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.
Today I conquered my fear of diving.
It's been the number one anxiety producer whenever I thought about trying out a meet. So I made up my mind to get over it. It was a perfect day to work on this, as there were only 2 other people in the entire outdoor pool (cloudy,rainy and cool). I started from the poolside in the diving well and then dove off blocks for the first time. All in all, I did around 50 dives.
At the end, most were serviceable enough to get me off of the blocks at the start of the race, and best yet, I'm no longer scared on going in head first.
Congrats, that's great! I still have some fears about diving. I do meets anyway b/c you can start in the water, but I think how cool it would be to just get on that block and dive from there. Looks as if the repetition helps wear down the resistance/fear. Way to go!
Today I conquered my fear of diving.
It's been the number one anxiety producer whenever I thought about trying out a meet. So I made up my mind to get over it. It was a perfect day to work on this, as there were only 2 other people in the entire outdoor pool (cloudy,rainy and cool). I started from the poolside in the diving well and then dove off blocks for the first time. All in all, I did around 50 dives.
At the end, most were serviceable enough to get me off of the blocks at the start of the race, and best yet, I'm no longer scared on going in head first.
Congrats, that's great! I still have some fears about diving. I do meets anyway b/c you can start in the water, but I think how cool it would be to just get on that block and dive from there. Looks as if the repetition helps wear down the resistance/fear. Way to go!
