Hi. :help:
Was just wondering how you handle practicing by yourself. My team only practices two times a week and that is obviously not enough time in the water to improve. At practice, we do anywhere between 3,200 and 3,800... and I usually do the same when I swim by myself (right now I'm getting in two solo practices, but I'd like to do more). Usually the USS team or High School is practicing at the same time and that sorta helps get me moving. But how do you guys motivate yourself to keep going - because weekly I am starting to ask myself - "why am I doing this"... when I'm trudging along solo. I do compete and love it... but I just get down and in the gutters once in a while. I usually get my workouts from the "workout forum" here on the site... but do you have any thoughts on how to get more motivated? I hope I don't sound desperate, but just need some feedback from those who are going thru the same thing.
Parents
Former Member
Sarah,
I always train alone, going 4000-5000 yards per day 4 times a week in the down season and more when important meets loom.
I love training alone because it gives me a chance to work on technical issues (which I do about 3/4 of the time) without the distraction of lane mates who want to push each other and train with the clock. I do use the clock but I adjust it each practice for how well I'm feeling and whether or not I am doing stroke or free work.
Try to detach yourself from the need for the social contact and remember that, if you are really serious about improvement, training is really a lonely matter. Revel in it. Enjoy it. Get to the pool early and stay late!
Also remember that if you are a technical stroke geek, doing the technical work gives you just as much fitness as hammering each day (with the exception of the specific high intensity work needed for meets) and you will become more efficient.
-- mel
Sarah,
I always train alone, going 4000-5000 yards per day 4 times a week in the down season and more when important meets loom.
I love training alone because it gives me a chance to work on technical issues (which I do about 3/4 of the time) without the distraction of lane mates who want to push each other and train with the clock. I do use the clock but I adjust it each practice for how well I'm feeling and whether or not I am doing stroke or free work.
Try to detach yourself from the need for the social contact and remember that, if you are really serious about improvement, training is really a lonely matter. Revel in it. Enjoy it. Get to the pool early and stay late!
Also remember that if you are a technical stroke geek, doing the technical work gives you just as much fitness as hammering each day (with the exception of the specific high intensity work needed for meets) and you will become more efficient.
-- mel
