originally posted by fetching
Sorry for topping an old thread but I've got the same concerns.
When I talked to the coach I asked if there were any requirements to join. She said that I should be able to swim 200 yards without stopping. I'm not entirely sure I can do that right now, but don't think I'd have trouble eventually. But it did surprise me because the masters swimming site here makes it sound like pretty much anyone is welcome.
Can anyone tell me more about masters swimming and how it differs from lap swimming?
I don't recall you getting in touch with the Manatees in Oakland. We take 'em all and turn 'em into swimmers! Some clubs require a certain level of ability when the pool space is limited, others have lot's of room and are happy to welcome new members.
Check out our schedule and team info on our web site :
and drop in for a try out (you try us out!) sometime. We'll even recommend some times when you can have a coach almost all to yourself to speed up your progress!!!
Sorry for topping an old thread but I've got the same concerns.
When I talked to the coach I asked if there were any requirements to join. She said that I should be able to swim 200 yards without stopping. I'm not entirely sure I can do that right now, but don't think I'd have trouble eventually. But it did surprise me because the masters swimming site here makes it sound like pretty much anyone is welcome.
Can anyone tell me more about masters swimming and how it differs from lap swimming?
Minimum of 200 yards huh? I would probably join anyhow and make the coach deal with it.
Another option would be to work up to the coach's minimum on your own. Try swimming 50's on 1:30, or something similar, and eventually whittle it down to 50's on :45. Over the period of a month or so I suspect swimming a solid 200 will not be that big of a deal to you. This might also make you more comfortable when you start swimming with the Masters group.
