The Camel thats gonna break my back

Wow, that's a heck of a break he gave the team! I'm surprised he gave you that much off time. I believe the rules only allow "mandatory" training of 8 hours per week in the off-season (at least for DI, DIII could be different), so that might explain the three workouts per week he's doing. In any event, I'd think it would be very unusual for a coach to not have spring practices and I'd probably question his dedication. I think you need to decide whether you want to quit or remain with the team. I think you should meet with your coach and let him know how you feel.

It looks like it's eight hours for DII, also. Here's a link to the rule book: www.ncaa.org/.../2006-07_d2_manual.pdf See 17.1.5.2 on page 183.

Morgan, I have been thinking about this for most of the day, so forgive the inevitable rambling. As a former coach, I have told swimmers the same thing, in different terms. It was not an easy or fun thing to do, but sometimes it is necessary. I understand that you have been working very, very hard this season and putting in a lot of extra time. I don't know what exactly you have done, but there is an added ingredient to success that most tend to forget: drive. The swimmer I made this comment to was also a hard worker and dedicated. But I had seen all season that there wasn't a fire in him that got him from one end of the pool to the other during a race, either in workout or in a meet, and he wondered why one kid who trained the same way and had the same body type was always winning. I told him that when this other kid was forced to put the race on the line, something clicked in him and he didn't give up. I don't think he was really gearing his mind for racing. He was putting in the yardage because he was told to. But there was no personal stake in it. When you were doing sprint sets in workout, were you giving yourself positive pep talks, positive reinforcements and motivational speeches? I say this because while you might have thought that your 100 free race went well or just so-so, there's something we coaches see. Even the "amateur" ones. They can tell when you're racing, and in the minutes leading up to the race, if you're "in it to win it." There's a look we see in your eyes, and notice your body language. Did you take time to focus on your race before the actual race? Were you distracted in front of the blocks? Were you in "the zone" in the seconds before diving in? did you allow your body to tire and thus "give up?" Again, I wasn't there, so I can only ask the questions. As someone who has been on both sides of this situation, I know where the coach was coming from. He wasn't out to hurt your feelings, embarrass you or force you to quit. He was doing what he was paid to do. Be lucky you heard "you have no heart." I've seen and heard other coaches practically rip a swimmer to shreds. When he says "You have no heart," he's talking about that determination that is not only going to kick your body into a higher gear, but get your hand on the wall first. Michael Phelps trains like an animal, but he won seven gold medals and broke five world records at worlds because he'd been training his mind (and his heart) to race. Don't you think his legs were burning at the last turn of the 200 free? He could have backed off since he knew he was going to win, but that inner voice took over and I bet that last 25 was pure adrenaline and desire. You know the result. So what am I saying? You could have been so busy training your body that you forgot to train your spirit. It takes more than big muscles to win races. I have always maintained that swimming is 90 percent mental.

D2 gives you 10 hours a week...according to my coach

Sounds like a make or break time for you Morgan! I would do just like knelson said....go talk to him! Let him know how much you really are trying! How many others are on the team? Remember, he is probably dealing with several other personalities as well. Sometimes it takes you to make sure he is referring to you when he makes comments like that. Might have even been just a tool to push you a little further....if so, sounds like it is working!

Sounds like a make or break time for you Morgan! I would do just like knelson said....go talk to him! Let him know how much you really are trying! How many others are on the team? Remember, he is probably dealing with several other personalities as well. Sometimes it takes you to make sure he is referring to you when he makes comments like that. Might have even been just a tool to push you a little further....if so, sounds like it is working! No he pulled me aside after my race and told me I didn't have heart. He directed it right at me. And I wouldn't say it worked to push me any further, seeing as how I have not talked to him since then, and have not swam at the school since. I suppose I will need to go talk to him however.

It looks like it's eight hours for DII, also. Here's a link to the rule book: www.ncaa.org/.../2006-07_d2_manual.pdf See 17.1.5.2 on page 183. Good to know thanks...my coach, as you might recall from my DQ this past season, is not really on top of the rules and regulations.

