The Fastest Age

From an article published elsewhere at www.baltimoresun.com/.../bal-sp.phelps09mar09,0,7849826,print.story . "With training," Bowman said, "prepubescent children can significantly impact their heart and lung size, more substantially than they can after puberty. The larger the heart and lungs, the bigger the engine." This at least partially supports the idea that those of us that started early gained something. I was training 90-100,000 meters a week during summers by the time I was 14 as were many people back in the early and mid 70's. I have no scientific proof that any of it stayed around during my layoff but my gut tells me I didn't lose it all. I'm also sure muscle memory contributes significantly. The feel of the water was in my head and knew instantly when it came back. It's possible it's all feel and muscle memory but I don't think so. I'm not saying anyone is right or wrong. This is just my experience. The are some other interesting things in the article as well.

From an article published elsewhere at www.baltimoresun.com/.../bal-sp.phelps09mar09,0,7849826,print.story . "With training," Bowman said, "prepubescent children can significantly impact their heart and lung size, more substantially than they can after puberty. The larger the heart and lungs, the bigger the engine." This at least partially supports the idea that those of us that started early gained something. I was training 90-100,000 meters a week during summers by the time I was 14 as were many people back in the early and mid 70's. I have no scientific proof that any of it stayed around during my layoff but my gut tells me I didn't lose it all. I'm also sure muscle memory contributes significantly. The feel of the water was in my head and knew instantly when it came back. It's possible it's all feel and muscle memory but I don't think so. I'm not saying anyone is right or wrong. This is just my experience. The are some other interesting things in the article as well.