New here so apologies if this is well-trodden territory, but I'm a 41 year old former age group swimmer. I was pretty good, not great but decided to quit swimming at 17 to pursue "other interests" in college. Basically, I just burned out.
Recently, I found myself back in the pool and have swum a few meets and really love it. My times have been pretty good but I wonder if I can ever do a lifetime best at this age? Anybody out there in their 40's or so continuing to kill it in the pool? What are my chances? So far I'm within 2 or 3 seconds of my best 100fr (:49+) and 100br (1:03).
At 45, I am close to my best times out of high school; those times were set in paper suits, my current ones a B70. Apples to apples, I am therefore still (quite) a way off. I am nowhere near to my best college times, though I hope to get considerably closer in 2010.
Was going to school in New Jersey, goggles hadn't arrived yet.......
For my 5:33 a speedo Fastskin, my swims in 2009 B70.
In '07 I swam a 54.31 in a Fastskin, in '09 I swam a 54.83 twice in a B70.
Yes. I did by buying a tech suit. I'm mid 30s. Without a tech suit I eeked out some lifetime bests (comparing poly to poly).
Not sure I train "smarter" at all. I train for my enjoyment. Still don't know exactly what training "smarter" means as it applies to each person's specific goals. . .
And shouldn't we train "smart?" If we train "smarter," then the question is smarter than what? Than what we did as a kiddos? I would say I train smarter than when I was a kid. Does not mean I'm training correctly. . . I digress.
Nice swims for an old dog.
In California (from my dusty recolection) goggles were pretty popular in 1970.
I also remember grooving on the halos around street lights, pre-goggles.
Good luck in your quest.
Hi!
I have a similar history to you Mark. Left off at 17 and started swimming again at 34 years of age. I am now 38. Started heavy training with 4-5 swims per week and 2-3 weightlifting sessions per week some 2,5 years ago.
I broke my all time best times 2 years ago and have improved ever since. I had my fastest two swims this spring ever:
50 *** SCM 28.63 (32.14 at 17 years of age)
100 *** SCM 1.03.77 (1.10.15 at 17 years of age).
Go for it! Everything is possible!
Best regards
Per
