have been swimming year round since I was eight years old. I am now going to be a sophmore in college. I have lived and breathed swimming since I first started. My life revolved around swimming and only that. Through high school I gave up hanging with friends to go to swim practice. I never really was a great swimmer even though I worked super hard to be succesful. I did swim one year in college. I am completely burnt out and cant stand to go to swim meets and not be able to swim the times I did when I was 13-15. now 20. It kills me and after my freshman year and this summer I have made the decision to call it quits because I 'cant put my self through all this hard work to not see results and swimming just dosent make me happy. Am i making a huge mistake and what happens say a year from now when i miss swimming greatly? will it all be ok then? I was so sure on my decision but when other people dont support me like coaches and parents etc its hard. I just need some advice or encougagement!
thanks!
I almost quit twice during my 4 year college career. Mainly because my times weren't what they were in high school. What I found was the swim team became my family. When I got away from the team I had the sense of not being a part of something. I was just another student in a large sea of students. Finally, in my senior year and after missing the first month of practicing, the coach gave me an ultimatum. Swim or leave the team. I choose to swim and never missed another practice the rest of the year. At the end of the year, I swam a lifetime best 100 free and broke the school record. Now, looking back, I'm proud that I stuck with it and it's something that no one can take away from me. As for you, I'd suggest either a break or a new outlook on the upcoming year. Maybe instead of focusing so much on your times, focus on being an integral part of the team. Maybe cut back on your own workouts a bit and become the team's biggest cheerleader (as a member of the team). Maybe focus on some shorter sprint workouts and strength training. Good Luck.
I almost quit twice during my 4 year college career. Mainly because my times weren't what they were in high school. What I found was the swim team became my family. When I got away from the team I had the sense of not being a part of something. I was just another student in a large sea of students. Finally, in my senior year and after missing the first month of practicing, the coach gave me an ultimatum. Swim or leave the team. I choose to swim and never missed another practice the rest of the year. At the end of the year, I swam a lifetime best 100 free and broke the school record. Now, looking back, I'm proud that I stuck with it and it's something that no one can take away from me. As for you, I'd suggest either a break or a new outlook on the upcoming year. Maybe instead of focusing so much on your times, focus on being an integral part of the team. Maybe cut back on your own workouts a bit and become the team's biggest cheerleader (as a member of the team). Maybe focus on some shorter sprint workouts and strength training. Good Luck.
