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?
Former Member
From across the pond - and I'm sure you'll get the same welcome - my advice is go for it.
My kids are all fanatical age groupers. I was asked to do a parent's race and did one 25m relay leg in 14 seconds and surpised myself! The coach asked me to consider joining the masters and I gave myself a few months to build a level of fitness and in September started. I really enjoy it! Why didn't I find this earlier?
What I now know is;
Three months swimming not in a squad = three weeks with a squad IMHO
Several other masters have joined since, without a high base level of fitness and they just do what they can do and enjoy themselves getting fitter and better
My stroke count was 3 down (SCM) in two and a half months
Everyone gets what they want out of it
Swimmers are very welcoming -there are some talented kids at our club but they aren't prima donnas
Be ready to hear kids talking about all sorts in the changing rooms! It will make your eyes water. (especially when your 13 yo son is in there pretending he's an angel).
Just go for it, you will regret it if you don't.
Wow! Thanks for all the comments! Guess I will hit up the Grunions and see what it's all about. I definitely feel MUCH more comfortable now, if not obligated ha ha!
Best always,
Eric
Seriously, don't be bashful. Our master's group, as I assume all master's groups, would welcome you into the fold. It doesn't matter how fast or efficient you are. It helps to have motivated people around to make a positive contribution. All in the name of good health!
Too late, your a member now.
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
Ah the Grunion run, a Long Beach tradition! Gonna give it a shot.
I never really knew about masters swimming until I had done a few triathlons. I tried it because I was in a different city, alone, hated my job, and needed to do something to workout. I went to my first workout, swam in the slowest lane, but finished the set. I hadn't swam on a team ever before (well unless you count a water polo club in college).
That was about 12 years ago, and I'm still swimming with a masters team. I've moved, been a part of a few teams, and when I travel I find teams to workout with. Since that first workout, I haven't missed more than 2 weeks in a row, and even that is probably a stretch.
If you haven't yet at least tried a masters team, you really should. You can get as much or as little into it as you want. I've gone through phases where I swam 3-4 meets a year, and others (now currently) where I haven't done any. Most teams have both formal and informal social activities, dinners, happy hours, or even just a couple people meeting at Starbucks after workout.
Dude, it is Thursday and you still have not tried a team? What are you waiting for? You've had invitations, suggestions and harassment.
Ah, driving directions! Where are you coming from, I will google map from you to the Grunion pool :)
I can map from you to my pool too, but I am a couple timezones away, and the triathletes already out number me.
I really am interested in your first impression of a Masters team as a triathlete.
