I have seen a lot of posts on this board about technique and training, all in the effort to swim faster. There’s a lot of good stuff out there in my opinion. However, one area which I always found beneficial to swimming faster was my pre-race ritual (for lack of a better term). I’m not talking about getting the proper amount of sleep the night before or eating the right kinds of food. I’m talking about the specific routines I would follow immediately before the race. For instance, I liked to have my goggles on my face and ready to go well before the start of the race. I also liked to splash some water on my body to get it adjusted to pool temperature. I don’t like talking to anyone immediately before the swim and would usually lightly shake my arms (in an effort stay loose and focused). When on the blocks, I also stood very hunched over--ready to grab and go--and only focused on the next x amount of yards/meters before me. Sometimes I would reiterate my race strategy in my mind when the official would call for quiet before sending us to the blocks. All of these things served to get me ready to swim fast. It didn’t matter where I was or how old I was (started doing it as an age grouper), the routines helped my body understand that I was preparing for maximum effort. I think routines like this shouldn’t be overlooked. You can do all the right training, but if you’re not ready mentally come race day, you probably won’t go as fast as you could have. What are some of your routines to prepare for a personal best?
I want to get to the pool at least 2 hr before my first event.I warm up for about 30 min,meditate for about 15 min,wander around and talk to friends about 20 min,lie down and visualize my race about 25 min.About 30 min before I swim I go and put on my Fastskin(don't warm up in your Fastskin,it should be dry) and wander around with increasing amount of bouncing and flailing my arms until I am warmed up.Just before I get on the blocks I like to shake the hands of my heat mates(we are all in it together to swim fast.) Then get on the block a the long whistle and be ready to go.Maybe I am a little obsessive,but it keeps me excited not anxious(mostly)
I want to get to the pool at least 2 hr before my first event.I warm up for about 30 min,meditate for about 15 min,wander around and talk to friends about 20 min,lie down and visualize my race about 25 min.About 30 min before I swim I go and put on my Fastskin(don't warm up in your Fastskin,it should be dry) and wander around with increasing amount of bouncing and flailing my arms until I am warmed up.Just before I get on the blocks I like to shake the hands of my heat mates(we are all in it together to swim fast.) Then get on the block a the long whistle and be ready to go.Maybe I am a little obsessive,but it keeps me excited not anxious(mostly)
