Transitioning out of a long-time sport or hobby

[swimmermom3]

As of last night, we are no longer a "swim family," which has been the greater part of our identity for the past seven years. Swimmer Dude has battled a shoulder injury for the past year and a half and it just won't hold at the level he needs to swim at in order to remain competitive. We finished state a few weeks ago and while he can still qualify in 8 events, this is the first year he hasn't returned for finals. He just turned 13 and stands 6-12 inches shorter than all of his other male team mates. He decided to take himself out of the water before he blew the shoulder out permanently. I have seen him cry three times in his life and last night was one of them.

 

I need some suggestions for alternate activities, fast. He's not keen on track and thinks he would like tennis, but that can't be good for a shoulder. Right now, I want to get him involved in anything with a social life. Shoot. Everyone in this house needs a social life.

 

I have absolutely no idea of life beyond swim practice. This is the first time since my oldest was in kindergarten that there is no sports practice of any kind. It is weird.

[fairytalemama]

Does it have to be a sport? Is he into music? Would he be interested in theatre? A youth orchestra or youth theatre group might be a good way to meet other kids. Maybe a break from sports would the give the shoulder a shot at healing.

[Hedgehog]

Would his shoulder be okay for something like sailing? (If you can access it)

 

Or something completely different.. like drama?

[unsinkable]

As of last night, we are no longer a "swim family," which has been the greater part of our identity for the past seven years. Swimmer Dude has battled a shoulder injury for the past year and a half and it just won't hold at the level he needs to swim at in order to remain competitive. We finished state a few weeks ago and while he can still qualify in 8 events, this is the first year he hasn't returned for finals. He just turned 13 and stands 6-12 inches shorter than all of his other male team mates. He decided to take himself out of the water before he blew the shoulder out permanently. I have seen him cry three times in his life and last night was one of them.

 

I need some suggestions for alternate activities, fast. He's not keen on track and thinks he would like tennis, but that can't be good for a shoulder. Right now, I want to get him involved in anything with a social life. Shoot. Everyone in this house needs a social life.

 

I have absolutely no idea of life beyond swim practice. This is the first time since my oldest was in kindergarten that there is no sports practice of any kind. It is weird.

 

:grouphug: hugs for Lisa. Hugs for SwimmerDude.

 

We've been thru similar adjustments with major changes in sports.

 

DS tried Volleyball this fall and really liked it.

[gingersmom]

My daughter has been figure skating (competing and on a team) for the past several years. She battled a knee injury several months ago and it turned out to be the beginning of the end of figure skating.

 

At first she was in shock and lost but it has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. She has always loved art but had very little time to pursue it. She is signed up for art class and busy at home with her art everyday.

 

She has decided to try ice hockey as she is going to school next year and needs a sport to participate in.

 

Has your son thought about soccer, fencing, basketball?

[unsinkable]

My daughter has been figure skating (competing and on a team) for the past several years. She battled a knee injury several months ago and it turned out to be the beginning of the end of figure skating.

 

At first she was in shock and lost but it has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. She has always loved art but had very little time to pursue it. She is signed up for art class and busy at home with her art everyday.

 

She has decided to try ice hockey as she is going to school next year and needs a sport to participate in.

 

Has your son thought about soccer, fencing, basketball?

 

Make sure your DD watches out for knee-to-knee hits. It is one of the cheapest, dirtbag plays in hockey and I'd worry if my kid already has a knee problem.

[Hedgehog]

I need some suggestions for alternate activities, fast. He's not keen on track and thinks he would like tennis, but that can't be good for a shoulder....

 

Which shoulder? Which "handed" is he?

[swimmermom3]

Does it have to be a sport? Is he into music? Would he be interested in theatre? A youth orchestra or youth theatre group might be a good way to meet other kids. Maybe a break from sports would the give the shoulder a shot at healing.

 

All of the kids have had music lessons for a various number of years, but they went by the wayside when we got serious about swimming, so that is definitely a thought. I think he would be well-suited to debate team but I don't think there are opportunities until high school. It doesn't have to be a sport, but we found when an older sibling quit swimming that the kids have a hard time knowing what to do with themselves physically. Fortunately, spring is close at hand which means we can get some hiking in during the day and do school in the afternoons.

 

:grouphug: hugs for Lisa. Hugs for SwimmerDude.

 

We've been thru similar adjustments with major changes in sports.

 

DS tried Volleyball this fall and really liked it.

 

He has talked about volleyball, but that also involves shoulders. Hmmm.

