I have always been a runner, and cycled very casually but was never a swimmer. When I decided to transition away from marathon running and to triathlons I realized that I would need to spend a lot of time on swimming. Growing up I spent a lot of time in the water but never took lessons. Usually, just doggy paddled everywhere or moved my arms and legs in a very unsynchronized manner around whenever I needed to “swim”. It worked but it was very inefficient and I thought swimming was exhausting.

As I started my triathlon journey, I started swimming on my own with a Timex, a pair of goggles, and a 2 piece bathing suit for a few months before I knew I needed some gear. And more help to accelerate my progress.

Then a friend of mine told me about a local Masters swimming group. I originally thought it was only for older folks due to the “masters” part of the name or for people who were swimmers growing up. It turns out it’s actually for a very wide range of age groups (anyone 18 years and older) and abilities. 

The majority of Masters Swimming programs have coaches on deck. Coaches write the workouts and provide feedback and instruction. Once you are there, you are placed in a lane based on your pace/abilities. If you are a beginner, you will start in lane one. If you are a lifelong swimmer you are in the uppermost lane. Both teams I have been on are very inclusive and have a mix of swimmers and triathletes.

I started attending evening practices twice a week about a year before my first 70.3. During the first few months, I was EXTREMELY intimidated by the coach’s workouts. First off, I had no idea what an “IM” (individual medley) was. How to use paddles nor could I even do the warmup at practice let alone 2,800 yards. The coach was very patient and would give me drills and tips on how to correct my form. Once I got the technique down, I slowly progressed and was able to do the workout but shortened every set to make sure I was following along with the team. 

In the middle of 70.3 training, I moved back to my home state. I wasted no time transitioning to a new Master’s team. Movers dropped off my belongings on Monday and I was in a new pool with a new Team on Tuesday. The US Masters Swimming (USMS) website has a great “club finder” tool to show you all the nearest teams to you with all the contact information you need to inquire.

In one of my first few practices with this new team, I remember having to circle swim with 3-4 people. I started having a panic attack in the pool because I was getting lapped and touched constantly. Something I had never experienced before. 

After a few years, I have moved up 2 lanes and have made tremendous progress with my form and speed. I have learned so much from the coaches and the lifelong swimmers. Swimming is a very tough sport and I am still in so much awe swimming next to them to this day.

Being on this team there are a few things that I have learned or done that I would not have done on my own. I have learned how to swim breaststroke, backstroke, flip turn, and dive off the block. I’ve even participated in a few USMS-sanctioned meets. As a huge bonus, I’ve made some good friends whom I open water swim and bike with as well!

Unless you have been a swimmer your whole life, most of us have all experienced intimidation and anxiety around swimming at some point in our journey. That is all part of the learning process. The key is to be consistent and not give up when you have a bad day. 

Also, it helps to have a team and a coach by your side. I highly recommend joining a master’s team if there is one near you.

If you would like to discuss more, feel free to reach out

–Coach Val

READ MORE: SWIMMING: FLIP TURN VS OPEN TURN