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?
Definitely just get in and start. I started swimming for the first time at age 39 and now (a short 16 months later), I am actually competitive at meets. When I started, my coaches were aware that I hadn't swam before - couldn't even fathom doing fly - and helped me judge how far I could go in the time that the other swimmers were doing the written workout. For example, on 100's, he'd tell me to go 50. Then, I went up to 75. Now, I'm doing 100's with the rest of the gang. Just jump in and do it. You'll be surprised what Masters swimming can bring into your life.:)
Definitely just get in and start. I started swimming for the first time at age 39 and now (a short 16 months later), I am actually competitive at meets. When I started, my coaches were aware that I hadn't swam before - couldn't even fathom doing fly - and helped me judge how far I could go in the time that the other swimmers were doing the written workout. For example, on 100's, he'd tell me to go 50. Then, I went up to 75. Now, I'm doing 100's with the rest of the gang. Just jump in and do it. You'll be surprised what Masters swimming can bring into your life.:)
