My first important lesson in Masters Swimming

RE: My first important lesson in Masters Swimming

Former Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:08:37 GMT

Excellent response, Midas!

RE: My first important lesson in Masters Swimming

james lucas — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:21:52 GMT

...that guy was facing some significant drag due to an enormous mustache. Seriously, its like he was pushing a barge with his face ... Well, like I was saying ...

RE: My first important lesson in Masters Swimming

Midas — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:34:12 GMT

There is probably someone both faster and older than you are. In my first Masters 500 free last November, I thought my time was a fairly respectable starting point after 14 years out of the water (5:12). However, some guy who is substantially older than I am beat me by a full body length. What really impressed me is that guy was facing some significant drag due to an enormous mustache. Seriously, its like he was pushing a barge with his face, but still casually whipped out a 5:10 in November. First, I will say that 5:12 is a great time and nothing to be ashamed of no matter who beat you. Second, I cracked up upon reading this because it was blatantly obvious to me that the guy who beat you was Jim Clemmons. I didn't even need to look it up to be sure I was right. Jim, you will learn, is a FANTASTIC swimmer and is in incredible shape. He is also a distance swimming machine. (While I'm at it, he's a heck of a nice guy--he knows just about everybody (even me). You should introduce yourself to him at Nats.) There is absolutely no shame in losing to Jim in the 500 (or anything frankly).

RE: My first important lesson in Masters Swimming

Former Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:37:59 GMT

What really impressed me is that guy was facing some significant drag due to an enormous mustache. Seriously, its like he was pushing a barge with his face, but still casually whipped out a 5:10 in November. That is hilarious! I am still laughing. I am not a huge fan of the mustache, maybe I am just jealous I can't grow a sweet, push-broom 'stache. "With great mustache comes great responsibility." - Peter Griffin

RE: My first important lesson in Masters Swimming

That Guy — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:14:22 GMT

Show up early. My first Masters meet started 30 minutes earlier than the entry form said it would. I walked out of the locker room and there were already long lines for the sprint lanes. It wasn't a problem as I wasn't in the first event, but now I always try to be really early as opposed to merely on time.