I posted a version of this on the non-swimming related posts, but I'm posting here again because I'm trying to figure this out more specifically.
I want to swim faster but I want to do other stuff in my life. This week I went to hear Emily Elbert at Berklee College of Music as part of its Rock and Pop night (she is awesome!), practiced speaking bad Spanish with a neighbor, but this was fun nonetheless, went to an African dance class and then walked from this class to the pool, where I proceeded to swim wearing a T-shirt and tights for drag, which is supposed to help me improve my catch. At home, pretty wiped out after dance/drag swim combo.
I want to see if I can get faster and stronger as a swimmer, but this takes much dedication. I am not of the elite variety but qualify for distance events at nationals and probably at long course nationals. So I want to train for long course nationals.
But I don't want to be obsessed. My exercises to keep my arms attached to my shoulders, my back in line, and my knees strong take me about an hour. I'm supposed to do them every day. I give practice my all and generally am a noodle for the rest of the day. I have a book project due that I have procrastinated because of "fatigue" from swimming (nice excuse).
Swimming makes me happy but I want to do other things. It's sailing season, for example. And tennis is fun. And doing more creative work is a goal. Is it possible to be well rounded and not be obsessed with swimming, but still get stronger? As in, a lot stronger? Without devoting all my spare time to it?
I do seem to have plenty of time to watch America's Next Top Model, Gossip Girl, other trashy TV. I'd like to read more books and ditch the TV. That will be tough.
Sleep also is a goal. Hard to come by. I do continue to write my soldier (never met) in Afghanistan and realize I have no reasons to complain about anything in my life, given what she is up against.
Still, balance? Swim speed = intense swim focus? I swim four times a week, about 14,000 to 16,000 yards a week.
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I find it hard not to be obsessed with swimming myself--swimming is never far from my thoughts, even though I have plenty of other interests, and also a family which I am obligated to give my best to: heart, mind, and soul. When I'm at the pool, I really love to work hard, and I know what you mean about feeling like a noodle all day. That makes it hard to give my best efforts to the other parts of my life. I have a few strategies that help me.
Music is such a great motivator; there's a thread about great swimming motivator songs right now! Well, sure I play some "pick-me-up" music on the way to the pool to get cranked up for my workout, but I save the heavy duty stuff for the ride back! And any time I need a little more energy and enthusiasm, I turn on some music--even just for a few minutes. It can really help me shift gears and focus better. (Obviously, you probably can't listen to music while you are writing!).
Also, I try to ride that post-workout endorphin wave as long as I can and use it to get whatever tasks I've got ahead all done.
It helps sometimes to pace myself, to take each day's work like a long race. I have learned when to slow down or speed up a little so as to get my best overall performance in.
Also, I NEVER just kick back and rest immediately after a hard workout. That seems to be a recipe for sluggishness all day.
I find it hard not to be obsessed with swimming myself--swimming is never far from my thoughts, even though I have plenty of other interests, and also a family which I am obligated to give my best to: heart, mind, and soul. When I'm at the pool, I really love to work hard, and I know what you mean about feeling like a noodle all day. That makes it hard to give my best efforts to the other parts of my life. I have a few strategies that help me.
Music is such a great motivator; there's a thread about great swimming motivator songs right now! Well, sure I play some "pick-me-up" music on the way to the pool to get cranked up for my workout, but I save the heavy duty stuff for the ride back! And any time I need a little more energy and enthusiasm, I turn on some music--even just for a few minutes. It can really help me shift gears and focus better. (Obviously, you probably can't listen to music while you are writing!).
Also, I try to ride that post-workout endorphin wave as long as I can and use it to get whatever tasks I've got ahead all done.
It helps sometimes to pace myself, to take each day's work like a long race. I have learned when to slow down or speed up a little so as to get my best overall performance in.
Also, I NEVER just kick back and rest immediately after a hard workout. That seems to be a recipe for sluggishness all day.
