Why does it appear many masters swimmers are taking USMS so seriously?
What's the difference between the typical "selfish train all day", "it's all about me" triathlete and a masters swimmer who seriously trains as hard as they can.... particularly to focus on setting masters records?
Seems like there is a growing parallel between triathletes and many masters swimmers these days.
Isn't it just "masters swimming" for health and fun in the end?
Does a masters record really mean that much?
Is this a good thing? ..... or a turn off for those who look on with amusement.
Parents
Former Member
I'm sometimes envious of those who don't have their faster and younger swimmer selves to compare themselves with now. It would be exciting to be doing best times ever in your best events.
quote]
Hey, I never thought of that.
I quit swimming at age 12. I can't remember my exact times but I think I am in the ballpark now in my first year back. I think I can blow those times away within the next few years and won't hit my peak until at least later in my 40s. So I've got that going for me. You former "elite" high school and college swimmers better look out because I am going to be smoking your lazy butts in a few years.
In all seriousness though, I mostly compete against myself, but I have been having a riot. "Gotta break a minute in the 100" "can't wait for my first open water race, I think I can do a 5k". I have become obsessed with swimming and Masters has already turned around my life - although I'm still doing just 3 times a week and pounding beers.
But what I wonder is why more slower swimmers don't compete? I admit the satisfaction of my personal accomplishments are slightly tapered by the fact that my times suck so bad compared to others. I mean if I can break a minute in a 100 free I think that's pretty damn good, but that is not even in the top half of men in their 40s.
I think the thought of getting on the starting blocks for the first time in a meet is really intimidating. Yet, I've found Masters swimmers nothing but friendly regardless of level. It got so boring trying to swim once or twice a week without a purpose, run on the treadmill etc.. that I can't do it any more without constant goals. I figured if I posted some times it would motivate me to improve. I'm so glad I finally did it. I must have been this high for all those years in my youth and not even known it.
I'm sometimes envious of those who don't have their faster and younger swimmer selves to compare themselves with now. It would be exciting to be doing best times ever in your best events.
quote]
Hey, I never thought of that.
I quit swimming at age 12. I can't remember my exact times but I think I am in the ballpark now in my first year back. I think I can blow those times away within the next few years and won't hit my peak until at least later in my 40s. So I've got that going for me. You former "elite" high school and college swimmers better look out because I am going to be smoking your lazy butts in a few years.
In all seriousness though, I mostly compete against myself, but I have been having a riot. "Gotta break a minute in the 100" "can't wait for my first open water race, I think I can do a 5k". I have become obsessed with swimming and Masters has already turned around my life - although I'm still doing just 3 times a week and pounding beers.
But what I wonder is why more slower swimmers don't compete? I admit the satisfaction of my personal accomplishments are slightly tapered by the fact that my times suck so bad compared to others. I mean if I can break a minute in a 100 free I think that's pretty damn good, but that is not even in the top half of men in their 40s.
I think the thought of getting on the starting blocks for the first time in a meet is really intimidating. Yet, I've found Masters swimmers nothing but friendly regardless of level. It got so boring trying to swim once or twice a week without a purpose, run on the treadmill etc.. that I can't do it any more without constant goals. I figured if I posted some times it would motivate me to improve. I'm so glad I finally did it. I must have been this high for all those years in my youth and not even known it.
