Masters swimming - gulp
60sPanda
Posts: 303 Member
So, I decided the only way to get better was to investigate masters teams. The one that suits my schedule (they train at all times 7 days a week) insists on a trial before joining. Gulp. I gave them an indication of what I can and can not do and they have allowed me to trial, so its not all bad.
I know I could email them to ask what the trial involves, but I am one of those that if I don't know in advance then I won't worry about it so I haven't done so.
My question to all you masters swimmers is did you have to take a trial and is it worth it (all the extra costs etc) when you get into a squad?
Thank you! and my trial is on 5th May....
I know I could email them to ask what the trial involves, but I am one of those that if I don't know in advance then I won't worry about it so I haven't done so.
My question to all you masters swimmers is did you have to take a trial and is it worth it (all the extra costs etc) when you get into a squad?
Thank you! and my trial is on 5th May....
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Yikes! That would make me gulp too. From what I can tell, each MS group can be very different. Even on the opposite sides of our county, the groups are like night and day. We have no trial and take anyone who can swim the length of the pool. I know of only one person we referred to swim lessons first because she was struggling to do that. It was frustrating for her and scary to watch.
I have found that swimmers are amazing, welcoming people as a whole and a big club that swims 7 days a week is likely to have a spot you fit in. Don't think of it as a trial, think of it as a placement test for that spot instead. (Ok, maybe that doesn't sound any better!)
For me, Masters is worth every penny. My swimming has improved. I work harder every time I get it the pool. I've made new friends with common goals.
Good luck on the 5th!0 -
My masters accepts beginners, so no trial. But I can say it was totally worth it - I only go once a week, and have only been five times, and I've already improved so much and gotten a new drive to work myself harder.
Honestly, I would expect that the 'trial' is to make sure you can swim from one end of the pool and back without killing yourself. You're swimming a 5k - I think you'll be fine.
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Unfortunately our population/swimmer base is to small to support a masters. The lessons I am in right now are fairly typical in that the skill ranges from the people who can barely complete one length to the ex- swim clubber who will do Robertus, Bruce, Kida etc type distance and speeds. I am in the middle of the pack. Instructors break us up into the different groups based on skill and goals. Wish we had a masters.0
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I am looking forward to it for the coaching you get - hopefully they will be able to squeeze me in somewhere!
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Our Masters has two levels going on alternate nights, one group is Monday, Wednesday and Saturday the other Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The slower group takes more time working on stroke development and the faster works on speed in addition to stroke development. Each night divides the lanes into capabilities. Slowest in lane 1 fastest in lane 6.0
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Panda with your having swam a 5 km in 100 min (wow), that trial ain't got nothing on you!
I predict you'll be the one showing them how it's done!0 -
Thanks Aquatic - part of the trial is being competent in the other strokes as well. I can only do one length of fly so am petrified of that portion of it!0
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Panda - but you can DO a length, I'm betting they are looking for form as opposed to distance. Like AQ, I have no doubt you'll be picked up & my prediction is you'll be surprised at the group they place you in.......0
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Well, just back from the trial which I enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would. Five of us were trialling tonight, but one got pulled almost immediately as not quite up to it (the coach recommended more lessons). Started with 100m anything, 2 x 200m crawl, 1 IM of 1 length per stroke (100m total) then 15 x 100 m crawl and a little cool down. Was pround of being able to do the length of fly (there are some swimmers in the squad who can't fly) and on the 15 x 100 m I kept catching up to the people in front so I got put out as lead - much better for me. Exhausted at the end, and won't get any feedback from the coach/info on whether I can go back until later in the week. Will keep everyone posted and thanks for the support.0
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I have absolutely no doubt that you're in!!!! Thanks for keeping us posted 0
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Great! I knew it was coming up and wondering how it went. I'm with Mac. You are in! 0
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They will probably kick some people off the team to make room for you! Seriously, 'though, that was quite a trial!0
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You're doing awesome with the swims. I'm sure you made it.0
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She has to change her tag to MasterPanda.0
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Gutted - didn't make the squad - swear, swear and swear
Email back said: "You was doing great in the whole session, however due to high number of swimmers wanting to join our program, we cannot offer you a place in Masters Squad, at the moment. Currently our slower lanes reached maximum capacity with existing members, but we still have spaces in our faster lanes.
