Masters Swimmers Acting Like Triathletes

Now this is an interesting point to discuss. I don't think USMS is really any different from any other adult organization that recognizes top performers in that there will always be a small group that is hyper competitive and wants the prize(s). I personally really like the very competitive nature of my team and this forum. For people who are competitive and want to win, there's no either/or decision, either train hard or not at all. They will find some activity to work hard at, swimming or otherwise. I advocate more self centered overly competitive members. I have enjoyed meeting many of these recently. I'll take a focused athlete over a workaholic any day. Mr. Negative - meh, yawn, er.

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. Kirk Nelson posted something the other day that I found quite accurate: It's just nonsense and judgmental to tell people what they should and shouldn't take seriously in life. I'm with Q -- I'm much more "turned off" by selfless blubber and laziness and fast food than an athlete who enjoys training. Sounds like you may need to train more and generate some endorphins, Mr. Negative. Or you can just enjoy your chuckle over a beer.

.... My first act will be to fill my water bottle with Vodka and take it to practice tomorrow. I fully expect to be the life of the practice!! ....... Not sure how the Vodka fits into the health thing, but one out of two ain't bad! You should have been at the Vegas meet with Team Hot Tub a few weeks ago. You would have found out about how vodka fits into the whole scheme of things.

... more about the smack talk. Yeah, that's pretty darn accurate. I had an entire lane ridicule me today about my 100 meter swim. Then, it spilled into my lane with the final comment directed at me by a very shy, quiet woman being "yeah, Billy, you suck." You know, even the ones that say they aren't competitive are still breathing heavy on hard sets and still getting up at 4:45 to make it to practice, so they are just fooling themselves. I was all prepared to smack jack Puffster last weekend but she's too nice and fast to ridicule. Fort might beat me up. Wookie might smother me with his yetti coat. All I have is this forum, where the only punishment is Matysek banning me for a while when I remind him of his beatdown in CLT last Winter.

Seems like there is a growing parallel between triathletes and many masters swimmers these days. ... Is this a good thing? ..... or a turn off for those who look on with amusement. I enjoy triathletes and triathlons and see nothing wrong with the comparison. Anyone, including so-called fitness athletes, can go overboard at times. I see many at the gym who some would label "obsessive" about their physique and health. As mid-life crises go, it beats some of the alternatives. I'll spare my amusement for obese coach-potatoes, and proud owners of Hummers and trophy wives. PS: I saw the title and thought, "oh no another tech-suit thread." Thank God for small favors, anyway.:)

I enjoy triathletes and triathlons and see nothing wrong with the comparison. Anyone, including so-called fitness athletes, can go overboard at times. I see many at the gym who some would label "obsessive" about their physique and health. As mid-life crises go, it beats some of the alternatives. I'll spare my amusement for obese coach-potatoes, and proud owners of Hummers and trophy wives. I'll 2nd that Chris. What's wrong with acting like a triathlete every once in a while? My dad, sister and brother-in-law are all triathletes and I'd be proud to "act" like them.

"You f'in beech I heard these same words at practice last week, except without the Italian accent. :D Everyone seems to love to brag that they don't train and they don't take it seriously ... Most of that is just pre-excusing. I don't see or hear many people being motivated by records.

Now back to my question: Does it seem like there are more and more people getting wound up in USMS like the obsessed training triathletes nuts these days? This is not my observation in the least. I won't draw broad conclusions based on what I see alone but I have a lot of obsessed tri friends (serious distances) and a lot of obsessed swim friends and there really is not much comparison in overall training times. Even my swim friends who are weight training will still put in, at best, 2/3s the time of the tri friends. Wonder what others see?

This is not my observation in the least. I won't draw broad conclusions based on what I see alone but I have a lot of obsessed tri friends (serious distances) and a lot of obsessed swim friends and there really is not much comparison in overall training times. Even my swim friends who are weight training will still put in, at best, 2/3s the time of the tri friends. Wonder what others see? I see the same as you, Geek. My sister is getting ready for another Ironman. Me getting ready for a meet wouldn't put in nearly the same time training.

Why does it appear many masters swimmers are taking USMS so seriously? Maybe Mr. Negative just saw the discussion on ART this morning and couldn't help himself. Too much dedication to swimming isn't a bad thing and I doubt it is a turn-off to other masters swimmers. However, I am surprised sometimes by the amount of training that some masters swimmers put in and the general obsession with tech suits, etc. I guess I am probably jealous that I lack the same motivation. :bed: Tim