Any posters here in Olympia WA?

RE: Any posters here in Olympia WA?

Former Member — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 16:16:19 GMT

Ciao Willow! It's been a long time since I've been called a Geoduck! What year did you graduate by the way? I'm going to follow your lead and join a gym near me next week; i've been meaning to do it for a long time. I don't know if it will help shoulders or not though, it should help with all the rest. Check out this link: www.usaswimming.org/.../ViewMiscArticle.aspx for some great exercies to keep our shoulders healthier. Good luck on getting someone closer to you to get you into a masters group. You won't regret it. - Thomas

RE: Any posters here in Olympia WA?

Former Member — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 15:02:08 GMT

Another Geoduck! I'm a Greener too! Thanks for your encouragement. I did start a careful weight training program today in hopes of strengthening my shoulders, and if I continue to have problems, I am going to take your advice about a PT. It will be worth it. BTW, Evergreen no longer has a swim team. Isn't that sad? Not that I could be on it at 38, but still... Thanks, Willow

RE: Any posters here in Olympia WA?

Former Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:02:51 GMT

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

RE: Any posters here in Olympia WA?

Former Member — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:19:20 GMT

Aw thanks! I know they won't bite. I'm actually annoyingly gregarious. I don't know why I feel so shy! I was kind of hoping somebody out there will say "I'm in Oly too and I'm a beginner too and I want to join the masters TOO! Let's go together!" And then we can skip hand in hand down to the pool at 6:45am and share a lane and it won't be so scary. I'm going to hold onto that hope for another hour of so, before I suck it up and vow to go alone tomorrow morning. Thanks knelson! Willow

RE: Any posters here in Olympia WA?

Swimmy — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:27:13 GMT

:cheerleader: Willow, Congratulations on your big accomplishment. Deciding to learn to swim as an adult is so great. I just recently started teaching swim lessons at one of my pools. My favorite class is my fearful adult class. They are so eager to learn. Perhaps at your pool you can find an instructor to help you with private lessons. I would offer, but I live on the other coast. Try out the master's team too. You will love it. Good luck! Swimmy :chearleader:

RE: Any posters here in Olympia WA?

knelson — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:03:23 GMT

Just do it, Willow! As you know, the hardest thing is summoning up the guts to go that first time. No one will bite. I promise! :)