Hey guys I am new here. I have been swimming with a group that is chill, the coach is cool and supportive. I have no formal experience with swimming other than what I have done on my own for triathlons and swimming with this group has sparked an interest in competative swimming. I am moving to West Palm Beach in June and wanting to join a masters team. Any recommendations, advice, warnings?
Thanks
TN
Actually, I think the longer you wait, the harder you'll kick yourself for not jumping in sooner once you do eventually take the plunge. ;) Our team has people who swim repeat 100s on 1:15 intervals (or faster) and others who need a 2:00 or longer interval. Some have just completed their collegiate careers (or are in college and could be swimming at the collegiate level but choose not to). Others use it simply as a route to better fitness and never swim in meets. We also have triathletes, sprinters and folks who specialize in long distance (open water, postal swims, etc). Trust me. There is a lane for you to swim in.
Skip
I've been trying to convince my mom that she can join my Masters team, and she has many of the same concerns. I sincerely believe it when I tell her that there is a place for everyone in Masters. Even if you couldn't quite keep up in the slowest lane when you started, everyone would still welcome and encourage you. Masters is about self-improvement from wherever you start. You could swim 50s while the others swam 100s at first, for example. Or you could start with 30 minutes only. Or you could wear fins on some sets to help you keep up. People will embrace you for being brave, challenging yourself, and working hard at whatever pace is right for you. You can both do it!
Actually, I think the longer you wait, the harder you'll kick yourself for not jumping in sooner once you do eventually take the plunge. Skip
That's what I was intending to say but you said it much better.
I understand what you're saying, Geek, but I also understand TN Boy's trepidation. I'm getting closer to the point where I can join a master's workout, and I too am nervous about not being able to keep up in the slow lane. You're a strong and experienced swimmer; you could (not that you would necessarily) move down a lane if you had to. I'm excited at the challenge, but also nervous about biting off more than I can chew.
I am swimming with a team now, but it is a slap together team at my school. The guy that put it together is a former college swimmer/polo. My swimming has improved tremendously since I started with them, I just don't want my toes tapped all the time. Thanks for all the advice, I am going to get in touch with the person over FGC this week. I was hoping someone locally might see this and post some info on good teams. It is nice to know that everyone is supportive though, I was afraid of it being hard to break into.
