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.
Fortress,
I agree with you! Swimming in the 45-49 age group is a constant challenge.....but one that makes me try even harder to improve. We have some AMAZING women that are all about the same age we are. Aging up is usually a cause for celebration.....not so in this age group! They follow us every step of the way! They are all obviously passionate about swiming and many don't seem to be slowing down! If you make it into the top ten in our age group, it is a huge accomplishment! I am honestly jealous of swimmers that have the time and ENERGY to train more than me. I can only do about 4-4500 max in a workout before I start hurting my shoulders. If I want to beat these women in the 90-95 age group, I'll just stick to that. It may take that long for me to catch up with them! :joker: I think it is a personal choice and a matter of what your priorities are. Not sour grapes....just awe and inspiration!
Fortress,
I agree with you! Swimming in the 45-49 age group is a constant challenge.....but one that makes me try even harder to improve. We have some AMAZING women that are all about the same age we are. Aging up is usually a cause for celebration.....not so in this age group! They follow us every step of the way! They are all obviously passionate about swiming and many don't seem to be slowing down! If you make it into the top ten in our age group, it is a huge accomplishment! I am honestly jealous of swimmers that have the time and ENERGY to train more than me. I can only do about 4-4500 max in a workout before I start hurting my shoulders. If I want to beat these women in the 90-95 age group, I'll just stick to that. It may take that long for me to catch up with them! :joker: I think it is a personal choice and a matter of what your priorities are. Not sour grapes....just awe and inspiration!
