i dont know what has happened, but recently i just can't race well. it used to be that last year, i went to 1/2 the practices, slacked off, didn't try my best, but still improved all the time at meets.
now, i attend every single practice, make all the intervals and give 100%, but when it comes to meets i just don't feel it. i think my problem is demotivation...
i KNOW i can beat all my times and i KNOW i can swim fast, but when i dive into the pool i have trouble achieving best times.
can someone help? it really sucks being stuck in a rut.
Some thoughts:
- Do some more sprint work in practice... Perhaps now that you're practicing all the time, you've become more of a distance freak as you've pounded out the yardage. Work on sprints on a regular basis in practice. Do a set of 50s on a descending interval (ie 12x50, start on :55/60, take 5 sec off every two, the last two are touch/go). Wrap up a workout with 2x100 off the blocks on 4:00 with your lanemates.
- Focus Meets vs. Swim-through meets... I am guessing you have an engame in mind (ie zones/nationals). Although these meets now are an important base, it is not imperative you swim PBs every time out. Without a taper, you're probably not that rested for these meets.
- Find a new event... Its easy to have a great season, get all kinds of PBs and then suffer a letdown the next season if you can't duplicate that success. Try adding in an event or two to your portfolio. The first time you swim a new event, it is guarenteed to be a PB! Pick something fun! Maybe shoot for something where you have an outside chance to make Top 10.
- Lighten up! Sounds like last year, you were very care-free. Take some of the pressure off yourself! Have more fun! :banana: Try going after some aquatic romance :smooch: Trust me, that helps A LOT!!!
Some thoughts:
- Do some more sprint work in practice... Perhaps now that you're practicing all the time, you've become more of a distance freak as you've pounded out the yardage. Work on sprints on a regular basis in practice. Do a set of 50s on a descending interval (ie 12x50, start on :55/60, take 5 sec off every two, the last two are touch/go). Wrap up a workout with 2x100 off the blocks on 4:00 with your lanemates.
- Focus Meets vs. Swim-through meets... I am guessing you have an engame in mind (ie zones/nationals). Although these meets now are an important base, it is not imperative you swim PBs every time out. Without a taper, you're probably not that rested for these meets.
- Find a new event... Its easy to have a great season, get all kinds of PBs and then suffer a letdown the next season if you can't duplicate that success. Try adding in an event or two to your portfolio. The first time you swim a new event, it is guarenteed to be a PB! Pick something fun! Maybe shoot for something where you have an outside chance to make Top 10.
- Lighten up! Sounds like last year, you were very care-free. Take some of the pressure off yourself! Have more fun! :banana: Try going after some aquatic romance :smooch: Trust me, that helps A LOT!!!
