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.
Your times are awesome! I started masters swimming last year and I can't come ANYWHERE NEAR your times, not unless I get myself an outboard motor. ;)
Like you, I also enjoy running--which is my main sport, but I'm slow at that too, lol!--but I had heard about a masters' group forming at my Y and was curious, so I joined. Really have enjoyed the process and pushing myself. I tried a couple meets last year (Senior Games, since I'm "of age" at 55, and an open meet). I was beaten in the 100 free by a woman over 20 years my senior, so I have reason to be humble. But it was even so a great experience--as you mention, swimmers are very helpful to newcomers.
I improve, then fall back, then improve some more, but really bottom line is it's a great workout, and it's helped my running as well! I recover faster from long runs and track workouts than I did before. What's not to love!
Your times are awesome! I started masters swimming last year and I can't come ANYWHERE NEAR your times, not unless I get myself an outboard motor. ;)
Like you, I also enjoy running--which is my main sport, but I'm slow at that too, lol!--but I had heard about a masters' group forming at my Y and was curious, so I joined. Really have enjoyed the process and pushing myself. I tried a couple meets last year (Senior Games, since I'm "of age" at 55, and an open meet). I was beaten in the 100 free by a woman over 20 years my senior, so I have reason to be humble. But it was even so a great experience--as you mention, swimmers are very helpful to newcomers.
I improve, then fall back, then improve some more, but really bottom line is it's a great workout, and it's helped my running as well! I recover faster from long runs and track workouts than I did before. What's not to love!
