Hello! I'm hoping to get some advice about how to navigate the culture of my Masters team. I joined my local masters in February and I swim with them 2X/ week. I am a very new swimmer with limited understanding of swim culture, terminology and etiquette. Although the website of my team implies that swimmers of all abilities are welcome to join, it seems to me that most members are advanced. Judging from their conversations, it appears that many of them competed in college. That presents the first problem - I am unable to share a lane because I am very slow compared to the other people who swim on the same days that I do (I can't switch days due to my work schedule). Being in my own lane also means that I am not keeping up with the workout. I feel very isolated. The coaches on deck usually rotate. One coach is supportive and tries to give me feedback whenever possible. The other coaches completely ignore me. I actually think that one coach is not aware that I'm with the team (even though I have introduced myself to him twice now). I have begun bringing my own workouts because I can't keep up with the workout, but I think this makes it worse (is that kind of a faux pas?)
When I first joined, everyone was incredibly welcoming. They are good people and I would really like to get to know them better. When they get together socially - I try to participate whenever possible. I LOVE to swim and I am not a terrible swimmer. My form is good. I learning the terms and my performance is improving - I can swim 50m in 45 secs (if that gives any indication). However, because I do not compete and I can't keep up with the workout, I feel like an outsider. If I'm not interacting with the coach or the other swimmers during the workout, am I really a member of the team?
So, bottom line...Any advice for this newbie who's trying to fit in?
Have you tried to share your feelings with the coach who is supportive of your swimming? Perhaps he/she could talk with the other coach on your behalf.
If you are getting the coaching and stroke correction you need from the one coach take advange of those days and use the the days to other coach is working to just work on what you have learned. I find a coach is great for keeping me accountable and working with me to correct the flaws in my stroke.
Perhaps if there is a local masters meet you might sign up for an event or two. This will help you socialize with your teammates in a different way. Don't use the I'm too slow excuses, the only person you are competing with is yourself on that day. That way the next time you do a meet you can see how much you have improved. Believe me I have had my share of coming in last, especially when I swim with the kids (I train with a local kids team) and I don't worry about them, only me and what I am doing that day. I have found they are very supportive of this old person swimming with them in the outside lane.
Good luck and I hope things work out for you.
Have you tried to share your feelings with the coach who is supportive of your swimming? Perhaps he/she could talk with the other coach on your behalf.
If you are getting the coaching and stroke correction you need from the one coach take advange of those days and use the the days to other coach is working to just work on what you have learned. I find a coach is great for keeping me accountable and working with me to correct the flaws in my stroke.
Perhaps if there is a local masters meet you might sign up for an event or two. This will help you socialize with your teammates in a different way. Don't use the I'm too slow excuses, the only person you are competing with is yourself on that day. That way the next time you do a meet you can see how much you have improved. Believe me I have had my share of coming in last, especially when I swim with the kids (I train with a local kids team) and I don't worry about them, only me and what I am doing that day. I have found they are very supportive of this old person swimming with them in the outside lane.
Good luck and I hope things work out for you.
