It took almost a decade, but I finally jumped back in the pool. It’s still early, but, I must say, it comes right back. The fitness level does not (not even close), but the strokes and the ease of moving through the water do.

Call it burnout from the middle and high school days of 20+ hours per week in the pool. Call it “life taking over,” with college, graduate school, getting married, having a child, and moving eight times all within that nearly ten-year time span. Or, call it an underlying fear of reinjuring the shoulders that took me to nearly two years of physical therapy as a teen competitive swimmer. Whatever you call it, I call it unacceptable. I cannot tell you what motivated me to dive back into swimming, but I can tell you that I will not be taking another extended break from swimming.

Reentering the world of swimming after such a long hiatus has been a journey of rediscovery. As I submerged myself and took that first stroke, a flood of memories washed over me. The muscle memory kicked in almost instantly. I felt the familiar glide through the water, the rhythm of my breathing syncing with each stroke, and the quiet calm that comes from being submerged. It was like being reunited with a long-lost friend.

Despite the initial euphoria, it quickly became apparent that my fitness level was nowhere near what it once was. The endurance that had once carried me through grueling training sessions and competitive meets was now a distant memory. But I reminded myself that every journey begins with a single step—or in this case, a single stroke. I set realistic goals and focused on small victories: swimming a few extra laps each session, improving my times incrementally, and, most importantly, enjoying the process.

Returning to swimming after such a long break is not without its challenges. Physically, my body had changed. Years of sedentary work and the demands of adult life had taken their toll. My shoulders, once strong and resilient, now ached after a few laps. My stamina was shot, and my technique, while still intact, needed refining. It was humbling, to say the least.

Mentally, I had to overcome the fear of reinjury. My shoulders had been a source of pain and frustration in my teenage years, leading to extended periods of physical therapy. The thought of going through that again was daunting. However, I was determined not to let fear hold me back. I took precautions: started with gentle exercises, listened to my body, and incorporated regular stretching and strengthening routines to support my shoulders.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from returning to swimming is the importance of being present. In my youth, swimming was about competition and improvement, always striving for the next goal. Now, it’s about the sheer joy of moving through the water, the meditative state it induces, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from pushing my limits, however modest they might be.

Swimming has become my sanctuary, a place where I can escape the stresses of daily life. It’s a time for me to disconnect from technology, clear my mind, and focus solely on my body and the water around me. There’s something incredibly freeing about the simplicity of it all—just me and the pool, stroke after stroke.

While I may never return to the competitive levels of my youth, I’ve set new goals for myself. These goals are less about speed and endurance and more about health, balance, and enjoyment. I aim to swim regularly, gradually increasing my distances and improving my technique. I want to explore different strokes, perhaps even venture into open water swimming. 

Most importantly, I want to maintain a positive relationship with swimming, one that is sustainable and fulfilling.

If my journey back to the pool has taught me anything, it’s that it’s never too late to return to something you love. Life may take us on unexpected paths, but our passions can always be reignited. For anyone contemplating a return to a beloved activity, be it swimming, running, painting, or playing an instrument, I encourage you to take that first step. Start slow, be patient with yourself, and relish the journey.

The decision to return to swimming after nearly a decade away has been transformative. It has reconnected me with a part of myself that I had long forgotten and provided a much-needed outlet for stress and creativity. While the road back to fitness is long and winding, the joy of being in the water makes every step worthwhile. I am committed to making swimming a permanent part of my life, ensuring that I never again let such a long gap come between me and the pool. Whether you are an ex-swimmer like me or someone looking to start a new hobby, remember that it’s never too late to dive back in.