 

Both of his shoulders are affected, but the right (dominant) more so than the left. Fortunately, doctors and PTs don't think there is scar tissue. He has been on reduced workouts with continuous ice and PT. The thought is that with growth, maturity, and some muscle development he may be able to return at a later point. He's already organizing the financing of PX90 with his older siblings. They all want to do some core work. I haven't looked at that plan yet.

 

Sorry this is so scattered. It has just hit my like a ton of bricks how isolated we have become as a family between swimming and home schooling. I would like to change that.

[Donna]

:grouphug: to your son.

 

We were very much a taekwondo oriented family until about 3 years ago. The boys and I had gone as far as our 1st dan black belts and were ready to test for 2nd dan, I taught classes, and the boys helped out with teaching plus taking classes of their own and participated in tournaments.

 

Something happened when they were no longer learning as much at such a fast pace, their interest waned, and everyone in the family began to pursue other interests more seriously leaving no time to continue with taekwondo so we all gave it up. I don't think the kids missed it as much as I did. It was my only form of exercise at the time and I really enjoyed it. But as the primary parent for shuffling kids there just wasn't the time and still isn't.

 

Maybe your son might like to try a couple different things? Maybe not track but some form of long distance running, cross country or doing marathons? (He must have great endurance from all the swimming practices.) Maybe a martial art...some are harder on the joints than others? Like others suggested...art, some craft, music, theater, or some type of club?

[bbmom]

Would he like to stick with water sports? What about springboard diving or water polo? He shouldn't be too old for either of those (most kids get into these sports a little later and won't have 8 years of experience on him) and it keeps him in the water-not sure if the shoulder would be too bad for water polo too though. Otherwise, what about something like martial arts?

[Rosie_0801]

Fencing?

 

I don't know if that would be too much strain on the shoulders. My dh has just taken up SCA rapier (which is the ancestor of fencing and I think more exciting, lol) but I only have the heavy fighting to compare to and it is definitely less impact than that.

 

Well, that's not much help, but you can tell the Dude that another person cared enough to comment on his thread :p

 

Rosie

[Mom2boys]

Spring soccer is just starting up in our area. No shoulders needed, as long as you don't play goalie.

[Nicole M]

All of the kids have had music lessons for a various number of years, but they went by the wayside when we got serious about swimming, so that is definitely a thought. I think he would be well-suited to debate team but I don't think there are opportunities until high school. It doesn't have to be a sport, but we found when an older sibling quit swimming that the kids have a hard time knowing what to do with themselves physically. Fortunately, spring is close at hand which means we can get some hiking in during the day and do school in the afternoons.

 

 

 

He has talked about volleyball, but that also involves shoulders. Hmmm.

 

Both of his shoulders are affected, but the right (dominant) more so than the left. Fortunately, doctors and PTs don't think there is scar tissue. He has been on reduced workouts with continuous ice and PT. The thought is that with growth, maturity, and some muscle development he may be able to return at a later point. He's already organizing the financing of PX90 with his older siblings. They all want to do some core work. I haven't looked at that plan yet.

 

Sorry this is so scattered. It has just hit my like a ton of bricks how isolated we have become as a family between swimming and home schooling. I would like to change that.

 

Oh, gosh. Oh, gosh. I'm so sorry. Give that little man a big hug for me.

 

Debate sounds awesome. I pity the poor children who would come up against your fella. ;)

 

You know, after you get over the shock, I think you will see a whole world opening up. I quite ballet after years of training for 12 - 20 hours a week, on top of school, and boy. I sure enjoyed a lot of things after that! I tried out for plays, I took an art class at the community center, I hiked.... Sometimes I was sad, and, honestly, sometimes I am still sad about losing that part of my life. But the fact that he's got the PX90 plan, whatever that is, is good, right?! That boy has a vision and gumption.

 

Wait. I just realized. You'll be even more exhausted. When he was in the water, he couldn't actually talk your ear off, could he? Now there's no stopping him! Maybe you will need the outside class? Or weekly sanity trips north, to my house!

 

:grouphug:

[abbeyej]

...I have seen him cry three times in his life and last night was one of them...

 

I'm so, so sorry. That was ds' reaction when he found out that his injured foot was broken and he thought (at the time) that meant he wouldn't be able to dance for six weeks. ... And that was *only* six weeks (though it would effectively have meant "this year").

 

That's just so, so hard. And we want to make it all better for our babies....

[simka2]

I'm going to lean towards soccer or equestrian sports ;). Hey, if it's a social life your after a male at barn will definately have a social life :D.

