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
Former Member
Thanks for all the positive feedback guys, I went to my first practice this morning and it was hell to say the least haha. Swam for about an hour just sort of coasting...trying to reconstruct my stroke technique really. It feels great being back in the water though and I'm going to keep at it. Again, thanks for the encouraging words and I'll be sure to keep you guys updated on my progress
Seems your are new to this forum (as am I) and I highly recommend you spending a little time going through this thread:
Ande's Swimming Tips: Swimming Faster Faster - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
Ande and MANY other active members on this forum have a lifetime of top level experience and wisdom concerning swimming competition, stroke development, sport evolution, and just good 'ol tried and true advice via experience and exposure.
I am exited along with you to be fresh back in the water after years of rotting. Feels great doesn't it?
am I crazy? Is this possible? Will I ever get back to my peak swimming form?
You're not crazy. If you want to you can definitely get back to your peak form, but be sure that's what you want. If I were you I'd start out slowly. Don't do too much too soon or you may end up getting burnt out again. Just always remember that it's supposed to be fun and good luck!
I've read stories of many people who have lived very unhealthy lifestyles after quitting swimming. Then, they came back to the sport in their late 20s, lost weight and started smiling again for the first time in years. No matter what times you put up, you need to find the joy in the sport, which it seems you never had, thanks to your parents.
Don't put the pressure on yourself to perform. Just go into workout each day with a goal to be better (or the same) as you were yesterday. The results will take care of themselves.
Don't view this as a daring comeback. You're already setting standards too high. Just go out there and have fun with the mindset that anything is possible. I can speak on that last sentence from experience.
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.You've only been out for a short while. It will come back faster than you think. Be patient. You're definitely not crazy and it's totally possible to be going :21(s) again for the 50. The smoking is certainly something that you can do with out. Not to worry though, as any minor lung impairment will be in your rear view mirror before you know it.
And for what it's worth you've made a very good personal decision. Even with the best of intentions, there's no way to avoid trouble if you're hanging out with people tend to get into it. Move on, make new friends. And be thankful that no matter what happens in your new swimming career, you'll be very grateful in the future that you headed down a new path.
All the best to you.
Funny thing is...I haven't really enjoyed swimming this much in....gosh since I was a pre-teen age grouper.
One of my coaches once said that the reason he loved coaching Masters was that everyone in the pool chose to be there for practice. That I think is the key, we all do it because we love to swim, not because our parents are wanting us to, or we'll let the coach down if we quit...... No we actually choose to make time to swim.
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.
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
You aren't crazy at all. It would be crazy to think that you cannot make a comeback. 3 years of smoking or drinking... so what. More importantly "close calls" will turn into arrests soon; remove yourself from that situation. Because if you come back in another 10 years, the answer will be different. If will be too late.
(well actually it is never too late)
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
Absoultely you will! I spent 7 years eating, drinking and sitting on my backside between the ages of 18 and 25. Then joined a masters team and swam a lifetime best 50m free (relay split, but still.......) at the ripe old age of 28.
Good Luck, and enjoy!
One of my coaches once said that the reason he loved coaching Masters was that everyone in the pool chose to be there for practice. That I think is the key, we all do it because we love to swim, not because our parents are wanting us to, or we'll let the coach down if we quit...... No we actually choose to make time to swim.
I grew up swimming at a small pool with restricted space most of the time. Prime pool time was designated for the fairly large and developed age group program. There were a few :45-1hr lap swim sessions throughout the day,(mostly at odd times) occupied by noodlers, bobbers, and backpaddlers doing 120 second 25yrd laps. Some even "required" their own lane.
There never was a big enough interest to start a masters program, heck, there was hardly enough space or time anyway :(
I have never been around a US masters swimming program before 'til 3 weeks ago, and so far it has been so much fun (despite the unusual level of pain starting back trying to keep up with these old farts almost double my age hauling ass!:bow:
