So I'm back (well, only 5th session) in the pool after being out more/less for 15 years. I swam from age 7 to 23 (through college) and was burned out by my Senior year and wanted nothing to do with it afterwards. Played Rugby and other sports for recreation and now that I'm 37 I'm just sick of the gym and want to do something "fun" again and something non-impactful (is that a word?)
So anyway, right now I'm just swimming on my own and working on the basics...drills, breath control, streamline, kicking, etc. They finally changed the pool I swim at to SCY and that makes a big difference versus swimming LCM! I did 3000 last night and felt great...like its coming back to me a bit. Like most I'm ALOT bigger than I was in college so I have much weight to lose and flexibility to gain. I look more like a football player than a swimmer, but I'm gonna try to stick with it, for better for worse.
Hopefully in the next few weeks I may look into joining a master's program at the pool I swim at (Cobb Aquatics). Without tooting my own horn, I used to be a pretty decent nationally ranked middle/distance swimmer so hopefully I can return within 75% of what I used to be?! I've seen the state records and they give me something to shoot for. I know I have a LOONNGG way back though. I swam at 170 and I'm 240 today....but I have a totally different body style too so...
and YES, Dara, Michael, Jason and the whole USA team really inspired me to get back into it. :woot:
So I hope to be a regular poster and lend some of my experience and also refresh my memory too!
Former Member
10-20 years off is common. 20 years in my case (USS and H.S., no college swimming). I've been back for a year, and have managed to go from 215 to about 175-180 today in the course of a year. Welcome back.
Thanks! I'm figuring about a year to drop some weight and get back to a good spot (for the time being). I really want to get in shape enough to really make a run at some of the GA 35-39 records.
I was out of swimming for about 25 yrs. I ended in my early teens. It is something I have always loved. Two years ago, I had prepared myself to swim in a couple of open water swims. It was something I had always wanted to do. I am a terrible runner, never felt comfortable with it. So, my gratitude for the internet, to helping me find the swimmer's version of the road race was wonderful. I attempted to join a Masters team last year, but because of my work schedule it was very difficult to get there. This year, beginning next month, I am hoping to join a different team where the schedule is perfect for me. I have enjoyed all the people I have come in contact with when I am swimming. I am very excited of starting again. Unfortunately, I have not kept myself in any great shape, so this will be a beginning for me again. Kind of had a lapse this year, but am very excited to get started. :wiggle:
