Six months ago I decided to take a shot at a top ten time (my first) for the 400 free. Historically, a 4:48 has always been fast enough in my new age group (50-54), but my best time in Masters was a 4:59 from three years ago. So I decided to focus on that one event. I trained hard, bought a Blue 70, and hit my taper just right. In the end I swam what I thought was a perfect race and finished in 4:47.73, beating one of my training partners by seven seconds. And then I waited to see if the time would hold up.
As it turns out, it didn't. With the results from Long Beach, I will end the season ranked no higher than 11th. As the saying goes, the journey is the destination. But I really wanted one of those patches.
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Former Member
Believe me, you'll find those 5-10 seconds because you've made the first required step: Belief.
Thanks. At first I thought 4:48 was unrealistic, but I remembered the words of an old coach who liked to say, "Don't limit yourself."
Congratulations on some great swimming and my condolences for your disappointment. However, you need to adjust your last thought slightly. You don't necessarily need to find those 5-10 seconds (although it'd be nice), you just need to keep at your current level for the next 5-10 years!
The key is slowing down slower than your peers. Well, your ten second drop sure is a step in the right direction. Be patient and stay motivated.
Wow, two of my heroes in Masters swimming replying on the same thread. I appreciate the advice and encouragement.
I'm available for the chasing at the end of January at your "pool of despair." Seriously, your times are great, especially for a really really old guy.
You have a way with words. But can you still swim?
Believe me, you'll find those 5-10 seconds because you've made the first required step: Belief.
Thanks. At first I thought 4:48 was unrealistic, but I remembered the words of an old coach who liked to say, "Don't limit yourself."
Congratulations on some great swimming and my condolences for your disappointment. However, you need to adjust your last thought slightly. You don't necessarily need to find those 5-10 seconds (although it'd be nice), you just need to keep at your current level for the next 5-10 years!
The key is slowing down slower than your peers. Well, your ten second drop sure is a step in the right direction. Be patient and stay motivated.
Wow, two of my heroes in Masters swimming replying on the same thread. I appreciate the advice and encouragement.
I'm available for the chasing at the end of January at your "pool of despair." Seriously, your times are great, especially for a really really old guy.
You have a way with words. But can you still swim?
