I am a newer swimmer trying to work up the guts to join the local Y (Briggs branch) masters. I'm thisclose, but it sure would be nice to know someone going in to that first meeting...
I am 38 and had never swum a stroke til last summer, when I got a wild hair and decided to enroll in a series of lessons at the Y. I thought I was afraid of the water, but it turned out that I wasn't afraid at all! I love it like crazy, and I took to it right away. Now I am in the awkward position of being more adept than the other people in the adult group classes I've tried, but still not technically strong enough (or disciplined enough!) to swim independantly without hurting myself. I really like having the accountability and support of classes, but wind up basically swimming unsupervised laps while the other people who are afraid of the water get all the attention. Without outside feedback, I revert to bad habits and get hurt (I keep pulling a muscle in my neck, plus I have unstable, easily insulted shoulders). Also I am humilated by my lack of stamina. I use all these excuses to put off going to that first meeting.
Basically, I am enthusiastic but fragile, and need a little encouragement to get my butt to that first morning meeting. Anyone want to take me under your wing?
Willow in Oly
Parents
Former Member
Willow:
Sorry I am even farther away - I'm on another continent and swim in the Adriatic Sea (Puget Sound is too cold)! I am an old evergreener ('92) though and lived in Oly for 3 years way back when.
From my own experience as a relatively new masters swimmer at 40 years of age, I wish I had made the transition to masters 6 months before I did instead of continuing to swim only laps.
I was a bit scared like you when I showed up one night to try out my local masters group as I thought that I wouldn't be a strong enough swimmer, that I'd embarass myself, that all the others would be much better than me. Nothing could have been farther from the truth! What I've seen is that there are always people who are just swimming masters for fitness and aren't interested in racing and there are those that are the afst racers... What binds everyone together is A LOT of support and total lack of criticism. Everyone is trying to improve and share a common passion for swimming. So go for it!
One thing: I don't know if you can expect your masters coach to help you resolve all your stroke and physical difficulties. A physical therapist or specialist you might need too.
So give it a try, you won't be sorry:banana:
Thomas
Willow:
Sorry I am even farther away - I'm on another continent and swim in the Adriatic Sea (Puget Sound is too cold)! I am an old evergreener ('92) though and lived in Oly for 3 years way back when.
From my own experience as a relatively new masters swimmer at 40 years of age, I wish I had made the transition to masters 6 months before I did instead of continuing to swim only laps.
I was a bit scared like you when I showed up one night to try out my local masters group as I thought that I wouldn't be a strong enough swimmer, that I'd embarass myself, that all the others would be much better than me. Nothing could have been farther from the truth! What I've seen is that there are always people who are just swimming masters for fitness and aren't interested in racing and there are those that are the afst racers... What binds everyone together is A LOT of support and total lack of criticism. Everyone is trying to improve and share a common passion for swimming. So go for it!
One thing: I don't know if you can expect your masters coach to help you resolve all your stroke and physical difficulties. A physical therapist or specialist you might need too.
So give it a try, you won't be sorry:banana:
Thomas
