Master's Swim? Really? This is helpful?

[MartianDestiny]

It is a coached workout, with probably 6+ other people doing different stuff. (Can't blame him for being run ragged I suppose!)

If this is typical of what is expected, is it also a decent way to train for an open water tri...as opposed to competitive swimming (which I have absolutely 0 interest in)? Or, am I better off in some different type of training program? (suggestions welcome on that front).

I guess I'd just rather, if I'm going to be doing this seemingly random (for me) stuff, that he take 2 minutes to explain what exactly I'm focusing on and to what end. Especially after the "I don't know what to do with you" speech. Maybe I'm expecting too much and would be better suited in a different type of program.

[Veronica]

Well, there is no point in flip turns that's for sure.

Doing other stroke work does have benefits and can be a nice change of pace.

Maybe you could get a training program from beginner triathlete http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/Sc...st_half_ir.htm and ask him to help you with the swimming portions on the days you're at the workout. I linked to the one I use for my HIM. I don't follow it exactly, but it gives me something to think about for my workouts. Otherwise I'd just go swim 2000 yards, kick 300 yards, pull 500 yards and call it a day. That gets old.

I wish I had a Masters program nearby.

Veronica

[Running Mommy]

I've done THREE Ironman swims and I'm STILL scared of the Masters classes.
Around here they are for what I would call the grown up fishies.
Fast adult swimmers who want to get faster.

When I was first getting into the sport I signed up for an adult swim lesson session at the Y. I told the teacher on our first day why I was there, and she worked with me a bit different than the others. I was a lot like you. I basically knew how to swim, but was never a "real" swimmer. It was a great experience.
I'm still slow as molasses in january in the water, but I make the cut offs.
Personally I'm ready to progress on to the local tri coaches who do a total immersion private program. It's spendy tho, and being a biz owner I'm a bit short of funds these days.
As for the masters... The instructor sounds like a turd. I wouldn't go back. In fact I don't think I would have gone back for a second session.
BTW- are there other triathletes at that class? I'm wondering if he has a thing against triathletes. Some ( a lot actually) single sport coaches seem to have a chip on their shoulders.
I have heard the phrase "jack of all trades, master of NONE" far too many times...

[Selkie]

Your endurance will improve the more time you spend in the pool. I started out the summer not being able to do one length of freestyle due to breathing difficulties. Tips here from TE'ers, plus working on my own has made me a "serviceable" and improving swimmer. I can now swim more than an hour without taking a break. I'm not fast but I don't get tired. That's after six weeks. I still don't do flip turns and am not sure I ever will (the rebel in me!).

Check out the Total Immersion website (I believe Fiddlefreek suggested it to me and it has made all the difference). I have the book and the Freestyle & Breathing DVDs.

If you are like me, you need to go at your own pace and get comfortable in the water. I'm actually tempted to take a TI class to improve my technique.

[tulip]

I've participated in a couple of Masters swim programs, and I enjoyed them. But I know how to swim--all the strokes. The Masters programs are not geared to teach you strokes, just improve your fitness and technique. And knowing different strokes is important. It's a very athletic and competitive environment, akin to fast club rides where cyclists do pacelines. Not a place to learn new stuff.

The coach sounds like a snarky jerk, but there are all types. Yes, it would be nice if he were up-front and told you that either he you are in the wrong place or work with you to get to where you are more comfortable in the water.

Taking some swimming classes would be really beneficial, and then doing workouts specifically for tri training. You can determine if you want to join another Masters program at a later date.

[crazycanuck]

I don't do a masters class but one of our drills is 1/2 lap backstroke & then immediately to freestyle. This goes for people who swim with our coach-folks like me up to the chicks representing Aust on the worlds tri team. Good to know all strokes

I'd find a new coach if I encountered that guy...!

[tulip]

I have another thought about the strokes. Knowing a variety of strokes is very helpful in an open water swim. There will be times that a breast stroke is more appropriate than the freestyle in the swim with all those kicking people around you.

Another reason for swimming different strokes is to use different muscles and avoid getting injured from doing the same stroke all the time during training. This is particularly important if your stroke is not completely correct--you could be doing one little thing that if done over and over could lead to injury.

Finally, it's just downright boring to do the same stroke all the time.