Cheating at practice?

When I first started masters (and having known only the age group mentality which was very anti-cheating), I was taken aback by all the modifications and things that may be considered "cheating." But, then I slowly started to realize that everyone had different objectives, injuries, physical limitations, schedules, etc., and I now just marvel how dedicated these masters are to make the effort to swim and get into the pool. It now truly does not bother me when lanemates need to add fins or swim free during IM or whatever to join in on the set. What does bug the heck out of me? People who swim while highly contageous (like with bronchitis for example). Arg! Don't they care that they are infecting everyone in the pool!? I make an effort to stay away when sick. :frustrated: I think I still have a bit of the age grouper mentality. I don't mind modifications, I mind just standing there against the wall, especially when you are in the way. If you are sitting part or even all of a set out move to the side don't stand in the middle of the lane or wall. The other day during warm-ups three of my favorite lane mates & people were standing talking all over the lane which made it nearly impossible to swim. I don't care if you don't want to do the set or warm-up, just don't prevent others from doing it. I think that's rude.

I don't usually beat my lanemates ... usually being the key word there and I almost never beat drop-ins ... posted by FlyQueen Well Heather, that is very comforting to know....I guess I can feel somewhat safe now about dropping in for a practice or 2 if I'm ever in the Chicago area.....LOL!:joker: :groovy: Newmastersswimmer

I don't usually beat my lanemates ... usually being the key word there and I almost never beat drop-ins ... posted by FlyQueen Well Heather, that is very comforting to know....I guess I can feel somewhat safe now about dropping in for a practice or 2 if I'm ever in the Chicago area.....LOL!:joker: :groovy: Newmastersswimmer Jim judging by those arms.. looks like you've only been beating yourself! :eek: :laugh2: :rofl:

When I first started masters (and having known only the age group mentality which was very anti-cheating), I was taken aback by all the modifications and things that may be considered "cheating." But, then I slowly started to realize that everyone had different objectives, injuries, physical limitations, schedules, etc., and I now just marvel how dedicated these masters are to make the effort to swim and get into the pool. It now truly does not bother me when lanemates need to add fins or swim free during IM or whatever to join in on the set. What does bug the heck out of me? People who swim while highly contageous (like with bronchitis for example). Arg! Don't they care that they are infecting everyone in the pool!? I make an effort to stay away when sick. :frustrated:

i think it's more of a problem if swimmers are cheating after practice (or before) ande If you're cheating after practice, you must not be working hard enough during practice and therefore you must be cheating during practice also.:joker:

That thing about pulling on the lane lines: my first masters' coach had me do that as a backstroke drill for getting the arm movement right. Fish - Exactly what arm movement was the coach trying to get right? Backstroke involves some shoulder roll and a much deeper placement of the forearm pull than the three inches (max) of depth you would get in a lane line pull.

Guilty as charged. For me it is using Paddles and Bouy or as of today Fins. Unfortunately I am between 2 lanes speed wise. I am too fast for the group holding the 1:40 base but can barely make the 1:20 base interval. I tried to move my lane to 1:30 but there is only one other person who can handle it and he is not always there. Since lanes were so crowded today I opted to move up to the 1:20 group and add fins. Basically I am just not trying to make waves. Donna

i think it's more of a problem if swimmers are cheating after practice (or before) ande Amen, Brother. I rarely pull on lanelines during backstroke, but I almost always do 1 hand touches during IM sets. Oddly enough, any time I want to go fast (or am doing a sprint, I do it legally. :banana:

Not clear whether you meant are or aren't, DB. I'm thinking you meant "aren't." But everyone seems to think I'm sorta cheating even when I don't kick much with the darn things. I'm OK with being a cheater. Cheatin's fun. Besides, I now take the liberty of making fun of people that use paddles. I wish I had a GP swimming in my lane like Cruise. That's an unfair advantage. I think it's cheating. Alternatively, I could order one of those custom made suits with the words "Frayed labrum alert: don't mess with me or risk BickerFest on it." Might be worth the investment. Are we allowed to speak of suits yet? ;) (I'm sure someone will say no ...) Oops, I mean't fins AREN't cheating, was typing faster than I was swimming again. And, I don't cheat on my breath control sets; I just change the pattern slightly so I can manage the set, so that ain't cheating; it's called changing the set:thhbbb: Donna

Fish - Exactly what arm movement was the coach trying to get right? Backstroke involves some shoulder roll and a much deeper placement of the forearm pull than the three inches (max) of depth you would get in a lane line pull. Have to admit it's been a long enough time ago that I don't remember now the underlying purpose. Has anyone else's coach asked him/her to pull the lane line as part of a practice?