sport psychology

hi Rob I do not know whether it is from over-training but sometimes I feel I lack self-confidence. The same applies for anxiety. The anxiety from failure, not performing good enough after strenuous training,…. I came back to swimming 3 years ago (now 38) and I think the more I invest into training, nutrition etc and the more I improve and come closer to the best in my category (europe, world) the more I feel under pressure. At the last competition, that was very important to me, I got a cold, my throat inflamed and it totally negatively affected my psyche. I immediately started to be worried up to what extend it can affect my performance. Before start I was more nervous than usual and my legs were slightly shivering at the starting block. dolu - A couple of thoughts - remeber it's all about the journey and all of the great experiences and people you've met along the way (and perhaps some that you would like to forget too): tough practices, icey pool water early in the morning, the swimmers in your lane and at meets, all of the great coaches. In the end it's not if you win, but what did you give and gain. Take it all in, let go, and believe. As an age group swimmer I had the same confidence problems, and never believed enough in myself. But when i look back at all that swimmming gave me and that I've tried to give back, I had lots of successes and what a great ride. I think there is no such thing as a failed swimming performance at this point. Listen to this You Tube link from Janet Evans about her olympic experiences and what she ultimatly found important. If you believe that what you are doing is the right path, I think there will be no more shivering legs on the blocks. Janet Evans: "The Impact of the Olympics" - YouTube . Janet's three part discussion at a USC confereence on Women, also on You Tube, is longer, along the same linies and also very good. She's a champion that seems to get it - maybe we'll see her again at trials in 2012.:chug:

hi Rob I do not know whether it is from over-training but sometimes I feel I lack self-confidence. The same applies for anxiety. The anxiety from failure, not performing good enough after strenuous training,…. I came back to swimming 3 years ago (now 38) and I think the more I invest into training, nutrition etc and the more I improve and come closer to the best in my category (europe, world) the more I feel under pressure. At the last competition, that was very important to me, I got a cold, my throat inflamed and it totally negatively affected my psyche. I immediately started to be worried up to what extend it can affect my performance. Before start I was more nervous than usual and my legs were slightly shivering at the starting block. dolu - A couple of thoughts - remeber it's all about the journey and all of the great experiences and people you've met along the way (and perhaps some that you would like to forget too): tough practices, icey pool water early in the morning, the swimmers in your lane and at meets, all of the great coaches. In the end it's not if you win, but what did you give and gain. Take it all in, let go, and believe. As an age group swimmer I had the same confidence problems, and never believed enough in myself. But when i look back at all that swimmming gave me and that I've tried to give back, I had lots of successes and what a great ride. I think there is no such thing as a failed swimming performance at this point. Listen to this You Tube link from Janet Evans about her olympic experiences and what she ultimatly found important. If you believe that what you are doing is the right path, I think there will be no more shivering legs on the blocks. Janet Evans: "The Impact of the Olympics" - YouTube . Janet's three part discussion at a USC confereence on Women, also on You Tube, is longer, along the same linies and also very good. She's a champion that seems to get it - maybe we'll see her again at trials in 2012.:chug: