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.
Parents
Former Member
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?
I'm not convinced about the first one but believe 'yes' to the second and third ones.
As far as the length of life is concerned, I'm probably stuck with what my genes will deliver at the upper end. I can certainly devise ways to shorten that lifespan and swimming is probably NOT one of those. What I'm looking forward to is compressed morbidity: that is, live a healthy life for as long as I live and, then, just drop dead (preferably after setting a world record in the breaststroke - but the dangers of that stroke are well known here on this Forum). I don't want to drag out the death process and that's why I swim (Well, no, it really is the other things about swimming that motivate me - I probably wouldn't do it if I didn't like it. No point in lying.).
Masters athletics IS my life now (shared by my wife of 43 years in all aspects). I've had an interesting career that kept me from having to work at a REAL job, obtained millions of dollars in federal grants, raised a family, run a private business, volunteered to coach youth and master's soccer and swimming, built my house with my own hands, rebuilt a car engine. learned to speak a couple of foreign languages etc etc.
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!
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?
I'm not convinced about the first one but believe 'yes' to the second and third ones.
As far as the length of life is concerned, I'm probably stuck with what my genes will deliver at the upper end. I can certainly devise ways to shorten that lifespan and swimming is probably NOT one of those. What I'm looking forward to is compressed morbidity: that is, live a healthy life for as long as I live and, then, just drop dead (preferably after setting a world record in the breaststroke - but the dangers of that stroke are well known here on this Forum). I don't want to drag out the death process and that's why I swim (Well, no, it really is the other things about swimming that motivate me - I probably wouldn't do it if I didn't like it. No point in lying.).
Masters athletics IS my life now (shared by my wife of 43 years in all aspects). I've had an interesting career that kept me from having to work at a REAL job, obtained millions of dollars in federal grants, raised a family, run a private business, volunteered to coach youth and master's soccer and swimming, built my house with my own hands, rebuilt a car engine. learned to speak a couple of foreign languages etc etc.
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!
