Swim question! Since we talk about swimming a lot... My times are going in the wrong direction. I'm not sure why. So I'm wondering what happens to everyone else's times as they "get older."
Many years ago, I swam in high school. Here are my approximate swim times:
500 yds = 7:05
100 yds = 1:10
Weight: 112 lbs
Age: 17
Fast forward in time. Basically, I didn't swim much - off and on during the years only.
Two years ago, I hopped into the pool
(after not swimming for years
), and got:
500 yds = 8:30
100 yds = unknown
Weight: 118 lbs
Age: 43
And here are my current times. I am really disappointed in how slow they've become:
500 yds = 9:15
(a little under 9 if I really push
)
100 yds = 1:40
Weight: 121 lbs
(should lose a few
)
Age: 45
(Yes, it amazes me too.
)
It annoys the heck out of me that my 500 is 45 seconds slower now than it was 2 years ago. I don't understand why there should be THAT much of a difference! Especially since I'm doing MORE swimming now than I was back then!
(2+ seconds slower per 25 yds. It adds up after awhile!
)
What might be causing my slower times?
a
) Being out of shape, and not swimming as much/frequently as I used to.
b
) Normal aging process
(lose muscle mass, gain fat, lose flexibility, etc
)
c
) Poor technique
(perhaps my stroke has changed
)
d
) Something else. And if so, what?
Thanks for any insights or suggestions!