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.
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OK We all know I'm Fort's buddy. She would not start a thread taking swipes at the top swimmers...even if it seems that way to anyone as the reader...it is not like her to do that
I think she just asked a question about competitiveness and marvelled about how these folks get it done. Maybe there are some out there working 50 a week, with 4 kids and other hobbies--kudos!
I didn't see a criticism of professional-like masters...she didn't say they were wrong. I don't think she has sour grapes, as she's not moaning about being beaten by anyone--just commenting of great swimming times.
For me I'm envious of anyone who can put in that time--I'd love to be able to do it. Doesn't mean I resent their success...sometimes admiration based envy can be ok, and even spur you on.
You get out of anything what you put in.
OK We all know I'm Fort's buddy. She would not start a thread taking swipes at the top swimmers...even if it seems that way to anyone as the reader...it is not like her to do that
I think she just asked a question about competitiveness and marvelled about how these folks get it done. Maybe there are some out there working 50 a week, with 4 kids and other hobbies--kudos!
I didn't see a criticism of professional-like masters...she didn't say they were wrong. I don't think she has sour grapes, as she's not moaning about being beaten by anyone--just commenting of great swimming times.
For me I'm envious of anyone who can put in that time--I'd love to be able to do it. Doesn't mean I resent their success...sometimes admiration based envy can be ok, and even spur you on.
You get out of anything what you put in.