Jeff's comments took me to school. Having said that, your coach should have a very good grasp on the rules whether it be for DQ's or for training allowances.

It is crucial to keep this in mind as you move forward. Have the talk with him away from the pool to make sure you are seeing things eye to eye. However, the next time he fires off some remark at the pool that rubs you the wrong way try to remember that he is probably looking out for your best interest in his own bizarre way. I used to have a boss like this and once I learned the methods to his madness we got along famously and he actually helped promote me into a new stage in my career. We're rooting for you, Morgan! I hope the talk helps. There sounds like there might be something good under all the gunk. Does he know you've still been training on your own? If not, remember that camels tend to spit and be prepared. I had this same work experience. Twice. Once it worked beautifully when he found out I was a loud flyer that liked to swear. We did a fantasy baseball team together for years and had loud arguments over case law. The other, a woman from my own alma mater, wanted abject obedience. I don't think that's good for work or swimming. You have a brain, Morgan. Make sure to use it. Instincts are good too. Especially, as Jeff pointed our, killer instincts.

Morgan, I have been thinking about this for most of the day, so forgive the inevitable rambling. As a former coach, I have told swimmers the same thing, in different terms. It was not an easy or fun thing to do, but sometimes it is necessary. I understand that you have been working very, very hard this season and putting in a lot of extra time. I don't know what exactly you have done, but there is an added ingredient to success that most tend to forget: drive. The swimmer I made this comment to was also a hard worker and dedicated. But I had seen all season that there wasn't a fire in him that got him from one end of the pool to the other during a race, either in workout or in a meet, and he wondered why one kid who trained the same way and had the same body type was always winning. I told him that when this other kid was forced to put the race on the line, something clicked in him and he didn't give up. I don't think he was really gearing his mind for racing. He was putting in the yardage because he was told to. But there was no personal stake in it. When you were doing sprint sets in workout, were you giving yourself positive pep talks, positive reinforcements and motivational speeches? I say this because while you might have thought that your 100 free race went well or just so-so, there's something we coaches see. Even the "amateur" ones. They can tell when you're racing, and in the minutes leading up to the race, if you're "in it to win it." There's a look we see in your eyes, and notice your body language. Did you take time to focus on your race before the actual race? Were you distracted in front of the blocks? Were you in "the zone" in the seconds before diving in? did you allow your body to tire and thus "give up?" Again, I wasn't there, so I can only ask the questions. As someone who has been on both sides of this situation, I know where the coach was coming from. He wasn't out to hurt your feelings, embarrass you or force you to quit. He was doing what he was paid to do. Be lucky you heard "you have no heart." I've seen and heard other coaches practically rip a swimmer to shreds. When he says "You have no heart," he's talking about that determination that is not only going to kick your body into a higher gear, but get your hand on the wall first. Michael Phelps trains like an animal, but he won seven gold medals and broke five world records at worlds because he'd been training his mind (and his heart) to race. Don't you think his legs were burning at the last turn of the 200 free? He could have backed off since he knew he was going to win, but that inner voice took over and I bet that last 25 was pure adrenaline and desire. You know the result. So what am I saying? You could have been so busy training your body that you forgot to train your spirit. It takes more than big muscles to win races. I have always maintained that swimming is 90 percent mental. Jeff, what a wonderful way to explain what a coach "sees" or doesn't see. Morgan, you must talk to your coach. If your heart hasn't really been in it lately, say so and maybe say why. If your heart has been in it, tell him it is and explain why you think you haven't performed as well. Sometimes as hard as it is, it is important to relay to someone in charge of your training to let them know about "you." It's a "coming together" for both and all parties. However, if you feel he is not the coach for you, look elsewhere. Maybe you are just in limbo or have other things distracting you, I don't really know. And I know it is hard to be "on" all the time; the compassion to do this is trying. Keep thinking about your very long swim that you originally posted here several months ago. Take the time to re-evaluate that priority and then set your training guidelines to reach it; if indeed you still want to. And I do know that there is only so much time in the day; priorities Morgan.