I am a track and field sprinter (100m-400m) and looking for some cross training. I started swimming because we have a pool where I work and I was nursing back spasms and achilies tendonitis from running. I found out about local swim meets and thought it would be fun to try. I love to compete.
It was a blast. It was very similar to a track meet so I was comfortable in that regard, but nervous because I have never raced in a pool.
I only know freestyle. Did the 100m free in 70 seconds (three bad turns) and the 50m free in 30 seconds (one bad turn). I have no clue how to do the flip turns and it showed. I will definately need to practice that.
I found it hard to warm up properly and got cold waiting for my events. Will need to pack very warm clothes next time.
People that don't look very fast out of the water.... are very fast in the water.
People at swim meets couldn't be more friendly and helpful. I got alot of good advice.
Will practice the turns and hopefully get down to a 27 and a 60 for the next meet. If I can improve alot, I may focus on swim training and run secondary.
I will probably post again asking when to initiate the flip turn. I need to learn what to key on visually as I approach. This was my big problem. I had no spacial awareness and vision.
Parents
Former Member
I agree wholeheartedly with your obervations. I have just started swimming competitively this past year as well, in the Ladies 45 to 49. It is a lifelong dream come true. I grew up in rural Maine on a lake and while I swam from Spring ( we used to push the ice flows out of the way) through Fall, there were no swim teams in our area.
Flash forward 4o some years and while swimming laps with my husband and daughter one morning at the Y, I was approached as to whether I wanted to join the Masters team. Just the mention of it had me giddy! That was a year ago and since then I have entered quite a few races. My first race I didnt know how to go off the blocks, the timing of the start or how to do flip turns either. My first start everyone else dove in and I stood there like a deer in headlights. Later someone told me they were about to push me when I dove! But everyone has always been kind, helpful and encouraging, and I do the same everytime I hear someone say they are new to competing.
This year my goal was to go off the blocks, done, do flip turns in meets, done - although doing more than a couple makes me quite disoriented, and learning new strokes, done. You definetly need to try new strokes, I find I actually place better in *** and butterfly (knock on wood) than I do free. My biggest thrill was winning a pentathlon this past winter -okay the field was pretty small, but I cherish the win none the less.
I hope you come to love this sport as much as I do. There is always something to learn - to practice - to refine, I just wish I had more time in my week. I ask alot of questions but everyone is very supportive. And there are plenty of resources on line.
P.S. I was an avid runner (sprints and 10k's) from my teens through my 30's but the toll on my knees was too great. Your body will appreciate swimming. :D
I agree wholeheartedly with your obervations. I have just started swimming competitively this past year as well, in the Ladies 45 to 49. It is a lifelong dream come true. I grew up in rural Maine on a lake and while I swam from Spring ( we used to push the ice flows out of the way) through Fall, there were no swim teams in our area.
Flash forward 4o some years and while swimming laps with my husband and daughter one morning at the Y, I was approached as to whether I wanted to join the Masters team. Just the mention of it had me giddy! That was a year ago and since then I have entered quite a few races. My first race I didnt know how to go off the blocks, the timing of the start or how to do flip turns either. My first start everyone else dove in and I stood there like a deer in headlights. Later someone told me they were about to push me when I dove! But everyone has always been kind, helpful and encouraging, and I do the same everytime I hear someone say they are new to competing.
This year my goal was to go off the blocks, done, do flip turns in meets, done - although doing more than a couple makes me quite disoriented, and learning new strokes, done. You definetly need to try new strokes, I find I actually place better in *** and butterfly (knock on wood) than I do free. My biggest thrill was winning a pentathlon this past winter -okay the field was pretty small, but I cherish the win none the less.
I hope you come to love this sport as much as I do. There is always something to learn - to practice - to refine, I just wish I had more time in my week. I ask alot of questions but everyone is very supportive. And there are plenty of resources on line.
P.S. I was an avid runner (sprints and 10k's) from my teens through my 30's but the toll on my knees was too great. Your body will appreciate swimming. :D
