Maybe you had hung up your suit and goggles forever. But the call of the
water is strong. Masters swimming is very different from age group
swimming of long ago. We do it for the camaraderie, the fitness, the fun
and maybe for fast times too. Most of all we do it because we love it!
You may at times employ Masters Prerogative in workout – changing the
workout or negotiating sets with your coach and teammates. This is
something that would have gotten you kicked out of workout for trying as a youngster.
Youno longer swim 9 to 11 workouts per week – hell, you’re lucky if you
make 3! So when it’s time to race in the pool or open water, you’re
not sure if the taper will take you out of shape..
or the warm up get you in shape. It’s a fine line.
After babies, binging, and a break
some of us don’t look like we did years ago. And things may have shifted
a bit. Many of us coveted our blueseventy full coverage suits and
loathed the day we had to give them up.
Due to our advanced age and circuitous journeys not as many of us can see
the clock, hear each other, count correctly or do the math during
complicated sets.
Many of us have now taken our
ailing shoulders, elbows, backs, hips, and knees under the knife. Let’s
just say butterfly is not an option any more for everyone — at least our
orthopedic surgeon says so.
Being the youngest in your new age group ought to be a good thing — but not
necessarily. In masters often the older age groups are even fiercer and faster.
Relay age groups are no longer labeled 11&12 or 13&14…
more like 160-199 or 240-279. The relays are the
most fun part of the meet because you get to swim with the awesome 82-year-old
on your team.
Relaxing with a nice glass of wine or three the night before a race was never an option
as an age grouper, but it is now!
Noteverybody chooses to partake and that’s totally cool. But whether it’s a
local meet or you head to Nationals, Worlds or Bermuda Round the Sound —
fun will be had by all.
We are all there because we want to be, not because our parents or coach are making
us. I don’t remember smiling or laughing this much during practice or
meets as an age grouper.
