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
I read your post Cynthia, and focusing on one word, I disagree with using 'older' in here:
Originally posted by cinc310
...
The older swimmers like Jim...
...
Chronologically, Jim is 50.
It's as adult as being say age 25, but whether one is older or younger, that depends on how one is living.
Based on what Jim is doing, he is in the prime of life right now:
.) I don't consider 'older' anyone who is not defeated by life, but on the contrary, does defeat life;
.) Jim getting 1:55 in 200 yards free last year, a lifetime best, that's Jim defeating life.
Also, there are other areas than swimming, applying this principle of whether one is defeated or not by life, to whether one is old or young:
for example analytical skills, memory, intellect.
I read your post Cynthia, and focusing on one word, I disagree with using 'older' in here:
Originally posted by cinc310
...
The older swimmers like Jim...
...
Chronologically, Jim is 50.
It's as adult as being say age 25, but whether one is older or younger, that depends on how one is living.
Based on what Jim is doing, he is in the prime of life right now:
.) I don't consider 'older' anyone who is not defeated by life, but on the contrary, does defeat life;
.) Jim getting 1:55 in 200 yards free last year, a lifetime best, that's Jim defeating life.
Also, there are other areas than swimming, applying this principle of whether one is defeated or not by life, to whether one is old or young:
for example analytical skills, memory, intellect.
