I want to work on improving my swimming to hopefully do a triathlon. I am really a lousy swimmer. I'm always the slowest person in the pool. My endurance is fine from running etc., but my strokes/form are terrible.
Everyone says masters swimming programs are the best workouts, but I don't want to go near one because I would lag behind even the oldest, most out of shape members.
What should I do?
Approach the coach and let him or her know you are interested in Masters Swimming. Communicate your skill-level and see if that program looks like it offers newer swimmers stroke instruction and the opportunity to swim what you can and slowly work up to a full practice. You might also check out the YMCA--some have lap swim programs that aren't necessarily tailored for competition and are perfect for newbies. I always tell my new swimmers they will improve more quickly than they expect. And they always do. Just don't be intimidated!!!
I want to work on improving my swimming to hopefully do a triathlon. I am really a lousy swimmer. I'm always the slowest person in the pool. My endurance is fine from running etc., but my strokes/form are terrible.
Everyone says masters swimming programs are the best workouts, but I don't want to go near one because I would lag behind even the oldest, most out of shape members.
What should I do?This was the reason I did it. Now the only time I'm the slowest (or next to the slowest) is at meets for my age group. For now I hope
I want to work on improving my swimming to hopefully do a triathlon. I am really a lousy swimmer. I'm always the slowest person in the pool. My endurance is fine from running etc., but my strokes/form are terrible.
Everyone says masters swimming programs are the best workouts, but I don't want to go near one because I would lag behind even the oldest, most out of shape members.
What should I do?
Sounds like you're more concerned about the technique aspect than the training aspect of swimming. A Masters program may be good place to seek out someone to work with you one-on-one. A lot of coaches will also do private lessons and clinics. More personalized attention may help you achieve the results you are looking for.
If you find a masters program where the coach ends up being more of a workout scribe than a hands-on technique-teacher, ask one of your lanemates or another person in the pool for some help. Most of us are happy to lend our expertise. Don't expect a full-on private lesson, but a simple "hey Joe, i couldn't help but notice you are really awesome at flip turns... do you think you could spend a few minutes showing me the basics?" could go a long way. This is also a great way to meet some of the other swimmers in your program, and for some of those who may have a bit more speed and many years of experience to share their wealth.
What do you do in triathlons if you are the last out of the water? If you can live through that you can live through being last in a master's Swim practice.
Honestly I really couldn't tell you who the slowest swimmer is on my team. I'm not sure who does the entire distance of the repition, swims all the practice, wears fins, starts early or any of that. Who really cares anyway.
Why don't you go try a practice or two and see how it goes. If you hate it or can't keep up see if they will e-mail you their practices and then you can do them alone. You will be first every time!
I'd be curious to find out what you are basing this fear on. Have you had a bad experience with a master's team in the past? If there's nothing specifically generating the fear, then you should find a team and at least talk to some of the swimmers and the coach. As stated above, most teams are more than happy to add another swimmer. Also, joining a team will give you the opportunity to get advice on how to swim more proficiently. It will never hurt to investigate. Worse case scenario: The team and coach in general are jerks and only want to work with highly talented swimmers. In that case, you find out that you don't want to swim with them. I'd be surprised if anything bad happens. Good luck.
:banana:
A couple of points:
You're ultimately competing against only yourself, just keep improving with age!
As you train, you'll be motivated by those older swimmers who can swim better than you now, and you'll get personal satisfaction as you eventually start beating some of them.
Pace yourself and keep getting a little better with age, you will eventually be world champion, you only have to outlast everyone else!:bliss:
Jump in with us, swim what you can, get regular, you may do a meet or you may not, learn from the pros as well as those of us struggling to keep up, everyone will enjoy that you are there, you will soon feel in better shape.
I bet you that someone else will join after you, asking for your input about their swimming hurdles.
Of course, there is more to all this Masters stuff than swimming. You will meet new folks, have some new fun, participate in parties and be part of an enthusiastic group.
Even if you don't get around to swimming at a meet, you will enjoy volunteering as a timer or for any of the other needs for a meet.
By the way, you might be surprised at the range of swimmers at a Masters meet. Age spans a remarkably wide spectrum. Some folks have surprisingly broken bodies but push on anyway (eg, I was told due to extensive damage from a motorcycle accident long ago that I would have a 35% lifelong disability. So what I say, I joined Masters last July. Sure, I will never be a top swimmer, few are. Always struggling, but it has been worth it.).
Dive in. Have fun.
That's like saying you are afraid to join the A/V Club or the Marching Band in High School because you think the members are too cool and intimidating. The vast majority of Masters swimmers would LOVE to have more company in workouts and at meets, and increase our membership locally and nationally. Nobody cares about your speed. Seriously. Jump in and make some friends! They will be glad to have you join them!
Everyone does what they can of the workout (I rarely finish the entire thing) without concerning themselves with who is faster or who finished first.
Everyone has different goals. I wasn't able to finish sets and workouts. I set myself some achievable goals and with each month, I noticed an improvement. I suggest you do the same. You won't be holding anyone back but yourself.
What should I do?
Face your fears and join a team. Half my team is triathletes, and a lot of those joined the team to get ready for a tri.
You won't be the slowest swimmer in the pool anymore if you get someone to help you with your stroke.
