Masters Swimming Questions

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2013-01-23 2:52 PM

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Subject: Masters Swimming Questions
I have some questions for those of you who are members of your local masters swim clubs.

Are your masters club meetings your training? Or do you have additional training on your own?

I ask because I am currently a member of the Y, but only use it for the pool. I have completed 1 tri and had great results just using the BT plan and swimming for the time it told me to swim. For my next tri, I switched to swimming the yards it told me to. I have really improved using these plans, but thought maybe the structure of these classes may be of an additional benefit to me. But I have to choose either the Y or the club membership becuase of cost. If I join the masters club, then I would not have a pool to swim on my own. Do they give you a plan and coach you through it in a group setting?

I guess I just want a little more info before making a jump I might regret.


2013-01-23 2:57 PM
in reply to: #4591540

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Master
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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
I joined my YMCA Master Swim. We meet every week night from 5:30 - 6:30pm. I usually go three nights per week and complete whatever workout is posted ... almost always 3000 yds. 

As I get closer to my event (IMLP in July), I'll stay a bit longer and add some distance. I don't have a Y membership ... I just pay the non-member rate for the MS sessions every three months. I don't go in the summer, and get my workouts in the lake.

I'm not following the swim component of Fink's IM training plan. I just go to my MS sessions and I'm finding it to be a good fit. 
2013-01-23 3:12 PM
in reply to: #4591540

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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions

I just joined one.  It meets two days a week for 1:15.  

I think the pros are:

  • specific program designed to make you a stronger swimmer
  • swimming with other swimmers that are close to your speed - pushes you to pick up the pace and I'm hoping it will force me to get faster
  • onsite coach provides insights on your technique
  • having a designated time slot keeps me consistent
I can always use a community centre to add in other swims if I want to.  Not sure there are any cons as of yet.
2013-01-23 3:58 PM
in reply to: #4591571

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Deep in the Heart of Texas
Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
kimmax - 2013-01-23 3:12 PM

I think the pros are:

  • specific program designed to make you a stronger swimmer
  • swimming with other swimmers that are close to your speed - pushes you to pick up the pace and I'm hoping it will force me to get faster
  • onsite coach provides insights on your technique
  • having a designated time slot keeps me consistent

This is my experience.  I have been swimming with a masters class since last January.  I have increased my commitment to swim training, swim effort, and swim speed.  I spent my first couple years swimming on my own with various plans, but I have since learned what I was missing.  I worked on my own for a year on improving my stroke, which became quite efficient - with masters I have made my efficient stroke faster.

2013-01-23 5:20 PM
in reply to: #4591540

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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
Either a master's swim class, or other group is very beneficial.

Not only from the coaching perspective, but feeding off of the others in the pool.

This morning we did a 1500m time trial to benchmark our progress, and one girl and I swapped places a couple times, both going faster from the competition aspect, and I managed to shave 5s/100m off of my last time trial that I did weeks ago solo.  We ended within 3 seconds of each other :p

If your Master's swim club meets often enough then it can act as your main training other than possibly a few key workouts which you could pay your way into, or do open swimming for.

If they don't meet often enough, it might be a matter of weighing the cost of one more admission per week or something.....
2013-01-23 5:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
Double post....


Edited by dfquigley 2013-01-23 5:34 PM

2013-01-23 5:24 PM
in reply to: #4591540

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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
My masters team meets five times a week, of which I go three times and we average 4,000 yards a practice. It's pretty intensive and is by far enough swimming for a triathlon. If your team covers as much as your plan has, then yes it's a good substitute and you don't need to swim more past that
2013-01-23 9:10 PM
in reply to: #4591540

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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
I use mine for my workouts twice a week, then try to get in a 30-45 min steady paced swim on the weekends if time allows. Mine meets in the evening and we like to get pizza and beer after. That is a big motivator to show up!
2013-01-23 11:49 PM
in reply to: #4592054

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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
jlpete98 - 2013-01-23 9:10 PM I use mine for my workouts twice a week, then try to get in a 30-45 min steady paced swim on the weekends if time allows. Mine meets in the evening and we like to get pizza and beer after. That is a big motivator to show up!


It sounds like the type of training that I'd enjoy, but might make me GAIN weight :p
2013-01-24 12:27 AM
in reply to: #4591789

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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
5/100 is quite substantial. Good work and keep putting in the effort. The next 5 won't come as easy.
2013-01-24 12:31 AM
in reply to: #4591540

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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
Most cubs are quite structured. If they put a workout on the white board and each swimmer works through at their own pace then its garbage. True group training uses mostly fixed send off intervals so you are 'competing' on each interval.

2013-01-24 1:35 AM
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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
simpsonbo - 2013-01-24 12:27 AM 5/100 is quite substantial. Good work and keep putting in the effort. The next 5 won't come as easy.


Thanks!

The gains are certainly slowing down now.  When I started with the coach a few months ago I was trying to get past the 2 minute/100m mark, so I am very pleased with the progress that I've gotten working with him!!

One of the best triathlon investments I've made! :D
2013-01-24 7:58 AM
in reply to: #4592235

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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions
simpsonbo - 2013-01-24 1:31 AM Most cubs are quite structured. If they put a workout on the white board and each swimmer works through at their own pace then its garbage. True group training uses mostly fixed send off intervals so you are 'competing' on each interval.


Seriously? Garbage? As in useless? 
2013-01-24 12:27 PM
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Subject: RE: Masters Swimming Questions

BernardDogs - 2013-01-24 7:58 AM
simpsonbo - 2013-01-24 1:31 AM Most cubs are quite structured. If they put a workout on the white board and each swimmer works through at their own pace then its garbage. True group training uses mostly fixed send off intervals so you are 'competing' on each interval.


Seriously? Garbage? As in useless? 

 

I think his main point is the competitive spirit of it and also the lack of a coach that could critique your stroke.

 

If you are self motivated and can push yourself hard, then even a workout like that could be beneficial. So in that sense, i wouldnt say junk. Its just a matter of "what you put into it"

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