I have for you an all too common tale of a (former) swimmer who regrets ever quitting the sport.
I am a college sophomore who has been feeling more unmotivated than I ever have in my entire life. Getting up and going to classes is even becoming a struggle and truth be told, I'm miserable. I swam competitively from age 7 through high school, and without sounding pretentious I a garnered a fair amount of success (frequented the top 10 list in my lsc, etc etc) I was always one of those kids with the insane "sports parents" who made me feel like swimming was my career (ie, i had actually been GROUNDED on multiple occasions for "not swimming my hardest" what?) and once I got into high school I started to hate swimming, and my performance and effort reflected that. By my junior year of high school I was so fed up with swimming I stopped swimming year round and just swam for my high school team, which I certainly don't regret at all. At the end of my sophomore year I cranked out a 21.6 scy 50..my last top effort swim of my career
Even though my parents were insane, I loved my teammates and I loved being in the water. Swimming was the only thing that really let me release my frustrations and helped keep me focused in life. Basically swimming helped me deal with life, something I'm sure most swimmers can relate to.
So back to my current situation: I have had quite a few life changes recently. Girlfriend of 2 years broke up with me, friends have been getting in trouble with law, and I myself had a few run-ins (close calls, really) with the law. I feel like all of these things are telling me to go back to the place that always helped me get through things and keep me out of trouble: the water. So I've decided to get back in the water...starting tomorrow morning. I'm going to be training with a masters team that trains in my college's pool, and I am hoping to eventually walk onto to my school's team next year. After 3 years of smoking and drinking....am I crazy? Is this possible? Will I ever get back to my peak swimming form? I'm really just hoping to hear from anyone who has attempted something like this, or knows someone who has.
Thanks guys
Parents
Former Member
You guys can definately do it! After swimming in highschool and a year in college I spent a year overseas where I lost much of my fitness and strength. The following year I didn't work out too much and felt miserable. Now I am back in the water and with in 8 months I hit my college times. I am 21. This is definately possible. I even lost all my gained weight (20lbs) really quickly.
The others on the fourm are right. I have more determination and drive now than I ever did. I think I realize now what a priveledge swimming is and how at the end of the day it comes down to me. I enjoy it more now than I ever did. It is an amazing stress reliever and definately helps me manage life better.
So just start out slowly, don't give up, and have fun. Make it a lifestyle choice.
You guys can definately do it! After swimming in highschool and a year in college I spent a year overseas where I lost much of my fitness and strength. The following year I didn't work out too much and felt miserable. Now I am back in the water and with in 8 months I hit my college times. I am 21. This is definately possible. I even lost all my gained weight (20lbs) really quickly.
The others on the fourm are right. I have more determination and drive now than I ever did. I think I realize now what a priveledge swimming is and how at the end of the day it comes down to me. I enjoy it more now than I ever did. It is an amazing stress reliever and definately helps me manage life better.
So just start out slowly, don't give up, and have fun. Make it a lifestyle choice.
