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.
Former Member
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).
Just a thought, if you don't want it to sound like sour grapes, don't accuse people of spending all their time training! I am not picking on you though, only identifying myself in your comments. I mean, alot of us know we could be swimming faster, and it is perfectly reasonable to look at those who do put in the training and be a little jealous. I know I am (and I will add that I don't know that Fort is jealous and certainly won't speak for others). There is no question that you give up other things if you choose to swim more than a few hours a week. Personally, though, I have a lot in my life that I could cut out, but choose not to...
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.
I can only speak for myself, I've got 3 kids, ages 9, 6 and 2. They have all of their activities going on which I attend, I work 40 - 50 hours a week, play in a band, etc. I still do whatever I can to make swimming a priority. If it means getting to work at 6 or 6:30 in the morning so I can get out by 3 or 4 to get to a workout, so be it. If it means I swim at 8 or 9pm at night, so be it. My wife is cool with it for the most part as it keeps her husband healthy and happy.
The funny thing is, I put it in all of this time and effort in the pool, yet I rarely compete. I haven't done a meet in two years, and I think the last zone meet I did was 4 years ago. I get much more satisfication after a long hard workout, where I turned in great repeats or whatever, than swimming a race. I guess thats the downside of getting older, I'm not getting any faster.
Yeah but Art.. all that training is allowing you to keep up with you kids which is as valid as any WR or Top Ten--provided it's what you want.
I play drums a bit what do you play? No band or jam group yet though.
Matt- shame on you! You know you're not fit to carry the ego of the true Late Boomer, Faster-than-anyone-with-my-identical-background-and-you're-a-liar-if-you-say-you-are. (sorryJim)
For cripes sake, I didn't see an "accusation" anywhere in my posts, Lefty. I probably shouldn't have bothered to start the thread. It was just a random musing, after having missed another of my team practices. I've basically been training by myself since last December and it's getting frustrating. That's all. No hidden agenda or sour grapes. Why don't we go back to TFs and stupid lawyers or Amanda now. :thhbbb:
I specifically said I don't speak for you. Instead I was commenting that it is important to recognize the slight feelings of jealousy and frustration which is what your post evoked from me. I am glad that you don't feel that way, I am sure you agree that there are hundreds who do, though.
. . . this is the type of person well-balanced and striving to better themselves . .
Those of us who know AnnG may beg to differ on the "well-balanced" assessment.
(Just kidding, Ann)
Bill I am a LOT better than I used to be in the O-C area - my kids cured me. I just know I wasn't born a talented athlete just a hard working one. It takes longer but is paying off as this was my best ever nationals. I am competitive at my own level - speaking of that I am looking forward to the rib cook off between you and Diane, I loved how that challenge got thrown down at Federal Way!
Now, wipe the BBQ sauce off your face and get back to work cuz I know that is where you are right now . . .
I am in that 40-44 age group and each time I look at the depth and speed of my age group I cringe. And then I smile. I know why I choose swimming - it was either that or nothing. Title 9 passed when I was 5 and by the time I was 6 my mother took me to signups at the local rec center as she had for my brother (he was in football, basketball, soccer and track). Only two other girls had signed up for flag football - so that was a no go. 'Oh, but we do have ballet or baton twirling.' Oh goody! A few years later some of my friends were playing soccer or softball, but by that time I was entrenched in swimming. Although I was never the fastest swimmer and I never will be I am just as grateful to have the opportunity to participate in swimming today as when swimming rescued me from baton twirling. I wonder how many women had the same experience I had and maybe that is why this age group is so intense.
