With all the super fast times being slung around on this board, I have to wonder how long it took people to get there.
If you are a reborn swimmer, how long did it take you to get close (within say 5 seconds on a 100, 2-3 seconds on a 50) to your previous best times?
Did it take two a day or 2 hour a day swimming to get close to college/age group times again? Or is it just a matter of remembering how to swim fast and being dedicated with the time you do have?
Any advice for those re-joining the swimming ranks and are excited to compete but still stuck waaay behind former best times (like 20 seconds in a 100 and 8 seconds in a 50) and getting depressed coming in last in their age group?
Parents
Former Member
I just wanted to clear up something I said in my first posting....and that is that I agree 100% with what Paul and others have said here about getting back to within reasonable range of your personal bests from high school and college. I also believe that staying in good shape (which includes not gaining too much weight) during the layoff from swimming is a definite advantage. I have no one to blame but myself for letting myself get so out of shape over the years. I think it might still be possible for me (and others like me who may also have gained a bit too much over the years) to get back to within a decent range of our personal best times.....it's just going to be a little harder for us perhaps. I like the way Ande keeps a good record of his weight. I think I will try and emulate a similar approach. I found Donna's story to be a real inspiration also....Congrats Donna! Thanks for sharing your story with us...I wish you the very best of luck in your swimming pursuits!
Newmastersswimmer
I just wanted to clear up something I said in my first posting....and that is that I agree 100% with what Paul and others have said here about getting back to within reasonable range of your personal bests from high school and college. I also believe that staying in good shape (which includes not gaining too much weight) during the layoff from swimming is a definite advantage. I have no one to blame but myself for letting myself get so out of shape over the years. I think it might still be possible for me (and others like me who may also have gained a bit too much over the years) to get back to within a decent range of our personal best times.....it's just going to be a little harder for us perhaps. I like the way Ande keeps a good record of his weight. I think I will try and emulate a similar approach. I found Donna's story to be a real inspiration also....Congrats Donna! Thanks for sharing your story with us...I wish you the very best of luck in your swimming pursuits!
Newmastersswimmer
