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.
Yep I definitely plan to swim at that meet. Would this be a challenge in the 400? I haven't decided on what events to focus on yet.
I realize that the odds are very much against me, but it sure would be fun to do. Kevin
Perhaps forum grudge matches such as this will spur increased competition in the men's ranks?
Well said, Isox. I agree that training in and of itself does not make greatness. The best are a unique combination of genetics, drive, talent, coaching, training and luck. But it is difficult to be great unless you train at least some reasonablely minimal amount. I think in masters particularly though there is more potential for improvement through sheer training and dedication. That's why swimmers like some_girl will continue to improve and succeed.
Who's your grudge race against in Austin, Donna? So you're not going to socialize at ande's big bash?
Yep I definitely plan to swim at that meet. Would this be a challenge in the 400? I haven't decided on what events to focus on yet.
I realize that the odds are very much against me, but it sure would be fun to do. Kevin
Perhaps forum grudge matches such as this will spur increased competition in the men's ranks?
Well said, Isox. I agree that training in and of itself does not make greatness. The best are a unique combination of genetics, drive, talent, coaching, training and luck. But it is difficult to be great unless you train at least some reasonablely minimal amount. I think in masters particularly though there is more potential for improvement through sheer training and dedication. That's why swimmers like some_girl will continue to improve and succeed.
Who's your grudge race against in Austin, Donna? So you're not going to socialize at ande's big bash?
