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.
For me, the motivation of Masters is the enjoyment. Unlike so many here, I don't have a background in swimming at all. I never swam age group, high school, or college. It wasn't even offered in the small town, where I live. I never took a swim lesson. I'm self taught. I have always LOVED to watch competitive swimming, though. I'm an Olympic junkie!
One day, I decided that I wanted REALLY swim. The Masters program members and coaches said that it wasn't too late for me to do that. So, I joined and that's exactly what I did. This is only my second year competing, and I'm totally addicted! The feeling of accomplishment and pride after a good practice or meet, is what keeps me motivated and coming back! Also, it was fun to finally realize my childhood dream of swimming competitively!!
For me, the motivation of Masters is the enjoyment. Unlike so many here, I don't have a background in swimming at all. I never swam age group, high school, or college. It wasn't even offered in the small town, where I live. I never took a swim lesson. I'm self taught. I have always LOVED to watch competitive swimming, though. I'm an Olympic junkie!
One day, I decided that I wanted REALLY swim. The Masters program members and coaches said that it wasn't too late for me to do that. So, I joined and that's exactly what I did. This is only my second year competing, and I'm totally addicted! The feeling of accomplishment and pride after a good practice or meet, is what keeps me motivated and coming back! Also, it was fun to finally realize my childhood dream of swimming competitively!!