new swimmer

Thanks. That is definitely a goal, and I think it should be reachable in a couple of years with proper training. I guess this brings up a question, though, has anyone been able to better their lifetime bests after a 5+ year break???

David - I am in the Sterling, VA area. Currently training at Claude Moore Rec Center. Not sure if there is a Masters team that trains here or not, so I will most likley join Reston Masters...or CUBU. I know the goals may be a bit out of reach in next couple of years. But I think with a formal training structure in a team environment it could be done. Welcome back to the greatest sport. I'm in Gainesville, VA swimming at the Freedom Center. We're close and will probably meet at a meet soon.

Hi Decent freestyler, good luck with your endeavor. I live in the Manassas area, and swim at the GMU Freedom Center. Um.. do we know each other? I swim with Occoquan. Alison

Thanks. That is definitely a goal, and I think it should be reachable in a couple of years with proper training. I guess this brings up a question, though, has anyone been able to better their lifetime bests after a 5+ year break??? My guess is that if you were able to swim in the low :50s in the 100yd free then with proper practice you should have no problem. My best time in high school was a :49 and change and I've managed to go from a :55 to :51 with 2 yrs of swimming. This was after a 20 year layoff. The only thing I had in my favor was I continued with weightlifting, but it's definitely a different kind of strength. As mentioned earlier, given your relative youth you should have a very attainable goal in front of you. Good luck. :banana:

Being only 5 years out, and still relatively young, you have some good things in your favor. Looking at the times for your age group is a great way to set new goals for your season. www.usms.org/.../toptimes.php Best of luck in your training.