To quote Gull: What is the right mix of technique and endurance for a Masters athlete (who wants to be competitive, say, at Nationals) with a finite amount of time to train?
Parents
Former Member
I'm sorry, I don't understand why a swimmer has to constantly be mindful. Doesn't it ever become natural? Natural is so much better. And I know this may take more time for some, but come'on, let the mind go and let the body take over. The swimming experience might actually become a pleasant sensation if it is not so over-analyzed if the swimmer has been working on stroke mechanics. It can't be very pleasant if a swimmer is constantly "mindful", nor very natural at all. If a swimmer has learned the stroke mechanics needed to help them, and have drilled themselves to oblivion, let it go and give it a try without thinking about it. Pleasurable swimming with drills that have been engrained, well, let your body do what has been taught; don't think about it so much. Good grief.
Donna
Now I will try to respond in a friendly, non-confrontational, kinder/gentler 2007 way.
If someone has achieved total satisfaction with their technique, and believes that thinking about it all the time is unpleasant; I would say that person is truly blessed. I on the other hand, if I am fortunate to live to 100, would be happy to consider myself a student of human aquatic propulsion to my last day.
Others talk about a song they need to think about while engaged in a long swim to help pass the time. When I am swimming, its what I want to be doing, so thinking about is not a drag. Thats not to say that I don't notice the non-stroke related details: sunrise, sunset, sea-life, etc. I guess we all need to find the joy of it in our own way.
I'm sorry, I don't understand why a swimmer has to constantly be mindful. Doesn't it ever become natural? Natural is so much better. And I know this may take more time for some, but come'on, let the mind go and let the body take over. The swimming experience might actually become a pleasant sensation if it is not so over-analyzed if the swimmer has been working on stroke mechanics. It can't be very pleasant if a swimmer is constantly "mindful", nor very natural at all. If a swimmer has learned the stroke mechanics needed to help them, and have drilled themselves to oblivion, let it go and give it a try without thinking about it. Pleasurable swimming with drills that have been engrained, well, let your body do what has been taught; don't think about it so much. Good grief.
Donna
Now I will try to respond in a friendly, non-confrontational, kinder/gentler 2007 way.
If someone has achieved total satisfaction with their technique, and believes that thinking about it all the time is unpleasant; I would say that person is truly blessed. I on the other hand, if I am fortunate to live to 100, would be happy to consider myself a student of human aquatic propulsion to my last day.
Others talk about a song they need to think about while engaged in a long swim to help pass the time. When I am swimming, its what I want to be doing, so thinking about is not a drag. Thats not to say that I don't notice the non-stroke related details: sunrise, sunset, sea-life, etc. I guess we all need to find the joy of it in our own way.
