Returning to Swimming After a Long Break: A Beginner's Journey

Question
George,

I'm trying to swim again after a 27 year vacation. After getting back in the water I realized how much I love to swim. I want to get back and join a masters swim club. But at the same time I want to get to where I can at least swim laps without to much trouble.

First time in the water, I wanted to see if I could even make it with out the lifegaurd jumping in. I did okay. I'm a freestyle, backstroke sprinter. I'm in my second week of getting wet again and did a .35 50yd.freestyle.
Do you think with more work I can get to a masters time for my age- 44yrs. and need to get down to between a .24 -.26 for 50yds.  

Answer
Sandy-
By all means, with a little more work you can definately get down to those times, swimming is "like riding a bicycle," those muscles may be rusty but the mind will remember all those things you did back in the day(you're right around my age also).
Best of luck,
George