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?
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.
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.
