I happened to notice recently that there is a Master's Swim session at my Y. I'm interested but here's the awful truth: It has been years and years since I swam regularly. I would say that it's been 10 years since I swam laps and 15 since I swam in any kind of competitive way (I was never on a team really but swam in the intramural league and did a triathalon once.)
"In shape" was a long, long, time ago. I would say "way, way, out of shape" is more accurate now.
So ff to a few days ago when I noticed the Masters Swim info. I hopped in the pool and think technically I'm, well, okay. I think my strokes still feel good. But I'm slower than molasses, easily winded, and have no stamina . . . at all!
The very idea of appearing, in my swim suit, b/f a crew of super fit swimming masters is more than a little intimidating and the idea of frustrating everyone with my uber slow strokes is more than a little daunting.
So, what do you think? Is the Masters Swim for old has beens wanting to get back at it? Could I expect a mix of abilities, including utterly out of shape, or just the . . . well . . . M*A*S*T*E*R*S!
Would it be better to spend some time in the pool catching up b/f committing to the Masters program?
That would really seem sensible but I have an accountability issue. It's awfully hard to get up early to swim and I need the accountability of paid membership (there's an additional charge for the MS) or a team/group dynamic that'll drag me out of bed.
Any good advice out there?
Greetings Rebeccca,
You should receive a number of responses saying to just jump in and do it. In my limited number of years as a masters swimmer (four), I've seen a large range of skill and ability, at both meets and training sessions. Regardless, everyone I've met has been very receptive and encouraging, regardless of ability.
I should also say that I'm in your approximate neck of the woods (live in western AR) and have gone to several masters meets in both Tulsa and OKC. Each meet I've been to has been an enjoyable experience and everyone's very friendly. My wife and I have also done a workout with the Tulsa masters on occasion and they were very cordial.
Long story short, no one's going to judge your ability, you'll find both fast and slow swimmers, and workouts are set up for people to improve. From what I can tell, master's swimming is for anyone who wants to swim. Good luck and have fun.
:banana:
Rebecca,
I wholeheartedly agree with the posters above. Just jump in and do it. Nobody's going to be analyzing your ability level, stamina, strokes, etc. On our team we have swimmers with a wide range of experience, widely different ages and speeds. Your first few weeks don't feel like you have to finish the whole workout if it's too much for you. Hopefully you'll enjoy the cameraderie you find with the team and that will spur you on to keep coming back for more.
Jump right in there.
Oh, and make sure to record your times and swims now. Even take some video if you can.
Because 2, 3, 4 years from now, if you keep it up, you won't even believe how far you've come.
Rebeccca,
Go and enjoy yourself and rekindle the wonderful (and sometimes frustrating) feeling of swim competition. I'm 61 and have been swimming Masters since 1979 and still look forward to getting up early for a swim six days a week.
Your speed does not matter at a Masters meet or at a Masters practice. What matters is being a part of our wonderful sport.:banana:
You could find out who runs the Masters sessions and talk to them. Most masters programs have lanes associated with ability, Group 1 = fast swimmers, Group 3 or 4, not so fast swimmers etc. In our masters sessions there's a gal in the far lane swimming with a snorkel. But at the end of the day it's not about who's fast, who's out of breathe, who didn't complete the workout etc. It's about doing your best and achieving a goal you have set for yourself.
When I started a few years ago I couldn't swim 50 yds w/o stopping to take a break so I know where you're at. My old gym didn't have a masters program so I just swam laps until I could go a few thousand yards w/o stopping. That got me a good base to go into masters. But there was no one but myself to hold me accountable. I fought through it, waking up at 4:30 AM etc. You feel sooooo good when you finish a good swim workout. I also lost 50 lbs in that water!
I say go for it and the money is worth it (what's your health worth?). Our group is very good about keeping each other in the game. We also have Board Meetings once a month (Board meeting = PM meeting after a swim workout involving Pizza and Beer).
Masters come in all shapes and sizes - need I say more?
Get in - do what you can - it's ok to sit out a set (or 50 or 100) or two (or three)
Do what you can - you're a grown up now!
You can do it - just do your best!
:cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleader:
Rebecca -
After you've "jumped in" come back and let us know how it went. Like the others here, I try to encourage anyone and everyone to get in the pool. But we like to hear how things turn out, as it helps us get better at helping others feel welcome.
Best of luck! Enjoy!
Jump right in there.
Oh, and make sure to record your times and swims now. Even take some video if you can.
Because 2, 3, 4 years from now, if you keep it up, you won't even believe how far you've come.
So true. I say go for it. Masters doesn't mean we're faster, it just means we're older. If you're over 18, then you qualify. So get in that suit and go for it. Talk to the coach before the practice if it makes you feel better. You'll find every ability in the water and one day, you'll be helping out the new person.
:angel:I would like to reiterate all the positive experiences and feedback. But, in my neck of the woods, experiences can be mixed depending upon the group of swimmers.....talk to the coach, observe a workout (do the other swimmers talk, laugh, smile, are they friendly? vs. stuck-up) If this group isn't for you; try another group....etc. I wish you the best of luck!
start now
our team has all ability levels and body shapes
the one near you might too
masters are usually nice folks
find a lane where you can keep up then you'll move into faster lanes as you get in better shape
read swim faster faster
try out the ideas that seem most applicable to you
I happened to notice recently that there is a Master's Swim session at my Y. I'm interested but here's the awful truth: It has been years and years since I swam regularly. I would say that it's been 10 years since I swam laps and 15 since I swam in any kind of competitive way (I was never on a team really but swam in the intramural league and did a triathalon once.)
"In shape" was a long, long, time ago. I would say "way, way, out of shape" is more accurate now.
So ff to a few days ago when I noticed the Masters Swim info. I hopped in the pool and think technically I'm, well, okay. I think my strokes still feel good. But I'm slower than molasses, easily winded, and have no stamina . . . at all!
The very idea of appearing, in my swim suit, b/f a crew of super fit swimming masters is more than a little intimidating and the idea of frustrating everyone with my uber slow strokes is more than a little daunting.
So, what do you think? Is the Masters Swim for old has beens wanting to get back at it? Could I expect a mix of abilities, including utterly out of shape, or just the . . . well . . . M*A*S*T*E*R*S!
Would it be better to spend some time in the pool catching up b/f committing to the Masters program?
That would really seem sensible but I have an accountability issue. It's awfully hard to get up early to swim and I need the accountability of paid membership (there's an additional charge for the MS) or a team/group dynamic that'll drag me out of bed.
Any good advice out there?
