I thought I'd try an experiment here. I propose that anyone of any swimming level can use this thread (or not) when, whether in a small way or earthshaking manner you've done something in the pool that you're proud and/or pleased by. Anyone is welcome to add encouraging comments (or not) or ask for more info., but please no grandstanding or feuding.
Okay- I'll go first (and I'm just as hesitant as anyone else). Context: last few months hellish: collapse of my dream business, death in family, huge money troubles etc. result months out of water & exercise & 30lb gain. Further, I just went back over the last 10 yrs, averaged 1 meet a year, no more than 4 months training in any one year. So- been back in water 4 weeks, 2-3 times a week and mostly feeling like chopped liver. Monday night coach say we're going to do dive 25's (meters) from blocks, starter's instructions. Now I haven't done this in years 'cause I have a very bad neck- but I've been frustrated so...did all 3 breastroke 16.3, 15.5, 16.2 which tells me I've still got prospects to go fast again! I am pleased.
Parents
Former Member
Actually I did swim the 200 fly a few times in college, but it definitely wasn't my best event. We had this one meet in mid-November where all of the freshman had to swim every event (200 BK, 200 BR, 200 Fly, 200 IM, 400 IM, 500 free, 1650 free) and it was a prelims/finals meet so unfortunately some of us, myself included, had to swim every event twice and coach wouldn't let us scratch anything. Fortunately the 1650 was in the middle of the day and only swum once. The 800 free relay was the last event and after we swam it at finals, we all were so exhausted that we could barely make it through dinner without falling asleep. It was torture, but definitely built some mental toughness.
Your College coach sounds pretty scarey Julie.....but maybe thats why your so tough as a Master's swimmer?....When you compare Master's meets to what you've already been thru in college, I can see how you might think almost anything seems doable compared to that! I had a really tough agegroup coach growing up that had us doing some pretty insane sets and yardage.....I just try to block it out of my mind now....LOL!!
Newmastersswimmer
Actually I did swim the 200 fly a few times in college, but it definitely wasn't my best event. We had this one meet in mid-November where all of the freshman had to swim every event (200 BK, 200 BR, 200 Fly, 200 IM, 400 IM, 500 free, 1650 free) and it was a prelims/finals meet so unfortunately some of us, myself included, had to swim every event twice and coach wouldn't let us scratch anything. Fortunately the 1650 was in the middle of the day and only swum once. The 800 free relay was the last event and after we swam it at finals, we all were so exhausted that we could barely make it through dinner without falling asleep. It was torture, but definitely built some mental toughness.
Your College coach sounds pretty scarey Julie.....but maybe thats why your so tough as a Master's swimmer?....When you compare Master's meets to what you've already been thru in college, I can see how you might think almost anything seems doable compared to that! I had a really tough agegroup coach growing up that had us doing some pretty insane sets and yardage.....I just try to block it out of my mind now....LOL!!
Newmastersswimmer
