I wondered if any of you can help me with some perspective on this. I was a respectable age-group swimmer (age 8-18 - peaked around 16). Swimming was my life. I went on to do triathlons in college and casual running and swimming after that. Now in my late 30's. Have always swum to keep in shape, but getting slower every year.
How do those of you in the 30's, 40's etc. who had a previous swimming career deal with the disappointment of getting slower, and slower? It is so frustrating. I get particularly frustrated with myself when people in practice who I should be much faster than (ie they didn't swim competitively and have ummmm...less than ideal strokes), are beating me. I still have that competitive mindset.
Since I don't think I would swim respectable 30-something times in a meet (and I have little kids right now that are keeping me pretty busy) I am waiting until 40's to compete. My butterfly is still OK so thinking if I can do a respectable 200 butterfly in my 40's that would be an accomplishment.
Anyway I just wondered how others put this into perspective. Thanks!
Parents
Former Member
...........but hard to do !
Quit thinking about beating other people and think of the fitness you are achieving.
The bad news is : there will nearly always be someone who will be faster than you at some point in each age-group. The good news : It doesn't matter !!
A thousand years from now, how important will it REALLY be to be the top dog ??
Here's a better plan; one you can live with and the way I approach the competitive "problem". Compete with and against yourself. Simple, huh ??
Let's face it, the true measure of your fitness and your progress is found in the stop-watch and clock.
I guarantee to you that the biggest rush in Masters swimming is NOT beating some other poor soul.........it is in beating your old times.
If you get older and faster at the same time you will not be immortal...it will just feel that way !!
Think technique and fitness.......and.....good luck !
Bert
...........but hard to do !
Quit thinking about beating other people and think of the fitness you are achieving.
The bad news is : there will nearly always be someone who will be faster than you at some point in each age-group. The good news : It doesn't matter !!
A thousand years from now, how important will it REALLY be to be the top dog ??
Here's a better plan; one you can live with and the way I approach the competitive "problem". Compete with and against yourself. Simple, huh ??
Let's face it, the true measure of your fitness and your progress is found in the stop-watch and clock.
I guarantee to you that the biggest rush in Masters swimming is NOT beating some other poor soul.........it is in beating your old times.
If you get older and faster at the same time you will not be immortal...it will just feel that way !!
Think technique and fitness.......and.....good luck !
Bert