 

Really, I am sorry. It's going to be a greiving process. :grouphug:s to you all!!!

[Karen in CO]

Which shoulder? Which "handed" is he?

 

I was going to suggest fencing, but if he's right handed and the right shoulder is the problem them maybe not. Left and left would be the same problem.

 

At 13, many of the other sports already have kid specialists so he would make competitive teams unfortunately.

 

And the big question is, what is your new name going to be?

[C_l_e_0..Q_c]

I'm so sorry you're going through that.

I was considering that opportunity just last week that both my kids might be quitting their respective sports this year. And wow, what a weird feeling it was to contemplate..

 

One is indeed quitting, and will replace sport with Air Cadets. Completely different, but also demanding, so there won't be so much 'empty times' ahead. Staying busy is important.

 

Also, as someone who also had to quit competitive sports rather abruptly, I would like to warn about about the 'retirement depression' . Everyone I know who had to stop a demanding sport went through a slight depression. You're missing the endorphins (I think that's what it is). There's a definite chemical imbalance that will happen. It's not dangerous and it is temporary, but your son might be going into a 'low' for a little while. For me, it lasted about 2 months.

[ks-sunflower]

We've been through this also- three times now. Dd was a competitive gymnast (20 hrs. practice/wk) and ds1 played basketball, ds2 loved every sport. Dd fractured her back and mom said "enough." Ds1 got cut from bball and learned to weight lift. Ds 2 just didn't grow tall enough. Dd went on to become a very scholarly equestrian. Ds1 is in dental school. Ds2 is still a work in progress but loves music, and he's doing some beginning weight lifting on his own. Also just likes to shoot baskets with friends. It's all worked out just fine. (And I'm much more relaxed.)

[mcconnellboys]

I'm sorry and I know (been there, done that). Many swimmers do track, but if he doesn't like it, then it's not for him. I would not recommend tennis at all with his shoulder problem.

 

What about soccer, another lower body sport that won't involve his shoulder at all? Unfortunately, most sports are going to involve the shoulder, unless he does something on a smaller scale, like ping pong (got any of those teams in your area?)

 

Other things I can think of off the top of my head that don't really involve the shoulders (so he has some time to heal - and time is what it takes):

 

roller or ice skating

horseback riding

diving, maybe? I'm not sure - that might be pressure on his shoulder that could still cause problems....

ultimate (not too strenuous)

disc golf (not too strenuous)

 

Most other things are still going to be hard on his shoulder, I'm afraid.... Hope that he will heal in time....

[blakereese]

:grouphug: I'm sorry. I'm sure this is going to be a hard time for your whole family. :grouphug:

 

Let him rest a bit, give that shoulder some time to heal. If he is interested, maybe he could do some local team sports, if you have that in your area...like a town team or intramural, or something more "low key"? Something that he could just have fun with, and maybe not as competitive. Soccer or .....? Whatever you have available that he is interested in, I guess. You could meet some new families, have a bit of a change of pace.

 

Or you could totally change gears and do music or another of the arts? If he has any interest in that? Now is a good time for him to explore some of his other interests and see what you can do to help him expand on them. Maybe he'll find something he never knew he would like to try!

[Ravin]

cycling? Haven't seen it suggested yet. Once he's older and the shoulder heals, he could get into triathalon.

[elegantlion]

:grouphug: I have no idea, I was going to suggest debate. :D I'm sorry, but what a mature decision.

[Starr]

Maybe something all together different like 4-H. I like regular hiking while he heals. Invite friends over weekly. I'm sorry this is so difficult.

[easygoer]

My first thought was biking. Mountain biking or bike-touring (or racing, for that matter.)

 

No one said scouting, if that's an option.

[helena]

Fencing? That fills up your schedule REALLY quick! :)

[Danestress]

First, I would tell him that having just gone through a major divorce, he should date a little before committing. That is to say, he shouldn't feel super invested in finding the perfect sport for the rest of his life. He should shop around a little and try things out.

 

Tennis is great fun and I would say that my tennis player has a much more active social life than his swimmer brother. Tournaments are just very social events. The shoulder could be a problem, but less so with really first rate training. A lot of injury is due to poor habits in tennis. My son plays at a decent level, but there are kids who come into the academy around his age that are new. No, they probably aren't going to go win regional tournaments, but it's still fun and you can find tournaments at every level.

