Grayer said:
Maybe it’s time for a Masters team
I’m open to joining a Masters team, but that will be after college. I’m also not sure I can since I’m currently a college swimmer.
It might feel odd for a 20-year-old to swim with 12 to 14-year-olds. College swimmers often come back, but they typically join the upper level Senior 2 group.
I hate to say it, but especially for guys swimming with younger kids, it may lead to misunderstandings.
@Del
I get that fear; I’m a girl so I could practice with the Senior 2 group but I’m not fast enough.
Yes, it’s kind of strange; maybe try to find friends closer to your age.
Van said:
Yes, it’s kind of strange; maybe try to find friends closer to your age.
Slow down a bit. You’re entitled to your opinion, but kindness doesn’t cost anything.
Van said:
Yes, it’s kind of strange; maybe try to find friends closer to your age.
I actually have friends my age? I never claimed to be friends with the younger kids.
Van said:
Yes, it’s kind of strange; maybe try to find friends closer to your age.
I actually have friends my age? I never claimed to be friends with the younger kids.
What exactly are you asking then? If you’re not swimming with them as friends, why is it weird?
If you’re still teaching them, there’s no problem.
@Van
The kids on the squad now aren’t the same ones I trained with before, except for one who is a high school senior but doesn’t attend practice often. Yes, I aim to be a good role model and correct technique mistakes when I can, but I’m not their coach; I’m just there to swim.
@Heath
If they practice over break and there isn’t a coach, can’t you just swim by yourself?
Not trying to be rude, just trying to understand. If you need to ask, I believe the answer might be no.
Van said:
@Heath
If they practice over break and there isn’t a coach, can’t you just swim by yourself?
Not trying to be rude, just trying to understand. If you need to ask, I believe the answer might be no.
Who’s practicing over break? If you’re talking about my team, then yes, they are practicing and also going back to their club teams. They will swim in higher level groups (with their peers and likely other college students) because they are faster than me. I could swim with my team’s upper level senior group, but I can’t keep up with their intervals. Plus, it’s tough to swim alone while matching the same energy. The Senior 1 squad I swim with includes middle schoolers to high school seniors. Most are in middle to early high school since many move to Senior 2 by sophomore year. There are a few older teens on Senior 1, but only 2 to 3, and they often skip practice because of school and other activities.
@Heath
You’re asking if you should swim with the Senior 1 over break, right?
And without a coach there?
So why would you swim there unless it’s to hang out? Are they coaching themselves, are you coaching them? This confuses me.
@Van
I see why you’re confused. Yes, I want to swim with the Senior 1 squad. No, there’s a coach for Senior 1. The kids definitely couldn’t coach themselves. He’s great and gives me sets that I can do. And no, I’m not there to coach them. I might point out a technique mistake if I notice it, but only to help.
@Heath
Then there’s nothing wrong with that. You made it sound like they’d be there hanging around by themselves when you join.
If you all are still training and improving, your age shouldn’t matter. Who cares.
I’d think it’d be an issue if you were hanging out outside of practice though, which I thought was the case at first.