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.
Parents
Former Member
Like others, I struggle to balance time between work, home, and swimming. I also fear injury - I "returned" to swimming after too many injuries in soccer and running (although I still run, just not as much).
Some other things I battle:
1. fear of competition/fear of failure What if I go to a meet and post lousy times? I know others won't judge me for slow times, but I am hard on myself.
2. fear of working really hard - what if I can't finish a hard set? How do I know when I should push myself harder, or when I should say "that's hard enough" before I have a heart attack or laryngospasm?
3. Unlike Bobinator, I am not a size 2...do I look ridiculous in a Speedo? Am I being juvenile or vain for worrying about it? Maybe I should just stay home instead of going to practice...I could always make cookies...
4. Goggle marks around my eyes. I look like hell at work. I don't swim in the evenings because then I am too pumped to sleep. Swimming right after work isn't an option b/c the pool has lessons in one half of the pool and the other half is open for diving, climbing wall, and rope swing.
5. Inevitably my "training" hits snags - work, family, pool closures, etc. - and it is hard to get back in shape.
6. Only a couple other adults in my community are interested in going to meets. I wish I knew more people in the competitive swimming community. I am shy so have a hard time going to a meet by myself.
Despite all the above, I do love swimming for the endorphins and fitness it gives me.
Like others, I struggle to balance time between work, home, and swimming. I also fear injury - I "returned" to swimming after too many injuries in soccer and running (although I still run, just not as much).
Some other things I battle:
1. fear of competition/fear of failure What if I go to a meet and post lousy times? I know others won't judge me for slow times, but I am hard on myself.
2. fear of working really hard - what if I can't finish a hard set? How do I know when I should push myself harder, or when I should say "that's hard enough" before I have a heart attack or laryngospasm?
3. Unlike Bobinator, I am not a size 2...do I look ridiculous in a Speedo? Am I being juvenile or vain for worrying about it? Maybe I should just stay home instead of going to practice...I could always make cookies...
4. Goggle marks around my eyes. I look like hell at work. I don't swim in the evenings because then I am too pumped to sleep. Swimming right after work isn't an option b/c the pool has lessons in one half of the pool and the other half is open for diving, climbing wall, and rope swing.
5. Inevitably my "training" hits snags - work, family, pool closures, etc. - and it is hard to get back in shape.
6. Only a couple other adults in my community are interested in going to meets. I wish I knew more people in the competitive swimming community. I am shy so have a hard time going to a meet by myself.
Despite all the above, I do love swimming for the endorphins and fitness it gives me.
