how you can break a limit mentally?

RE: how you can break a limit mentally?

Former Member — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 17:24:28 GMT

If you have made specific mistakes in the past making a short list of key things to focus on during the race like paying attention to your turn and not looking at the competition etc. might help reduce mental lapses. The other thing is when you are really close to a goal you can get complacent and think I just need to get a tiny bit better and I can make it. What if you set a maybe unrealistic secondary goal time of around 0:58 that made you completely re-evaluate your technique and training? While the faster goal might never be achievable it might force you to make changes that will make going under 60 much easier even with a few mistakes in the race.

RE: how you can break a limit mentally?

Former Member — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 15:08:49 GMT

Perhaps concentrate on another event for a while. Maybe not even swim the 100 back. Then add it back, but try to consider it a secondary event. The problem, of course, is truly convincing yourself that it's a secondary event when you swim it again. Sounds good. There is always a danger to make an obsesion of a target.

RE: how you can break a limit mentally?

Former Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 13:32:22 GMT

Thanks for your answers. Its very interesting question your ask thomas. I feel that a time under the 1:00 mark is somethings very special for me and still a dream. I cant imagine it right now. Somethings is holding me back...you know what I mean? As a masters swimmer I became more mentally tough but I have still some potential and work to do in this area. Right now I try to see things more realistic and looking for things I can improve. But not try to force to reach some goals for every price.

RE: how you can break a limit mentally?

Former Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 10:22:37 GMT

I agree, it's an interessting question. When I was young, let's say begin of twenty, I always was convinced that mentally I am very strong. Seeing back, I am 47 years old now, I recognize that I had some mental weaknesses and still have some. However, start by asking you one question: Only relying on your feeling, without analyzing times and turns, do you feel that you could reach 1:00.00 minute ? Then think about why do you feel so and write it down to get clear in your mind. Would be interesting to see which approach you will finally choose. I have a simular work to do. Thomas

RE: how you can break a limit mentally?

knelson — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 02:57:34 GMT

RE: how you can break a limit mentally?

Camillevh1 — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 01:33:42 GMT

This is a great questions and I really look forward to hearing the discussion. I think a great many of us can relate all too well with this post. I know I struggle with this exact issue. I have used visualization techniques in the past that have helped. I really try to focus on each race and swim the best I can swim at that point in time. I like to visualize and feel the race before I even get to the blocks, when I can do this it helps but the mental monsters in check. Try to stay focused on your goal without obsessing over it, and perhaps break down your goal into small victories. You said you swam a personal masters best, and you felt you didn't nail your turns or finish. Maybe in you next race try to nail those turns and get to a 1.01.00. Good luck!