 

Fencing is a great sport and I am told that it is great fun. My friends son is on a full fencing scholarship to a "second tier" school (how do you say that? Almost ivy league but not ..?) I know you say the shoulder is problem, but I would rest, ice, see a physical therapist, and then if they give you the okay, let him try a sport he thinks he would like at the introductory level. The right coach will know how to watch it.

 

You won't like this, but boxing is a very fun sport and very very vigorous. It's not what I thought it was. When my oldest son got into it, I was a bit anxious, but it's really less dangerous than cheerleading.

 

Triathlons. He could pretty much quit training in swimming while that shoulder heals and could work on the running and biking. Eventually, would the shoulder allow him to swim occasionally?

 

Martial Arts. I believe he could start at his age and really enjoy them.

 

You may remember that I also have a 13 year old swimmer dude, and I really fear that his breathing problems will drive him out of the sport. We have tried everything:( So I lay awake at night and worry sometimes. I don't care that much about sports, but he does, and he loves swimming so much that I am afraid it would be very hard. My sympathies.

[Corraleno]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: to the 'Dude

 

How about Tae Kwon Do? It's mostly kicking and blocking, so it shouldn't bother his shoulder. It's an incredible physical workout, there's a lot of comradery, and a big emphasis on sportsmanship and self-discipline. There are lots of classes available so usually you can choose how many and which nights to go to. There are goals to work towards, and frequent "rewards" in earning stripes and new belts.

 

One of the best things about it, though, if you're used to having your lives revolve around swimming practices and meets that can't be missed, is that there is a lot of flexibility in TKD classes, because you can progress at your own pace, go to however many classes/wk you want, take a week or two off if you need to, etc.

 

DS has been doing it for about a year and absolutely loves it. We have a terrific teacher who's really positive and upbeat and very supportive of the kids. DS and DD both go 2-3 nights/wk.

 

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: to you, too! It must be hard to see Swimmerdude hurting.

 

 

Jackie

Edited March 30, 2011 by Corraleno

[annabanana1992]

How about Triathlon? It does involve running, but it is not track. My son is a swimmer too, but he also does triathlons. The swimming portion is the hardest part for most triathletes, but it is a piece of cake for a former competitive swimmer. He could still swim some, but not at his current level.

[Corraleno]

He just turned 13 and stands 6-12 inches shorter than all of his other male team mates.

Our TKD teacher is about 5'6" and he says TKD is a great sport for short guys, because you can put a lot of power into a kick, and you have more "reach" with a kick than a punch. TKD would do double-duty as a sport and a self-defense program. DD will only be about 4'10" as an adult, and I really want her to have both the technique and the confidence to defend herself if she needs to. Our dojang offers extra self-defense classes in addition to the the TKD technique classes. And you can't beat it as a confidence builder.

 

Jackie

[Rosyl]

I don't have any suggestions for replacements, but I know the transition/adjustment periods of life are hard. Embrace the free time w. weirdness you now have.

[plansrme]

Awww, I'm so sorry. As someone else said above, I also lie awake at night worrying that this day may come for our family as well. I know it is a loss for both you and your son.

 

I will echo what others have said about triathlons. My husband did a lot of triathlons BK (Before Kids). His brother has done Iron Mans. They agree that former swimmers have a huge advantage. It takes a lot of time to build up your endurance and speed on the run and bike, but let's face it--nearly anyone can run and ride a bike. Swimming, however, requires technique they found it very difficult to learn at their advanced ages. I know you said that he doesn't like running, but sprint tri's probably do not require more running than he can do right now. He could probably enter a sprint tri right this minute, with zero training, and finish high for his age group. (Side note: Lance Armstrong did triathlons in high school before focusing on cycling.)

 

Regardless of what he transitions into, if he likes the competitive element of swimming, I urge you to help him find something competitive, rather than Scouts or hiking. You know your son best, of course, but there is a big difference between a competitive activity and a recreational or educational one.

 

Best of luck with this transition. I know several families with gymnasts who were forced out by injury, and I know it's hard. You want to leave, if at all, on your own terms, and your son didn't get to do that. It is definitely a loss to be mourned.

 

Terri

[Mommyfaithe]

All of the kids have had music lessons for a various number of years, but they went by the wayside when we got serious about swimming, so that is definitely a thought. I think he would be well-suited to debate team but I don't think there are opportunities until high school. It doesn't have to be a sport, but we found when an older sibling quit swimming that the kids have a hard time knowing what to do with themselves physically. Fortunately, spring is close at hand which means we can get some hiking in during the day and do school in the afternoons.

