Starting block phobia!

Former Member
Former Member
Some people are afraid of the dark...some are afraid to go outside.... I'm afraid of the starting blocks! Yes, sad and pathetic but true - the blocks scare the beejeezus outa me. Why, I don't know. When I swam in high school I had no fear (and no cap and goggles either - we're talkin' WAY back in the day...) Well...flash forward several years to my now Masters career and my coach talks me in to competing. So we have a start clinic. From then on (and it's gotten worse) I developed a really strange phobia of actually getting on the blocks and jumping off. Part of it has to do with the fact that my starts are terrible. I have practiced and I cannot seem to get my brain to wrap around the information of what I'm suppose to do, and to get my body to follow. Lately it just so happens that I've been competing in really long races (i.e., 1650, 1000, etc.) and I start from the wall. But when I compete in the shorter distances I know I cannot get away with that. And, I'd really like to get over the irrational fear of diving into the water...AND I'd really like to have a decent, competitive start. Suggestions? Thoughts? Therapy of any kind...? PS: we do have a diving pool where we work out, so I have no excuse! :(
Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Hey Karen - do you swim with Walnut Creek Masters?! I'll probably see you in the near future! I'm going to try one of your scheduled Sat. workouts and I'm also signed up for the Training Camp in March. And..thanks for the starting block ideas...! Guvnuh, Mattson and SWinkleblech - thanks for the words of encouragement and starting block thoughts. As I mentioned earlier, I'm looking forward to trying out these great ideas - uh....with a pool :-) vs. a pole... :eek:
Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Hey Karen - do you swim with Walnut Creek Masters?! I'll probably see you in the near future! I'm going to try one of your scheduled Sat. workouts and I'm also signed up for the Training Camp in March. And..thanks for the starting block ideas...! Guvnuh, Mattson and SWinkleblech - thanks for the words of encouragement and starting block thoughts. As I mentioned earlier, I'm looking forward to trying out these great ideas - uh....with a pool :-) vs. a pole... :eek:
Children
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