I'm heading into my 3rd yr. first year we only had 2 practices a week (Mon + thurs). last year the team gave the masters group a 3rd time (M, T + Th). this year we still only have 3 times a week, but we have T + TH and Sunday. I like the sunday because it 2 hours and we have the entire pool.
if my team offered 4, 5, 6 or 7 times a week I would most likely swim every time available. once my family gets into a better routine after the second baby and move to new apt i will start swimming at lunch on our off days.
2008 marks my 10th year in Masters Swimming. I swam in HS and College but then took 10 years off before discovering Masters. I've been to a few Nationals and enjoyed every one. I aspire to become a year round swimmer and am getting close. Usually in my "off" season I'll workout about 3X per week. Otherwise, its 4,5,6 and sometimes 7. I once missed only 1 day in a month.
After age group and a year of college swimming I took my first break.
Started back in the water in grad school and helped start the City of Midland Swim Team masters club and swam with them from 1984-89. Normally 5x per week
Moved to Austin and swam with the Austin Sports Psyche club from 89-92. Swam 3 x per week. Move to Houston in 93 and swam with First Colony club for a season.
Long hiatus, played some underwater hockey, got fat. Started back in the pool at the gym and we started a team in 07 and swam with them 3 x per week until the shoulder went out. Back in the water in July, and now swim with First Colony 3 x per week depending on travel schedule.
I competed through the 25-30 bracket and the 30-35 bracket, and after a good long break rejoined in time to age into th 50-55 bracket.
How long have you been in masters swimming, and how often do you practice? I'm curious to see a breakdown. (Poll to follow.)
Not fair.
Your poll questions said "... attend practice." while the body of your post "do you practice"?
I swim four/five times a week. I'm an Unattached swimmer (not this is not a dating site) and I do not practice but do what I feel like at the time. (About 60 mins per swim.)
I started my first masters program in late 2003 and did my first meet in 2004. Did many meets, Made some Top Ten appearances in 2004(LCM and SCM) and 2005(SCM). Trained here and there from 2005 to 2007. I would swim for three months and then take 6 months off for personal or professional reasons. In Nov 2007, I got back into training and did my first masters meet in 2.5 years in January of 2008. In Feb, I stepped up my training from 10 to 15 yards a week to about 20-25 yards a week. Now, I feel that I will be able to train without anymore off time but who knows. Hopefully, next year, I will have the financial means to do my first USMS Nationals and in 2010, to do my first Masters Worlds.
