Some elite masters swimmers appear to be almost quasi "professional" in terms of the time and energy they devote to the sport and my impression is that there are more and more of such swimmers competing in masters now. At least in my two masters age groups to date, women's 40-44 and 45-49, there is a true professional swimmer (KPN), past Olympians swimming amazing times, professional triathletes and professional engine builders. (My spies tell me about their yardage.) Times across the board in my age group were much faster this year than last year. Not sure about the men's times or other women's times. Is it similar?
It seems like a massive amount of time is involved to put in all the yardage, weights, drylands, stretching, RC exercises, cross-training necessary and to go to all the PT, ART, orthopod and massage appointments. Their dedication is admirable. But I have difficulty fitting this all in. :violin: I'm sure most others must too. Life and kids definitely interfere with even getting to practice, wholly apart from a total devotion to swimming. So I can't out-train anyone.
Am I only imagining that masters swimming is getting more competitive? The phenoms are all just genetically talented swimmers? Thoughts anyone?
JUST TO BE PERFECTLY CLEAR, I AM NOT CRITICIZING ANYONE, JUST ASKING QUESTIONS.
We all (mostly) tend to focus on the things we do well and get positive feedback for doing. For some that means spending more time in the water than for others - all a matter of choice and priorities. For me, I choose the 6:00am hour to workout as it doesn't interfere with my family commitments. Yet I hear others complain about taking away time from family but they will only workout in the evening as 6:00am is "too early" to get up to swim. :violin:
Just as the records keep getting faster, I believe average times will decrease over time as well. Sure, we'll still have those not as fast as others but someone has to be last.
We all (mostly) tend to focus on the things we do well and get positive feedback for doing. For some that means spending more time in the water than for others - all a matter of choice and priorities. For me, I choose the 6:00am hour to workout as it doesn't interfere with my family commitments. Yet I hear others complain about taking away time from family but they will only workout in the evening as 6:00am is "too early" to get up to swim. :violin:
Just as the records keep getting faster, I believe average times will decrease over time as well. Sure, we'll still have those not as fast as others but someone has to be last.
