I've had the opportunity to read many of the posts on this forum, and it seems we are a group of similar interest, but we are different in so many ways.
There is one thing I hope we can agree on, and that is the value and importance of swimming.
Although it seems this group is pulled in two directions, one side having an emphasis on performance as the criteria for success, and the other side which sees the lifestyle benefits as the main motivation.
There's something about this that I've tried to understand, and I'm not really sure if other people think the same way. Some elite athletes look down on Masters as "not that important". Yet, master athletes choose this lifestyle for decades or even an entire lifetime. This dedication to the sport seems to be an even greater accomplishment.
With the aging population masters could become more popular in the public mind, as we show the general public what life could be like. That's why master athletes should be broadly recognized for their accomplishments.
At the end of the day, Masters win, regardless of place!!
Jonathan,
Whenever anyone asks us why we look so young for our age, swimming is the first thing out of our mouths. So to all, from the plodders to the screamers, keep doing what floats your boat and tell everyone you meet why you look so good!
Bob Husson
I have been a forum "lurker" now for a couple of months and have finally decided to participate. I started swimming last January on my own and became involved with a Masters' team in March. I remember my coach telling me that I had some conditioning "issues" midway through my first workout. Who knew you weren't supposed to turn purple while working out?:eek: One year and 30 pounds later, I feel several years younger. I've made it to the point where swimming "floats my boat" and I hope to live a long and happy life as a swimmer. Now if I could just learn how to butterfly and swim backstroke!!!
I looked in the mirror today and saw my father, I was happy to see him until I saw that it was me.
I am getting older and know there is nothing I can do except to try and keep fit. My father was 93 when he passed so I am hoping for at least 18 more years to keep up with him.
Jonathan,
Perfect! I have gone the gamut from swimming occasionally to hard work towards a national event or a top ten time, but it has always been a joy to workout with fine people and visit new, interesting places. Now that I am back on a team and working out in a group, I don't think I could stop again.
As for your point about showing others, my late mother-in-law, Rita Shephard, was a great example. When she retired at 65, she asked us what could she do. She had been a lifeguard and swimming instructor, but had never competed. She was hesitant when we told her about Masters. It took one meet for her to be hooked and she spent the next 25 years working out with Masters and kids teams, checking on the latest times of her rivals, traveling all over, speaking to individuals and groups whenever she could, and the number of people she touched may be uncountable. At the age of ninety-one, after having both hips replaced in a single operation, and her heart failing, she still got into the pool and did a bit of backstroke with me swimming next to her. She wouldn't swim a 25 in the local Senior Games, as she didn't want to be the "slow old lady" that would hold up the meet and get a big hand just for finishing!
Whenever anyone asks us why we look so young for our age, swimming is the first thing out of our mouths. So to all, from the plodders to the screamers, keep doing what floats your boat and tell everyone you meet why you look so good!
Bob Husson
Iwannafly,
Great! That's the kind of story that I love! It's easy for those of us who have been swimming and competing all of our lives, but I always like to welcome new members to the Chlorinated Society! Keep at it and don't worry, you'll learn the other strokes in time.
I have been a forum "lurker" now for a couple of months and have finally decided to participate. I started swimming last January on my own and became involved with a Masters' team in March. I remember my coach telling me that I had some conditioning "issues" midway through my first workout. Who knew you weren't supposed to turn purple while working out?:eek: One year and 30 pounds later, I feel several years younger. I've made it to the point where swimming "floats my boat" and I hope to live a long and happy life as a swimmer. Now if I could just learn how to butterfly and swim backstroke!!!
Sure you can learn, it just takes practice... Thanks for sharing the story, that's right, that's the beauty of swimming.
Jonathan,
Perfect! I have gone the gamut from swimming occasionally to hard work towards a national event or a top ten time, but it has always been a joy to workout with fine people and visit new, interesting places. Now that I am back on a team and working out in a group, I don't think I could stop again.
As for your point about showing others, my late mother-in-law, Rita Shephard, was a great example. When she retired at 65, she asked us what could she do. She had been a lifeguard and swimming instructor, but had never competed. She was hesitant when we told her about Masters. It took one meet for her to be hooked and she spent the next 25 years working out with Masters and kids teams, checking on the latest times of her rivals, traveling all over, speaking to individuals and groups whenever she could, and the number of people she touched may be uncountable. At the age of ninety-one, after having both hips replaced in a single operation, and her heart failing, she still got into the pool and did a bit of backstroke with me swimming next to her. She wouldn't swim a 25 in the local Senior Games, as she didn't want to be the "slow old lady" that would hold up the meet and get a big hand just for finishing!
Whenever anyone asks us why we look so young for our age, swimming is the first thing out of our mouths. So to all, from the plodders to the screamers, keep doing what floats your boat and tell everyone you meet why you look so good!
Bob Husson
Bob,
Thanks for sharing the story... That's the heart of the matter, right?
Happy swimming,
