Have you improved over time? I'm talking actual time improvements compared to lifetime bests.
I consistently swam sporadically for several years. Get it?
For the past 9 months I have been training and racing fairly consistently and I finally feel like I'm on the verge of actually improving.
I have swam a number of best times in off events. I have not bested any of my big ones.
What has your experience been? I'm talking about lifetime bests.
I'm 33. I swam DIII in college. so, I was ok but not great or anything.
I'm mainly interested in your actual experience. Things that have actually happened. Rather than what is supposed to happen.
Seth - You and I appear to have a similar background. I swam DIII and came back to USMS at 32. My LTB 100 free = 48.53. First year back I only swam for a couple of months and then did our state meet in 51 something. Gave me just enough drive to swim longer the next year. I also went to Nationals that year and posted a 49.48. Over the years, I've ranged in the 49 - 51 slot depending on the year. During this same time period, I've posted LTBs in distance events as I never swam them much when I was younger. I've been in USMS for 10 years now and as recently as last year I was still able to post a 49.92. This year I slacked off and my times show it. I still believe a breakthrough year is possible and I've spoken with other masters swimmers who've had breakthrough years in their 50's. Having a strong kick will certainly help you. My kick is weak so I try to make it up on my turns. I think the turns are the weakest point for many masters swimmers and I have won several events where I was clearly out-stroked because of my turns. Good Luck and Keep Going.... that breakthrough might be just around the corner.
Seth - You and I appear to have a similar background. I swam DIII and came back to USMS at 32. My LTB 100 free = 48.53. First year back I only swam for a couple of months and then did our state meet in 51 something. Gave me just enough drive to swim longer the next year. I also went to Nationals that year and posted a 49.48. Over the years, I've ranged in the 49 - 51 slot depending on the year. During this same time period, I've posted LTBs in distance events as I never swam them much when I was younger. I've been in USMS for 10 years now and as recently as last year I was still able to post a 49.92. This year I slacked off and my times show it. I still believe a breakthrough year is possible and I've spoken with other masters swimmers who've had breakthrough years in their 50's. Having a strong kick will certainly help you. My kick is weak so I try to make it up on my turns. I think the turns are the weakest point for many masters swimmers and I have won several events where I was clearly out-stroked because of my turns. Good Luck and Keep Going.... that breakthrough might be just around the corner.
