Since joining an new group, I have run into an old problem. What to do when the coach has a workout designed that is something that it outside your swimming goals?
We are focused on Backstroke this week. Since it is highly unlikely that I will ever compete in Satan's stroke in an individual event other than surviving 25 to 50 yards/meters on a 200 IM, but I intend to compete in *** stroke, is it wrong to opt out and swim breastroke?
I opted out and swam breaststroke, working drills where drills were written, kicking where kicking was planned, and hammering the sprints when it was time to sprint.
Since I have aged up four brackets and will now compete in the 50-54 bracket, there are probably a finite number of swims that I have. I would rather focus on breaststroke where I am motivated and don't mind chasing the backstroke intervals.
Thoughts?
Don
Parents
Former Member
My 2c. I'd say go ahead and do the workout as it was given unless you have a compelling reason (eg: injury, safety, interfering with other's workouts, set beyond current ability).
Good coaches are hard to find and many times they are in it for the satisfaction of improving the swimmers and being appreciated. I think it is demoralizing for a coach to go to time and effort designing a workout only to have swimmers blow it off to the detriment of their training. Negotiating every set wears them down too. If you have confidence in your coach's ability and you've discussed your goals and his philosophy, then do what he says.
It's more fair to the other swimmers too. Part of why people swim on a team is so they have teammates to train with, not just share a lane with. It's frustrating to be given a set you can beat people at only to have them bail or cheat on it.
My 2c. I'd say go ahead and do the workout as it was given unless you have a compelling reason (eg: injury, safety, interfering with other's workouts, set beyond current ability).
Good coaches are hard to find and many times they are in it for the satisfaction of improving the swimmers and being appreciated. I think it is demoralizing for a coach to go to time and effort designing a workout only to have swimmers blow it off to the detriment of their training. Negotiating every set wears them down too. If you have confidence in your coach's ability and you've discussed your goals and his philosophy, then do what he says.
It's more fair to the other swimmers too. Part of why people swim on a team is so they have teammates to train with, not just share a lane with. It's frustrating to be given a set you can beat people at only to have them bail or cheat on it.
