Beth Estel had almost no choice but to become a swimmer. Her childhood best friend lived next door, and that friend’s dad was a swim coach. More than six decades after diving into the sport as a 6-year-old, Estel is grateful to have found swimming, which is still a part of her daily routine.

“Once I started competing, it stayed with me,” Estel said. “Even though I took years off from the sport, I kept a competitive edge.” 

Estel, 68, is the director of materials management at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, a role which keeps her quite busy during the day. Before she arrives at work, though, she swims very early in the morning. “It’s an invigorating and refreshing way to start the day,” she said.

Here, Estel reflects on how decades in the pool, and her time off from the sport, have impacted her and motivated her over the years.

I took a pretty big break from swimming in my middle-life years. There’s no one reason for the lapse. Life happens—jobs, marriage, kids, moves, family needs. I got caught up in all of that and swimming took a back seat. 

In 2007, when I realized it had been at least 15 years since I last competed, I figured it was time to get back in shape. I joined the New England Masters Swim Club, part of United States Masters Swimming (USMS), when I was in my 50s. It took more than a year to lose the 40 pounds I had gained since leaving the pool. Looking back now, I realize I was at the top of my game at 60.

To get there, swimming had to become my life. I was very rigid, very focused—I worked out twice a day. In 2016, I broke two national records at the USMS Summer Nationals long course meet in Oregon, both in the breaststroke: the 50-meter and 100-meter events.

Then, a couple of years ago, the first of two people said to me, “You don’t look happy around the pool in competition. You’re just so wound up. Maybe you’d be happier if you loosened up a little bit.” 

A year later and at the same swim meet, I heard the message echoed by a second person. 

Since then, my approach has changed. I’ve also had a couple of swimming-related shoulder surgeries and dealt with glaucoma and cataracts. I’m still working out, but I am considerably slower. 

I’m part of a trio of ladies that swim in the mornings before work and we call our lane the “Old Lady Lane.” We give each other advice, like “keep your head down when you’re doing your flip turn,” and we encourage each other as we work toward a new best time. 

I’m the oldest in the group, with the other two a year and two years behind me. The youngest has taken over the top spot in national competitions. It feels a bit like passing the baton to watch her. I’m admittedly a little jealous but I’m actually excited and proud of her. I’m her cheerleader.

Our friendship extends beyond the lanes of the pool. We talk after practice, or even during practice, about what’s going on in our lives, which is a huge support. If somebody’s having a rough time in life, we will find time outside the pool for breakfast or lunch. We rally around each other.

I’m retiring in March and moving to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. Thinking about it now, I’m getting emotional. These are my friends. I’m going to miss them. 

No matter your age, you’ll benefit from finding an activity and a group of people that make you feel good. Start slowly and then build up. Increase your workouts if you can. Find your own cheerleading squad. It promotes a healthier frame of mind for sure.