You know, I've heard a few people say, "this is only masters, it's no big deal."
Yet, as I meet more people I learn about stories of people enjoying the sport, and the years of dedication they've given to swimming. 60+ years old, still healthy, still strong, going 32 for 50 fly... ???!!
Being fast at 20, great, way to go.... Try a lifetime of dedication, that's even greater.
This is the complete truth. Swimmers may be obsessive but obsessive is quite a scale. Serious bikers and runners are looney tunes compared to us.
This is analogous to what George Carlin said about drivers - anyone who drives faster than you is a maniac and anyone who drives slower than you is an idiot. On this forum, anyone who trains more than what is collectively considered "okay" is obsessive and neglecting their family, etc. :rolleyes:
For me, having already gone through a period where swimming=my life (in h.s. and college), I see master's swimming as a chance to relax and enjoy myself. So, there are some of us out here for whom the comment "it's only masters" isn't meant to be derogatory. Just to signify that swimming doesn't dominate our lives right now.
It's not as important as family or job,and there is no real glory in it,but Masters Swimming is a central part of my life.It's fun,I meet great people,I'm in much better shape than I would be otherwise and it is a good outlet for my competitive fire.
This is the complete truth. Swimmers may be obsessive but obsessive is quite a scale. Serious bikers and runners are looney tunes compared to us.
The bikers, yes, but not the runners. I have NEVER heard a runner become as obsessive over micro-fractional parts of a second as I have swimmers. That plus the endless details of swim sets - yikes. Racewalkers are much crazier than any of those, however...
-LBJ
Does master swimming really prolong life?
Does it help us enjoy life more?
Does swimming 50 crawl or doing 32 for 50 fly at 60+ mean anything?
"Yes" to all those questions.
That's not to say that masters swimming is the be-all and end-all, and it isn't for everybody. There are many ways to be healthy and happy; this just happens to be one of them.
J - Does master swimming really prolong life?
Does it help us enjoy life more?
Does swimming 50 crawl or doing 32 for 50 fly at 60+ mean anything?
Just to get in and swim without thinking about swimming times, is really enjoyment enough for me.
I can still knock off a 30+ sec crawl without effecting my heart and a slow 36+ sec fly.
But these times mean nothing to me. I would sooner help someone else to become a better swimmer.
My friend in Mexico is in his 80s swims 4 miles a day. It takes him 4 hrs and sometimes more. He has never competed in a race,and he loves his swim.
How about the side effects of swimming such as:
1- Sailing in a small kayak (with a tendency to capsize) in a lake knowing that if you have to you may ditch the darn boat and SWIM back to the shore. However I still wear life jackets...
2- Snorkeling all over any beach, near reefs and so forth, because you can swim there, you can swim forever with snorkels, mask and fins.
3- Going for a 2 mile swim in a fairly current free beach, when every body else is jogging or doing other stuff. Later people will ask you how you can swim so far, and you don't explain to them that swimming in the ocean is sooooooo easy. Oh, also, if the current doesn't take you away, you can swim long and far using that stroke made to last forever and for resting: da breastroke!
I'm a firm believer in invoking the "it's only Masters" clause on kick and fly sets.
Sig-worthy.
Although kick sets are truly under-valued and underrated. Kicking is great for building core strength and taking pressure off the shoulders, which is a major problem in swimming.
The bikers, yes, but not the runners. I have NEVER heard a runner become as obsessive over micro-fractional parts of a second as I have swimmers. That plus the endless details of swim sets - yikes.
Well, swimming is a sport in which micro-fractions matter. It's not obsessive. It stems from the nature of the sport.
And add me to the list of "triathletes are too freaking hard-core". We're fortunate that in my current team (Manatees, Oakland, CA) our triathletes are mellow and a pleasure to work out w/. But the Iron Man types... :bolt: :shakeshead:
No, it is not JUST masters swimming. If I want to train 20 hours per week (sorry John Smith) why shouldn't I? It's a really big deal to me!
Mr. Fort describes masters swimming as an "obsessive subculture." I think that's fairly accurate. Most people I know that swim and compete are pretty darn serious about it, but attempt to balance their passion with career and family demands. I've said before, I want to grow up to be like Grace Dyck. I enjoy endurance sports. Definitely contributes to my health and happiness.
As for evil John Smith, the originator of the "it's only maters" quote, that's a bunch of poppycock. He obviously trains and competes seriously and is quite worried about drug use in the sport encroaching on his new national records. :laugh2: So methinks he doth protest too much when he lays down one of those "it's not how fast you go, but how you look" bombs.
