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.
Well, I'm a late bloomer. Never swam age group, HS, or college. Should I ever make the achievement of Top 10, possible but not probable, it will be quite an accomplishment. Truth be told, that is the last thing on my mind. Making little improvements here and there, personal bests, is enough to keep me in the water for quite some time (along with the health benefits of course).
You never know! You can be a late bloomer (MSwimming) (although do you really want to brag about this?!) or take 25 years off and still be ranked.
My own compulsion/desire to train even more is not driven by top tens, although I do love to compete. I just like to train. It makes me feel fit and healthy, and I am an endorphin junky. So I think you should carry on. You have a great attitude. I think Barb is also right that you don't want to miss the personal accomplishments along the way, however seemingly minor. I notice that people I know that have been swimming masters for a long time, have a long term view. When I get a chance, I enjoy sitting in the hottub with them, icing our shoulders, and gossiping about great swims or life in general.
Well, I'm a late bloomer. Never swam age group, HS, or college. Should I ever make the achievement of Top 10, possible but not probable, it will be quite an accomplishment. Truth be told, that is the last thing on my mind. Making little improvements here and there, personal bests, is enough to keep me in the water for quite some time (along with the health benefits of course).
You never know! You can be a late bloomer (MSwimming) (although do you really want to brag about this?!) or take 25 years off and still be ranked.
My own compulsion/desire to train even more is not driven by top tens, although I do love to compete. I just like to train. It makes me feel fit and healthy, and I am an endorphin junky. So I think you should carry on. You have a great attitude. I think Barb is also right that you don't want to miss the personal accomplishments along the way, however seemingly minor. I notice that people I know that have been swimming masters for a long time, have a long term view. When I get a chance, I enjoy sitting in the hottub with them, icing our shoulders, and gossiping about great swims or life in general.
