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
Although I have made great strides since I began, I do have to manage a sense of, I don't quite know what it is - frustration, disappointment, maybe - that at age 41, not only am I unlikely to fully realize whatever potential I might have had with an earlier start, but that the window in which I can accomplish certain goals in terms of performance is not particularly large.
Start from now, set yourself a goal and enjoy the journey. I'm 37 and aiming for a lifetime best this year to get into the TT for the 400 free.
I did swim when I was younger, but not at a very high level. I didn't make the University team, took 7 years off, came back, did 4 lifetime bests age 31 after having my 1st baby, had my 2nd baby, moved across the pond, and am now on the comeback once again.
It has been said before, but its all about doing your best with what's available to you right now.
Although I have made great strides since I began, I do have to manage a sense of, I don't quite know what it is - frustration, disappointment, maybe - that at age 41, not only am I unlikely to fully realize whatever potential I might have had with an earlier start, but that the window in which I can accomplish certain goals in terms of performance is not particularly large.
Start from now, set yourself a goal and enjoy the journey. I'm 37 and aiming for a lifetime best this year to get into the TT for the 400 free.
I did swim when I was younger, but not at a very high level. I didn't make the University team, took 7 years off, came back, did 4 lifetime bests age 31 after having my 1st baby, had my 2nd baby, moved across the pond, and am now on the comeback once again.
It has been said before, but its all about doing your best with what's available to you right now.
