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.
Former Member
Jiminos == thanks for the invite for coffee -- if I am planning to be in your area sometime I will email and take you up on your offer.:coffee:
My daughter's swim teacher timed me again for 50 free. I dropped 5 seconds from the last time he timed me four weeks ago. I'm finally getting to see some hard work pay off - it's been tough, wondering if I'm working on the right things or whether I've been spinning my wheels. I'm very, very happy to see some improvement.
Attagirl Barb...
I think I have the opposite problem because I was so wound up this morning that my hands were shaking before the 500. Maybe I should back off on the coffee before meets. I always have the same amount every day, but I guess I could have less before meets. It never seems to be a problem before morning swim practice. Strange.
Can't wait to meet you at zones!!!!
Yeah I guess I am too calm...and thus start slow. I normally get "the doubts" about 2 or 3 days before the event. Once it's showtime though I just sem to get on with it...just a tad too laid back perhaps.
Ditto on meeting you and a bunch of others :D
Good work, all. My first race usually stinks and if it is a multiiple day event, I get better as it goes on. It probably is linked (hauling out one of my fave phrases) to the fact that I loathe, abhor and detest warm-ups at meets. The bigger the meet, the more people and the EARLIER in the morning you're expected to jump into cold water admidst all these people churning away like they're at Olympic Trials while I feel dozy, slow and a varying amount of not-so-damned-slim-as-these-aquatic-greyhounds. Hence I usually get out quick and put on seven layers of sweatsuits and fret over the heat sheets.
Oh goodness, what an uncalled-for diatribe...perhaps someone can relate...
I'm a little bit wired, Friday I found out I have three separate job interviews next week after 4 months of no nibbles and yes, any of the 3 would do, so I suppose that's my positive thing to report, not exactly swim related, but believe me, if things work out, very swim related personally. Don't ask about them, I'll let everyone know if and when...
why is it the opposite? it seems to me one should be recognized for knowing there are limits.... resigning one's self to second behind somebody 30 years younger is bad how???? particularly after conceding your time increases by 10 seconds or so each year... do you suppose her times are dropping or increasing?....
i say attaboy for doing that which many do not.... trying.
be,
jim
Floyd
there are probably a bunch of reasons...maybe today just wasn't your day. The resigning may have been a subconcious way of your mind listening to somehing in your body not being 100% and telling you to ease up and not go nuts with just a few weeks until the big events.
Don't be down on yourself.
Rich
I know you guys are right, but still....I hate to lose! Don't you?
Be philosophical:
You were 2nd to a 19 year old who would probably have had a bit left in the tank to break away again from you if you had pushed it.
Now if you chased you may have stressed or strained yourself to a point that could have led to injury. I'm not distance swimmer so I don't know exactly how you can approach it.
Withthat in mind I say kudos you came 2nd and to someone a few years younger than you...there is no shame there Floyd. You can't win them all...and sometimes backing off on a small victory will leave you in position for a big win.
I know you guys are right, but still....I hate to lose! Don't you?
having never competed in swimming and having competed hundreds of times in running and never won.... i have to say.... all i've ever done is win.
must be a perspective thing.... i won because i was there, not because i was first or 400th across the line. you win when you beat the demon that says, "you can't do it."
be,
jim
I know you guys are right, but still....I hate to lose! Don't you?
2nd to a 19yr old isn't losing Floyd.
Besides...letting this one go may have prevented an injury if you had strained yourself.
Save the gut busters for Nats...or Zones...wherever your Olympics may be.
So you're human, on any given day, anyone can lose, even Tiger Woods. If you are really perplexed about it and cannot isolate a pacing, conditioning or technique issue, consider the possibility that, deep down, you may just be bored with this event.
