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?
Lots of masters groups will give new swimmers a free trial period, too. That way you can find out if that group is right for you. Most teams have a wide range of ability levels, but obviously there are going to be teams skewed more to one end of the spectrum than the other. The other big factor is how much active coaching the coach does. Some coaches write the workout and sit there, others are continuously working with the swimmers to improve their technique. Obviously as a new swimmer you're going to want the latter!
Lots of masters groups will give new swimmers a free trial period, too. That way you can find out if that group is right for you. Most teams have a wide range of ability levels, but obviously there are going to be teams skewed more to one end of the spectrum than the other. The other big factor is how much active coaching the coach does. Some coaches write the workout and sit there, others are continuously working with the swimmers to improve their technique. Obviously as a new swimmer you're going to want the latter!
