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?
Need to revive this thread for one night, ok? Regarding the mental aspects of training - do you all feel that your training is maximized when you train alone, or with others? And if "others" is the answer, is it better to train with agemates - or will any age do? (including 12-13 yr olds). Seriously tempted to join USA Swimming to get a little more challenge than I'm able to give myself alone at 5:30am. Quick Quick - I might join the babies in the morning!
Need to revive this thread for one night, ok? Regarding the mental aspects of training - do you all feel that your training is maximized when you train alone, or with others? And if "others" is the answer, is it better to train with agemates - or will any age do? (including 12-13 yr olds). Seriously tempted to join USA Swimming to get a little more challenge than I'm able to give myself alone at 5:30am. Quick Quick - I might join the babies in the morning!
I have spent time training alone before and I currently train with 15-18 year-olds. I think any age will do, because I am typically more motivated by the competition of having others around. Regardless of my teammates ages, I always want to beat them. One of the few aspects that I enjoy about training solo is the ability to do whatever sets I want and change things around mid-practice. When with a team, I try to stick with what the coaches write, so as to not set a bad example for the kids. I've never been a big talker in the middle of practice, but it's nice to have people to say a word or two to from time to time.
Need to revive this thread for one night, ok? Regarding the mental aspects of training - do you all feel that your training is maximized when you train alone, or with others? And if "others" is the answer, is it better to train with agemates - or will any age do? (including 12-13 yr olds). Seriously tempted to join USA Swimming to get a little more challenge than I'm able to give myself alone at 5:30am. Quick Quick - I might join the babies in the morning!
Hey Celeste, it was great meeting you this past weekend! I'll look forward to seeing you at Auburn. :banana:
From my perspective, I feel I would be getting more out of my training, if I trained with others. The closest team is a 50 minute drive each way at night, so it's much more convenient for me to swim right here at our community pool. And, I prefer training in the mornings for several reasons. But, on the downside, I miss out on all the benefits of training with others. I have trained with my part-time private coach a couple of times over at his pool (SwimFest location) after our coaching session and I can tell you those were the best workouts I have had. Having someone in the next lane pushing me and keeping me accountable is a great motivator! The social aspects of training with others makes it more enjoyable, as well; at least for me.
As for age, I wouldn't think it would matter as much ability/speed; being matched up with others of your level, in the same lane. But, having said that, I must say, I really enjoy meeting other gals and guys my age at the swim meets and having more in common with them than, say, a 12 year old!
Check in with Swimshark (Alison). She trains with teens and can give you her perspective on it.
Have fun!
:cheerleader:
Well, I did go ahead and join them. If I had known that they go 10 sec behind (no draft!!) maybe I would have rethought though. . . arms are killing me, but it's the best 4000 I've done in weeks, I think. I hope you all are right, because I had such a humbling meet this past weekend, and I don't want a repeat of it!!
Hey Elaine! Had fun meeting you too this weekend!! I am in serious need of SPEED! I think I forgot how to race! But, these kids will definitely keep me "accountable" as you say. They were very sweet nice girls and didn't even say anything rude like, "what's an old lady like you doing in my lane?"
I'd just like to note that contrary to popular belief and the earlier posts in this thread, Salo and Riewald (and several other authors) advise against static stretching before a race. Instead, you should perform dynamic stretching (arm rotations, jumping jacks, etc).
Here's another approach to training for competition. I try to swim as many meets as I can within a season with a taper meet as the goal for the end of the season. In most cases, my times improve with each meet. I don't go into each meet expecting a best time, but rather consider it a form of speed training. By doing this, I can try different pacing strategies, work on starts and turns, gain focus, and practice my events.
I think visualization still is advantageous. To mentally go through the race, the start, how you feel, hitting the turns each time, the last 25, the pain..... certainly helps as if you were almost swimming it. I certainly don't want to be climbing on the blocks and then "oh sh!t", and start thinking about it.
do you all feel that your training is maximized when you train alone, or with others? And if "others" is the answer, is it better to train with agemates - or will any age do? (including 12-13 yr olds).
I prefer to swim with speed appropriate. age doesn't matter. I'm 36 but the guys that push me most at practice are 24 and 45.
if I get permission from my boss to swim saturday mornings I love swimming with the 15-19yrs olds.
Not being the fastest in the pool has its advantages. you don't have to lead your lane, and if you do, usually the person in the lane next to you is faster.
if I had to practice alone i would most likely only swim half the distance and less often.
