Okay, I'd love to join a masters group but I've never sum on a team before ... most have I think, and I don't know how comfortable/welcome I'd be because I suck (relatively).
Anyone have some stories of their first masters team where they had not swum on a team prior, but brought in the courage to join?
How did it go? How did you become comfortable and keep up?
I'm confident you'd be welcome at almost all clubs/workout groups. I never swam as an age grouper but have been welcome on all three clubs here in Evanston, including my current club, which is a perennial Illinois Masters state meet contender. We have swimmers at all levels.
Skip
Thanks Skip, I keep telling myself to join and I keep putting it off. I know it's the best way to challenge myself but it's kinda scary to commit to join an already gelled group of swimmers, especially when I'd be the kid in the pool (kid = weak swimmer with lots to learn). I swim in Long Beach, CA ... pretty competitive area ... eh, maybe I'll suck it up and go. Nerves and new challenges.
Long Beach is the home of the Grunions.
From their website: "If you can swim a length of the pool without drowning, you can swim with us!"
Also, NOW is the time to join. You aren't the only new guy if you join in January ;) But join soon, otherwise you will be the new guy to even the new guys.
Hmmm, maybe I should have started this differently. Any masters in the LB area that would welcome a triathlete swimmer into their club? Better to start with a contact than just show up. I hate just plopping into stuff without welcome.
The longer you wait, the more mad at yourself you will be when you do join for the lost time. We have a large team and we always welcome new swimmers, of any level. Today we had three new swimmers in our level, they were all former collegiate swimmers but we also had at least 3 or 4 total newbies at the other end. I think after the 30th person welcomed them they finally understood what Masters is all about, that and Saturday breakfast.
Okay, I'd love to join a masters group but I've never sum on a team before ... most have I think, and I don't know how comfortable/welcome I'd be because I suck (relatively).
Anyone have some stories of their first masters team where they had not swum on a team prior, but brought in the courage to join?
How did it go? How did you become comfortable and keep up?
Swimming with a Masters workout group or team doesn't mean you have to be good, fast, know all the strokes, or want to compete. The fundamental purpose is adult fitness. There will be a workout, scaled for different capabilities. Lane assignment is generally by speed (I am always in the slowest lane!), and you can substitute a stroke or body movement for one you don't know yet, or use fins if you are falling behind on a set. Many workout groups have tris participating at all levels. I would contact the coach of a convenient workout group and ask about a trial swim.
Have fun!
:)
Don't you have any triathlete friends who work out with teams? If you do, just ask one of them to take you to workout.
If you don't, the best way to contact a potential team is not to ask here. It's to visit your LMSC's web site and see what teams work out at times and places that might be convenient for you. The LMSC web site will give contact information (web site or email or phone number) for those teams. When you find one that interests you, call or email the contact person (1) to confirm that the information is correct, (2) to find out if there's anything special you need to know before you show up (e.g., where is the locker room, where to park your car or bike, how much to pay and to whom), and (3) to get the name of a specific person to look for at your first practice for greeting and orientation. Then go!
Eric,
If I lived in Long Beach I'd be swimming with the Grunions. They have a beautiful facility, and are THE nicest people. Before one of my races last month at their meet I almost missed my race because they were so friendly, I was chatting. :blush:
For masters swimming you don't need to have a referral of any kind. Just find out when the practice is, show up, say who you are and what your background is, and I bet they find you a lane.
Or, if you prefer, just go and observe a workout. I, for one, would come ready to swim. It's far more fun to participate than to observe. :2cents:
Good luck.
:applaud:
Hi Eric,
My name is Kenny Brisbin and I'm one of the coaches for the Long Beach Grunions. We are a masters team with over 100 swimmers ranging from novice to elite swimmers. The Grunions offer 8 workouts each week and have all ranges of swimmers at each workout. We even have a group of triathlete swimmers that not only swim but bike and run together. Email me directly at ken@lbgrunions.org and I will give you more information.
Kenny Brisbin
Eric, I think you're kind of obligated to give the Grunions a try now. If not, I suspect they might hunt you down some night when your mind is distracted by "other things". :D
All the best,
Skip
