Top 10 Things You Should Know About Masters Swimming As a Triathlete (Part 1)
Many people in the triathlon community, particularly the beginner crowd, believe that
masters swim teams (coached group workouts for those 18 years of age and older) are
for fast, competitive swimmers that probably swam on teams their whole lives. These
triathletes tell me that there is no room for novices, and they feel out of place or left out
when they attend a masters workout.
The reality is that 80% of swimmers on masters teams are there for fitness. The other
20% consist of triathletes, competitive masters, and open water swimmers.
If you are a beginner triathlete new to the idea of swimming with a masters team, or an
experienced triathlete who has always trained swimming on your own and shunned
masters, here are 10 things you should know about masters swimming:
1. The stated goal of masters swim programs, according to the US Masters website,
usms.org is: “All USMS programs are designed to help swimmers improve fitness
and/or train for specific goals, and offer active support for a healthy lifestyle through
friendship, and camaraderie.”
2. Accept that most of the other swimmers will realize that you are a beginner. Most
masters swimmers love having new swimmers and will be more than happy to help you
out.
3. Not all masters teams are the same. Talk to the coach about what level you’re on and
your goals, and see if there is a fit. Most coaches will work with you at any level, but if
not, there may be another option close by in your city.
4. Be on time. It makes life easier for the coach, and for your fellow lane-mates.
5. Learn to swim “circle pattern”. There is a line on the bottom of most pools, right in the
middle of each lane. Stay to the right of the line when you are swimming. Circle pattern
allows more than 2 swimmers per lane.
To be continued….
As a triathlete turned masters swimmer I can say that triathleres shouldn’t be afraid of become a masters swimmer!
My team is made up of 9 different lanes from slow, recreational fitness swimmers to the fastest of the fast and former collegiate swimmers. While the majority of our team does compete in meets, it is not a requirement and most do so as a way of measuring their successes during practice. Winning a ribbon is just an added bonus.
What most triathletes may not realize is that they’re better swimmers than they give themselves credit for and really wouldn’t have any problem making the transition to the pool. It can turned a sub-par swimmer who is intimidated by the swim into someone who looks forward to the first leg!
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