Psychology of Masters Swimming - Your Input Please
Former Member
I trained and worked as a sport psychologist before I took up masters swimming (and about the same time stopped private practice due to my boring corporate job), and for the first time really I'm looking to put both together with some articles for the web.
There's no lack of material on swimming performance but there's not much out there, for physical or mental aspects of swimming, that really acknowledges the specific challenges that masters swimmers face.
I'd really like to hear your own views on what you have to manage as a masters swimmer. This doesn't have to relate to racing specifically.
For example, I have to plan around my family, never manage to do as much training as I'd like, so I have to manage my own expectations, yet bring what I have in my locker on race day and make the most of it. I also have my 'former' life as a swimmer and the negative experiences that led to me quitting at 18 that shape my motivations now.
Thanks,
Rob
P.S. I've yet to start my own site, but I do have a swimming psychology page on facebook and I'm on twitter. I'd really appreciate a boost with likes/shares as I build a readership.
My swimming time is important to me for so many reasons:
1. I am a happier person after a good workout. Swimming = Prozac?
2. Physical Fitness is amazing. I love being 56 years old and having no problems running around and keeping up with my 10-11 year old students at school.
3. I love my master's swimming friends! Whether we're swimming, partying, or even cleaning toilets at the pool it's a fun time for all.
4. Swimming team mates create yet another fantastic support group for adults. I totally trust all my Nasti Team mates, value their opinions, and care for them deeply.
5. I love being a 56 year old female and wearing a size 2 skirt/pants.
6. Through Masters Swimming I have been able to network and become friends with some amazing swimmers from all over the country! It's so cool to become familiar with people on this forum and travel to meets where you get to meet them and become friends! I have never met a master's swimmer I didn't like. A truly dynamic group of people!
7. I try to swim 5 workouts per week. Whenever I am lacking motivation I try to remember the things I love about swimming and it's usually enough to get me to the pool. I am never sorry I worked out once I get in the water!
8. I love the fact that the water envelopes us in its cool slippery sheen! to be part of the group you have got to jump in. Once you're in it's total bliss!
My swimming time is important to me for so many reasons:
1. I am a happier person after a good workout. Swimming = Prozac?
2. Physical Fitness is amazing. I love being 56 years old and having no problems running around and keeping up with my 10-11 year old students at school.
3. I love my master's swimming friends! Whether we're swimming, partying, or even cleaning toilets at the pool it's a fun time for all.
4. Swimming team mates create yet another fantastic support group for adults. I totally trust all my Nasti Team mates, value their opinions, and care for them deeply.
5. I love being a 56 year old female and wearing a size 2 skirt/pants.
6. Through Masters Swimming I have been able to network and become friends with some amazing swimmers from all over the country! It's so cool to become familiar with people on this forum and travel to meets where you get to meet them and become friends! I have never met a master's swimmer I didn't like. A truly dynamic group of people!
7. I try to swim 5 workouts per week. Whenever I am lacking motivation I try to remember the things I love about swimming and it's usually enough to get me to the pool. I am never sorry I worked out once I get in the water!
8. I love the fact that the water envelopes us in its cool slippery sheen! to be part of the group you have got to jump in. Once you're in it's total bliss!
