Olympic Trials 2012

Thanks for all the advice. I believe I'm going to do something along the lines of what scyfreestyler suggested. Just see how much I could improve in 6 months or a year and then reconsider the goal. I plan to go as far as I can without a coach. I have been able to coach myself to the times posted and I am still improving. When the time comes that I have hit a plateau (sp?) I will then find a coach.

I personally would recommend finding a coach now.....even if it is just to have them look at your stroke and maybe give you a few pointers in the right direction. A new set of eyes can see things you never will unless you're video taping and analyzing yourself?

Possible, but not probable. However, I suggest that you make an effort. Put together a plan for the next 6 months and see what kind of progress you can make towards your goal. Take it one step at a time. Keep us posted.

I think this is key, too. Honestly, making Trials requires a lot of talent. I worked my butt off in the pool all the way through college and never got anywhere close to Trials cuts. I don't doubt you one bit Kirk...I know how hard it is to get improvement in the water. However, maybe this kid has some talent? Who knows.

If your main goal is trials in '12 - you MUST get a coach!!! This is something that you cannot do alone. A good coach is a great support in your training (in and out of the pool) - this is huge. Anything is possible... start with small goals and see where you go!

i'll second gull's suggestion. i basically did the same thing last year ('06) for Masters Worlds- i felt i needed more consistent LCM training and a coach who actually knew something about backstroke. (and, it helps my old lease was up and i hated the job i was in, but i'll be telling any future employers that i moved for an upgrade in training if they ask about the 2 month gap in my resume. :laugh2: ) but seriously, if this is something you're committed to, then you will have to make some sacrifices, like moving to train with a specific team/coach. trust me when i say that it may seem like a royal pain now, but if you achieve your goal, in the long run it will be worth it. i know it was for me- i finished top 5 for both my 100 and 200 back at worlds... PatrickRoy's#1Fan is leaving out another reason why she moved... and is also very humble in forgetting to mention that one of those top 5s was a Bronze Medal. :applaud: And when she gets a full summer of LCM, watch out people!!!

PatrickRoy's#1Fan is leaving out another reason why she moved... and is also very humble in forgetting to mention that one of those top 5s was a Bronze Medal. :applaud: And when she gets a full summer of LCM, watch out people!!! I think she also forgot the freestyle medal(s)? So did you. :applaud: I think she should quit her chemist job and go for the trials! Muppet: Did you just post with no :dedhorse: :banana: ?

Marsh is running the Olympic COE at the MAC and will be based mostly out of the N. Charlotte pool. The MAC, where my kid swims, has not published anything about his training times/teams/etc nor what qualifies a swimmer for his training.

that's why there is a might before the would. "Might would?" Is this some kind of North Carolina speak the rest of us don't understand? Geek, please confirm! :)

"Might would?" Is this some kind of North Carolina speak the rest of us don't understand? Geek, please confirm! :) Might would = possibly consider but requiring more than just a snap decision For instance, "I might would race gull again if hot coffee were still the bet."