 

 

 

He has talked about volleyball, but that also involves shoulders. Hmmm.

 

Both of his shoulders are affected, but the right (dominant) more so than the left. Fortunately, doctors and PTs don't think there is scar tissue. He has been on reduced workouts with continuous ice and PT. The thought is that with growth, maturity, and some muscle development he may be able to return at a later point. He's already organizing the financing of PX90 with his older siblings. They all want to do some core work. I haven't looked at that plan yet.

 

Sorry this is so scattered. It has just hit my like a ton of bricks how isolated we have become as a family between swimming and home schooling. I would like to change that.

 

I am so there with you...I think you know that. I think for us, it has sort of been like pulling my kids out of public school. We needed a bit of a detox time....and a time to grieve....even me. All of my friendships with irl friends revolved around the pool. Funny how they disappeared when we no longer were at the pool.:glare: . We are still finding our footing. Little boys tried soccer...we are now going into baseball and golf season. My older ds went snow boarding a lot this winter and plans to do some obstacle courses...and runs for charity this spring.

 

He really has lost his friends...and is really sad about that. All of his social life revolved around the pool...and those friends are busy with practices and meets. My heart is breaking for him...and me too...but, some really good things have come out of it.

 

Ds decided to work with his dad for a semester or 2. He is the youngest EPA certified tech in the field....lol. He is doing all kinds of classes related to the hvac industry and pursue a degree in business.

 

Dr. Kazam is as happy as a bird....doing her art...writing...and not being bullied by those nasty, nasty girls. She is walking a neighbors dog and making some cash. She will probably swim on the summer rec. Team....but, it won't take the place of importance it had.

 

We are so less stressed.....we are not rushing out the door to practice, so we can delve into our studies...or watch a Psyche marathon....we can sleep a little late on Saturday am...and we can now snuggle...not rushing out the door. We are more close as a family, because we are not as harried.

 

It has been a very hard year for us...all life changing events....etc. But God is Good...and we are actually feeling very blessed in the changes. If you need a shoulder, I have a wide one....lol.

 

Faithe

[unsinkable]

All of the kids have had music lessons for a various number of years, but they went by the wayside when we got serious about swimming, so that is definitely a thought. I think he would be well-suited to debate team but I don't think there are opportunities until high school. It doesn't have to be a sport, but we found when an older sibling quit swimming that the kids have a hard time knowing what to do with themselves physically. Fortunately, spring is close at hand which means we can get some hiking in during the day and do school in the afternoons.

 

 

 

He has talked about volleyball, but that also involves shoulders. Hmmm.

 

Both of his shoulders are affected, but the right (dominant) more so than the left. Fortunately, doctors and PTs don't think there is scar tissue. He has been on reduced workouts with continuous ice and PT. The thought is that with growth, maturity, and some muscle development he may be able to return at a later point. He's already organizing the financing of PX90 with his older siblings. They all want to do some core work. I haven't looked at that plan yet.

 

Sorry this is so scattered. It has just hit my like a ton of bricks how isolated we have become as a family between swimming and home schooling. I would like to change that.

 

:grouphug: I know what you mean.

 

I know volleyball will involve his shoulders and the spike & serve are probably very similar to swimming motions. But there is a postion called libero, which is a defensive postion that doesn't serve or spike. Libero plays the back row and on DS's team, were small, quick and fearless. :D

[Chris in VA]

I would stick with something almost completely lower body for a while, just to let that shoulder heal!

How about a combination of things? Something social, something physical.

Maybe scouts and cycling? Maybe Sea Cadets or sailing, and skateboarding?

That way, you don't have to do anything to an extreme level (not "extreme," I just mean not as much time as you have had to do swimming--let two activities take the place of the one, so that either one of them doesn't have to be quite so intense).

 

Maybe something all together different, like drama, or getting his CPR and First Aid training?

 

It's hard to lose something that is such a part of your self-identity. "I am a swimmer." If you take swimming away, how does he self-define? It's a toughie. It's a growing time, for sure. :grouphug: to him and to you, as I'm sure part of your identity has been "I'm a swimmer's mom."

[Mom22ns]

It's hard to lose something that is such a part of your self-identity. "I am a swimmer." If you take swimming away, how does he self-define? It's a toughie. It's a growing time, for sure. :grouphug: to him and to you, as I'm sure part of your identity has been "I'm a swimmer's mom."

 

:grouphug: from us too. My dd is a competitive gymnast and we see this happen to girls every year. She has had a lot of injuries and wears some supports, but is still holding. We talk a lot about what she would do without gym, but have no good suggestions for Swimmerdude, just compassion.

