The old discussion format left dangling an interesting topic suggested by Paul Smith in the rather excellent Distance vs Sprint thread started by Jim Thornton. The topic being that of the mental side of training/competition.
My own selfish interest in this area would be on the mental preparation for 50yds/m competition. Obviously there is not much time to do a great amount of thinking during this event (one of the benefits of 50's) but you need to go into the race with some limited number of important thoughts to concentrate on while swimming. Kind of like 'swing thoughts' in golf (my cross over training sport). As in golf, muscle memory will play a large part in not having to think about everything involved.
I wonder if Paul or any others would care to share what those few key race thoughts might be, from the start, swim and turn through to the finish? And would there be any mental aspects to training for a 50 that might be different from distance training?
Parents
Former Member
Greetings!
I'm a Masters swimmer up in Canada, and am approaching my 1yr mark of swimming with the Masters. I used to swim competitively as a youth, but quit when I was 13 (after 7 years), so when I actually look back, I don't really remember a heck of a lot that'll help me these days.
Although my "competitive" focus is to fill my event card with times, and then improve upon them, I'm still interested in doing the best I can, and knowing how to think and what to think about, while I'm racing. I've gone into two small meets and filled 7 "event holes" so far (out of 18).
I appreciated the stretching info posted here - and chatter about what kinds of warmups (how long, as well as content) to do is good, as well.
I'd love it if someone would chat a bit about how to effectively swim a 200 or a 400 - something that isn't completely an endurance race, but is longer than something sprintable, too.
My next meet (provincials? not sure) will have me going into a few 200's (back and/or I.M.), with the slight possibility of me hitting the 400M free. Any thoughts on strategy would be appreciated.
I've competed before, so I'm familiar, if not comfortable, with the process. However, I would love to find out some "tests" to do during a mid-length race to determine if I'm overdoing it too early on, and would love some advice on when to "kick it" at the end.
Thanks all - I think the new board looks great!
Jill
Some Chick's Life
Greetings!
I'm a Masters swimmer up in Canada, and am approaching my 1yr mark of swimming with the Masters. I used to swim competitively as a youth, but quit when I was 13 (after 7 years), so when I actually look back, I don't really remember a heck of a lot that'll help me these days.
Although my "competitive" focus is to fill my event card with times, and then improve upon them, I'm still interested in doing the best I can, and knowing how to think and what to think about, while I'm racing. I've gone into two small meets and filled 7 "event holes" so far (out of 18).
I appreciated the stretching info posted here - and chatter about what kinds of warmups (how long, as well as content) to do is good, as well.
I'd love it if someone would chat a bit about how to effectively swim a 200 or a 400 - something that isn't completely an endurance race, but is longer than something sprintable, too.
My next meet (provincials? not sure) will have me going into a few 200's (back and/or I.M.), with the slight possibility of me hitting the 400M free. Any thoughts on strategy would be appreciated.
I've competed before, so I'm familiar, if not comfortable, with the process. However, I would love to find out some "tests" to do during a mid-length race to determine if I'm overdoing it too early on, and would love some advice on when to "kick it" at the end.
Thanks all - I think the new board looks great!
Jill
Some Chick's Life
