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.
Former Member
The "It's only Masters!" mentality has given me a relaxed, fun, "nothing to lose," "who cares," "try new things" attitude about the sport. Yes. It's only masters! What could be better than to do front handsprings across the pool one practice followed by kicking some SR I butt the next practice?
George,
1. I don't know for sure, but I'm willing to find out.
2. Without a doubt.
3. The time has huge significance, an incredible accomplishment. Meaning is a personal thing, if it matters to you, then that's what matters.
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.
I've had this talk with a friend who takes his training pretty seriously, works, has a family.
We've both said, "It's not like it's social work, or volunteering or contributing to society" (except that we set good examples of healthy living and probably save tons on medical costs) (except for all that PT we might occasionally need, but still, mostly we are fit and not overweight and active and showing by example that it's possible to stay fit for life).
For me it's my mental health that has been thoroughly resuscitated by this sport. Feeling down, go for a swim. Don't want to swim, want to drown? Go to a workout. Kaboom! Instant mental health. No time to think about the blues. Breathing that deep and hard for an hour and a half and being "held" by the water seems to change my chemistry so then I'm not blue, and this altered state usually lasts for many hours. Also, it's social! Usually gets me out of my funks.
The carryover: hard job tasks? Just think: This is nothing compared to the 400 IMs last night. Need to feel powerful? Just think about a good swim. Have a nasty medical test where you have to drink radioactive barium? Just do it on the interval: On the :10 I will drink 6 long gulps; on the :40 I will drink 6 more long gulps. This worked very well for me.
About the obsessiveness: that part still bothers me. I try not to obsess about my times (and I am getting better at this), but I think when people really are obsessive about their times, then it's more than masters and maybe not the best use of life energy.
Breathing that deep and hard for an hour and a half and being "held" by the water seems to change my chemistry so then I'm not blue, and this altered state usually lasts for many hours.
Yep...
I have worked harder on masters than I did it 30 years ago! As high point tropy winner @ 60 - 64 in Il. Yes I went 32 in the 50 fly & 119 in the 100 & 307 in the 200 fly. My time of 644 for the 500 free & 1359 in the 1000 also makes me happy. :groovy:
So yes only masters does help us live longer & better lives:oldman:
I have worked harder on masters than I did it 30 years ago! As high point tropy winner @ 60 - 64 in Il. Yes I went 32 in the 50 fly & 119 in the 100 & 307 in the 200 fly. My time of 644 for the 500 free & 1359 in the 1000 also makes me happy. :groovy:
So yes only masters does help us live longer & better lives:oldman:
Right on! Thanks for that...