[unsinkable]

I would stick with something almost completely lower body for a while, just to let that shoulder heal!

How about a combination of things? Something social, something physical.

Maybe scouts and cycling? Maybe Sea Cadets or sailing, and skateboarding?

That way, you don't have to do anything to an extreme level (not "extreme," I just mean not as much time as you have had to do swimming--let two activities take the place of the one, so that either one of them doesn't have to be quite so intense).

 

Maybe something all together different, like drama, or getting his CPR and First Aid training?

 

It's hard to lose something that is such a part of your self-identity. "I am a swimmer." If you take swimming away, how does he self-define? It's a toughie. It's a growing time, for sure. :grouphug: to him and to you, as I'm sure part of your identity has been "I'm a swimmer's mom."

 

I talk often to my boys about this (b/c they are the ones who have gone thru being "cut" from teams, whereas my DD has not.)

 

I basically try to say that no matter what happens with teams, etc, you are still you. Making this team or playing this sport doesn't change YOU, the eternal you.

[Beach Mom]

:grouphug::grouphug: to both of you. My oldest went through this last year as she transitioned out of competitive dance. After 20+ hours at the studio a week, she went cold turkey. It had been so much of her life for so many years (and mine), it was a big adjustment.

 

We used the time as a season of trying new things. She has tried 3 new sports, joined a choir, and spent more time with friends.

 

If Swimmerdude enjoys public speaking maybe something like Toastmasters or a theatre group would suit him. Maybe he would enjoy 4H, or a team sport like soccer or basketball.

 

With such a big transition in schedule we found that we had to be more purposeful in making sure she got enough physical activity. It is a huge transition for their metabolisms as they drop such intense training. It can also be an emotional time as they deal with such a big transition, and as a PP mentioned there is commonly some temporary depression.

 

The best to you all as you deal with this change.

[Desert Rat]

My dh had to give up both soccer (goalie) and swimming when he blew out his shoulder at 17. It was devestating for him. He had defined himself for so long at that swim guy or that soccer dude. It took a long time for him to find a place. I met him at 19 and he still hadn't. I'd say it took until he was 26 to find a new niche. Incidently, water polo was what ruined his shoulder.

However, he still does play soccer in a men's league and loves it.

My boys are in taekwondo and we really like the discipline and self esteem they have gained from it. They are just now starting to go to rumbles (informal tournaments). Aside from punching and a few shoulder rolls, TKD isn't terrible on shoulders. Most of our athletes show problems in knees and ankles, sometimes wrists. At least that I've noticed.

Good luck with your transition. I think it would be wise to take a month off everything and decompress a bit. Mourn the loss of something you've loved for so long. Then, look into soccer or a martial art.

[FriedClams]

I know it's been mentioned - but Boy Scouts would meet a lot of what you'd looking for. Action, adventure, new skills, lots of outdoor time, lifelong hobby. He'd be with lots of other kids, and if you get involved with leadership you'll meet so many people from around your community. It's amazing the variety of people I've met in one year of scout leadership. It's awesome.

 

ETA - As a Boy Scout - he can get as involved as he wants. There is always a TON going on in our council - so he could be super busy - if he wanted to be.

[FriedClams]

Just wanted to throw in one more idea - is he too injured to be a lifeguard? He can make a lot of money with that over the summer if he can do it physically (and get the training).

[bettyandbob]

I haven't read the replies. I really think your ds should consider middle and long distance running. Having been involve in our summer rec swimming for years, I've seen a few club swimmers drop club (keep summer rec for fun) and start running in high school. More than one has ended up with a college scholarship for cross country. One former swimmer became nationally known--Alan Webb, broke the high school mile record and has been the olympics.

 

Obviously, not everyone finds that level of success, but your son might be surprised at how easy the transition is. Swimmers have a huge advantage in running, because they come in with well developed lung capacity. Also, while height is a big advantage in swimming it is not in running (it's a bit of a disadvantage). So your ds's size may be just right.

[Capt_Uhura]

Haven't BTDT but just wanted to send hugs for you and Swimmerdud. P90X is pretty shoulder intensive. I've always had shoulder problems w/ weight training but I find w/ the P90X routine, it really has been minimized. I think it's the yoga and all the stretching. I increased the stretching in my shoulder and that has helped. I love the P90X core routine and I just got a new one from the ONe on One series Cardio Core. All core and cardio work.

:grouphug: