david thomson
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where to swim (and when)not necessarily looking at doing a triathlon but id like to do some swimming as cross training
mostly when ive gone to runneymead im constantly having to stop , avoid crashing into others etc because of all the sideways swimmers , people who go to stand around etc
i end up getting frustrated and not bothering to go. now its also difficult as i have to look after my nipper full time during the day so i can only do it in the mornings or evenings.
any suggestions on where and when to go ?
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tonibella
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David
I am a member of Runnymead Swimming Club - masters squad - that's for 'older' people who want to swim in lanes - rather than taking pot luck in the public session!
It's Tuesday and Friday night - 9-10pm. All standards and they set a program to follow. I think they also do Saturday morning 6am - 8am - I haven't made that one yet!
If that's no good - then Basildon swimming pool run a swim fit session, every morning - I think 7am-8am - again, all standards and a planned session
East Essex Tri also train at Runnymead pool on differnent evenings - both the swim club and the tri club have notice boards in reception - so you can find all the details there - or have a look on their websites
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Lucycat
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And Southend also have a masters squad too. 5.30am - 8am at Warrior Square M-F and Sat 7-9. Although these are not coached sessions there is a masters lane.
As do RADS at Rochford this is evenings I believe and the local gyms (Virgin and David Lloyd) have pools and masters sessions.
Masters swimming is the way to go. I havent swum with `de public' in years usually end up feeling like beating up a small child if I do.
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Ian J
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Virgin Gym has several Masters swimming sessions, and lane swimming at other times.
You do have to be a member though.
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mArKw
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I have found Waterside to be better run than Runnymede, although (in my opinion) Runnymede is a better pool. Waterside usually has a lane rope in and often, they will put a rope in if asked if the pool is getting busy.
One time, when Waterside was closed for repair, Runnymede shut off half the pool to teach just 6 kids whilst about 40 others had to share the other half including 3 length swimmers. Very poor management.
I usually try to get down to Waterside before 4pm before it gets busy although I occasionally have been there after 6pm and it's been very quiet. It's worth asking at reception before you go in how busy the pool is as there are CCTV cameras covering the pool area which can be seen from reception.
Mark
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david thomson
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thanks everyone for your helpfull replies , good info there. out of interest and im trying to ask this carefully ! how old do you have to be to swim in the masters sessions ? and how fast as well , whilst i can swim and swim ive never been a fast swimmer.
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Ian J
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I can only speak about Virgin Masters Swimming, but no age limits everybody from Teenagers to Retired people & all standards allowed. However, they do run classes for beginners & novices.
I am always the slowest in lane one & depending on numbers two other lanes are used for faster swimmers.
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tonibella
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Don't worry - you'll be fine. Age ranges from 18 upwards. All standards from very quick ex-club swimmers right down to one bloke who does double arm backstroke in the slow lane.
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gmike
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Watersides usually got a lane or two free, as Mark said, but you do have to pick and choose ya times as evenings and school holidays it get a bit hectic ...
... and there always the chance of that Booty bloke zooming up and down half drowning you in his wake!
One major downpoint of Waterside, which I've heard mentioned before, is the pool temp can be rather on the warm side. Went there Monday afternoon and it was like a turkish bath which is lovely for a leisurely float but really tiring doing lengths
Was thinking of changing pools because of the eratic temp. What's it like at Runnymede / Gloucester Park?
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david thomson
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havent been to waterside or gloucester park since school/early 20s but i have been to runneymead often as its just a few minutes away.
did find the pool temp to be a bit erratic but the worst was the showers afterwards , sometimes very warm , not scolding or anything just too warm when your trying to cool down
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