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.
Parents
Former Member
I looked at this year times and last years times for the top 10 45-49 women 50 free
The top times were a sec slower but the mid times down to 10 were faster - interesting.
I think it comes down to a person has to do what is right for that person and their family.
Some of us can practice more, some practice less, but it's if that is what works for you than it's right.
We can only work toward our own personal best times each time we swim.
If your not doing your best that day then your failing, if your best that day is your worst time, then you still win. I believe you can be swimming your best for that day and still do your worst time. We all have off days... Only you and the man up stairs know if your swimming your best for that day and that is what counts. And if we get to be up in the "elite" swimmers than that's extra braggn rights !!!
I looked at this year times and last years times for the top 10 45-49 women 50 free
The top times were a sec slower but the mid times down to 10 were faster - interesting.
I think it comes down to a person has to do what is right for that person and their family.
Some of us can practice more, some practice less, but it's if that is what works for you than it's right.
We can only work toward our own personal best times each time we swim.
If your not doing your best that day then your failing, if your best that day is your worst time, then you still win. I believe you can be swimming your best for that day and still do your worst time. We all have off days... Only you and the man up stairs know if your swimming your best for that day and that is what counts. And if we get to be up in the "elite" swimmers than that's extra braggn rights !!!
