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?
Since you are in North Carolina, if it is convenient for you(since I don't know where in NC you live), you might consider doing the November 3-4 meet in Columbia, SC. I will be doing that one. It is a fun meet.
Since you are in North Carolina, if it is convenient for you(since I don't know where in NC you live), you might consider doing the November 3-4 meet in Columbia, SC. I will be doing that one. It is a fun meet.