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.
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Former Member
Hilary, you seem like a really sweet young lady. However, always remember that attitude is everything and how you act in front of your coaches spells volumes. "Swimlong" is right, you need to show your coaches that you are willing to go that extra mile to get healthy.
I'm not saying you aren't trying your hardest because I believe that you are. But do your coaches know this? Communication is everything. When you are speaking with your coaches, don't complain. If you have constructive comments to make also follow it with a suggested solution. It shows that you have given your comments alot of thought.
Don't assume that your coaches remember everything you tell them. They may not remember all of the nuances of your injury.
I would also suggest not isolating yourself from the rest of the team. For example, if the rest of the team does flip turns at the end of practice and you don't want to do the drill because of your injury, hang around and watch and learn.
Be careful not to get sucked into the gossip around the assist. coach, it can only hurt you in the end.
Your have alot of support from all of us in cyber-space. These are life lessons that us older folks have learned the hard way.
The thought for today is this: Always Strive for Excellence
When you strive for excellence, you are striving to be the best. When you strive for excellence, you are also prompting your team mates and those around you to shoot for the top. If your goal is merely acceptability rather than excellence, you will only produce acceptable results. When excellence is the standard, you are more likely to hit the mark.
Good luck - we're rooting for you!
Hilary, you seem like a really sweet young lady. However, always remember that attitude is everything and how you act in front of your coaches spells volumes. "Swimlong" is right, you need to show your coaches that you are willing to go that extra mile to get healthy.
I'm not saying you aren't trying your hardest because I believe that you are. But do your coaches know this? Communication is everything. When you are speaking with your coaches, don't complain. If you have constructive comments to make also follow it with a suggested solution. It shows that you have given your comments alot of thought.
Don't assume that your coaches remember everything you tell them. They may not remember all of the nuances of your injury.
I would also suggest not isolating yourself from the rest of the team. For example, if the rest of the team does flip turns at the end of practice and you don't want to do the drill because of your injury, hang around and watch and learn.
Be careful not to get sucked into the gossip around the assist. coach, it can only hurt you in the end.
Your have alot of support from all of us in cyber-space. These are life lessons that us older folks have learned the hard way.
The thought for today is this: Always Strive for Excellence
When you strive for excellence, you are striving to be the best. When you strive for excellence, you are also prompting your team mates and those around you to shoot for the top. If your goal is merely acceptability rather than excellence, you will only produce acceptable results. When excellence is the standard, you are more likely to hit the mark.
Good luck - we're rooting for you!
