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?
Parents
Former Member
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).
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).
