So since at least two people on this board are interested in my adventures in joining my University's team I thought I'd create a thread (much like ande's swimming blog) to detail all of it. Yeah.
Since the season doesn't actually start regular practice for another week and a half, this is mainly an intro post - and I'll update it with what happens when I go meet the other girls on the team and such! Stay tuned! It'll be better than any general hospital or passions!
Today I actually swam for the first time (since my freshman swim test last year) in the University pool. It was huge. And cold. Over the summer I got used to swimming in health club pools with water hovering around 80-85. Not exactly the most comfortable water at times, but at least nice and warm. The Ratner pool here is...freezing by those standards. I'm guessing the water temp is 75 at the warmest. Gives new meaning to the term "warm up".
I was really nervous when I first got in - the girls and guys returning members were having informal practices and I was sort of afraid they'd notice me. Although, I don't think they did. Or maybe they did and I just didn't hear what they said about me. Haha.
I also swam a 600 for the first time in a long time. I mostly stuck to 400s and below in my summer workouts (yeah, I know, I'm a little bit of a wimp). Unfortunately, that couldn't last. The coach suggested when I met her that I get in the water and swim 6-800 straight every day this week as part of my workout. It kind of hurt. Actually, it was one of the odder experiences of my life. For the first 200 or so my chest was tight from my asthma and I was freaking out about the distance (I was also really cold). Then all of a sudden I started to get really into it and just kept on going. I probably could have done 1000 if I wanted to.
The workout was cut short - only about 2300yds - because I promised my friends I'd come home and cook dinner for them tonight. And that's where I leave it tonight.
Background: For those who didn't see my posts on the board throughout the year, I'm a soph. in college who has been going through the prepartion to join my school's team. I attend the University of Chicago (a div 3 school) and was a competitive swimmer for seven years before high school. Burnout put me out of the water for almost 5 years, however, and I'm only recently getting back into it.
Parents
Former Member
Seems to me like you have two issues:
1) your injury/injuries and communication with the coach/es about them. Perhaps you could share the physio's rehab protocol with them, and a written list of "do's and don't's" regarding exercise and getting healthy. Keep them abreast of your progress.
2) communication between coaches and swimmers, and more importantly, the vehicle in which the team communicates. Saying the coach is "weird" and "has attitude" and there is "disgruntled" talk in the locker room spells dysfunction to me. Do you have a team captain? Weekly team meetings?
You say this coach is new. Give her a chance and let her give you a chance. Coaches tend not to "like" or "hate" teams or individuals - but miscommunication may lead to that interpretation. TALK TO HER! AND THE HEAD COACH! If you are worried about being branded a "slacker', then share that concern with her. And take some initiative. If your injury causes excess stiffness, especially in the morning, then get to practice 20 minutes early and sit in the hottub/warm shower and then do some dynamic stretching. Even if it doesn't work - ie you still can't do the whole workout - at least the coaches see you being proactive.
Also remember that coaches are not awlays warm fuzzy types, either. This does not mean that they are mean; maybe they are trying to motivate. And whispering to the other coach while looking at the swimmers? Could be such nasty conversation such as "her catch is too wide" "more acceleration on the pull would help her rotate" etc. Coaches HAVE to look (examine, stare, scrutinize) you in order to analyze your stoke... And often coaches huddle together on the pool deck so they can hear each other.
So, while I understand that your blog may represent venting, I urge you to make things better! Good luck, and keep smiling:)
Seems to me like you have two issues:
1) your injury/injuries and communication with the coach/es about them. Perhaps you could share the physio's rehab protocol with them, and a written list of "do's and don't's" regarding exercise and getting healthy. Keep them abreast of your progress.
2) communication between coaches and swimmers, and more importantly, the vehicle in which the team communicates. Saying the coach is "weird" and "has attitude" and there is "disgruntled" talk in the locker room spells dysfunction to me. Do you have a team captain? Weekly team meetings?
You say this coach is new. Give her a chance and let her give you a chance. Coaches tend not to "like" or "hate" teams or individuals - but miscommunication may lead to that interpretation. TALK TO HER! AND THE HEAD COACH! If you are worried about being branded a "slacker', then share that concern with her. And take some initiative. If your injury causes excess stiffness, especially in the morning, then get to practice 20 minutes early and sit in the hottub/warm shower and then do some dynamic stretching. Even if it doesn't work - ie you still can't do the whole workout - at least the coaches see you being proactive.
Also remember that coaches are not awlays warm fuzzy types, either. This does not mean that they are mean; maybe they are trying to motivate. And whispering to the other coach while looking at the swimmers? Could be such nasty conversation such as "her catch is too wide" "more acceleration on the pull would help her rotate" etc. Coaches HAVE to look (examine, stare, scrutinize) you in order to analyze your stoke... And often coaches huddle together on the pool deck so they can hear each other.
So, while I understand that your blog may represent venting, I urge you to make things better! Good luck, and keep smiling:)