To have a clear goal - try to swim :
20x100m @ 2 - inc. rest Front Crawl (You was doing it on @ 2.15 that night - which was still a great workout ) and great quality job.
15 x100m @ 2.15 ( inc.rest) Backstroke
This is the minimum level of fitness, which we would require from joining members".
So, there is another club nearby that I will contact to see if I can fit in there. It doesn't have as many sessions but if they will have me then I will happily accept!0 -
And what is more annoying is that the set I did (100m on 2.15) was what was asked of me. I can do 20x100 on 2mins as that is my 2km relaxed pace which I swim most mornings!!! So annoyed, but then I was trying out for a squad in a London Borough where appox. 300,000 people live...0
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Well, darn. That's disappointing.0
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Grrr. That is very disappointing. Especially since you were swimming what was asked. Go for the other club for sure!0
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I agree, it's not right to ask you to do something at a particular pace & then say you should have done more. You can either respond to them & see if they'll let you show them you can do it at the pace they e-mailed you about or go to the other club - choice is yours. Whichever club gets you gains, if it's not the first club then it's their loss....0
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I'm almost as mad as you are. How dare they tell you what to swim, you do it, then they claim you would have been in if you had done other than what they told you. Never mind that you kept catching the person ahead of you and had to slow down,
And if that was the requirement, why didn't they just let you know up front?
Well at least you have a clear target set before you, even if you don't join the other team!
The cheek...0 -
I looked at London masters clubs ... and pretty much came to the conclusion they are a bit of an 'in-crowd' job. I am nowhere near the speeds they require, but to me they seemed elitist. Nothing about your story to change my mind.... But what a shame they were not clearer upfront, or set the pace you actually needed. I think it would help them to know this did not feel 'fair' .
But still why not train to get the time they need... being a bit angry will make you faster. And they may well be the most convenient club for you.... You can always change them from within if they are.
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Seriously, that's just wrong!0
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Wow, I was under the impression that Masters groups accepted all types of swimmers. Your tryout seemed tough!0
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Yes, it seems unfair and elitist. If you want to be elite, you certainly can; it will just take a little more time. In the meantime, try the other group and see if you like them better. The group at my gym has no tests or anything like that. One lane at practice simply does whatever they are able to do. Each lane up has a more difficult work-out and faster swimmers. You can change lanes whenever you want. As long as you can keep up, you're accepted. No drama.0
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Well, just back from the trial which I enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would. Five of us were trialling tonight, but one got pulled almost immediately. Was pround of being able to do the length of fly and on the 15 x 100 m I kept catching up to the people in front so I got put out as lead - much better for me. Exhausted at the end, and won't get any feedback from the coach/info on whether I can go back until later in the week. Will keep everyone posted and thanks for the support.
You did everything that was asked of you and were put in the lead, and they didn't accept you? Those fools!!
I like the group that Robertus is involved in. They have the come out and swim/train and as you improve you move up.
Ultimately find a group/club that works for you and enjoy their company, support and coaching.
Your wisdom and support is always valued by your Masters Club Mates here at MFP!0 -
Wow, panda. I would have been pissed. I would either appeal and try again, or (more likely...) tell them to piss off and join a different club. That's just unfair. I'm sorry that it turned out that way. I'm hopeful that you'll find a group that works for you. We're all rooting for you here!!0
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Talking with some other ladies in the changing rooms afterwards it seemed that things changed at the club recently with a new head coach as none of them had to trial - they just turned up, signed up and were in. Thinking about it I probably won't go back to them - I just want to train in a group and get better at my own pace and mayber the other squad will be more like that. I will contact them soon and see if I can go along for a session.
Thanks for all the comments and I will keep you posted on the crazy world of London Masters squads.0 -
You're still our Master Panda!
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