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 agree, Puff. Swimming can be extremely important to some, and there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever.
In general, the word "balance" makes me cringe. Obviously, life requires balance because there many different components that all clamor for our time. However, balance and moderation in all things can be frightfully dull and unrewarding. There is nothing wrong with a magnificent obsession. If it makes you happy to immerse yourself in something -- swimming or whatever -- no reason not to do so, if you're not neglecting other responsibilities. If it means you take less classes or watch less TV, is that really a loss? I've had to cut back on other hobbies/interests to accommodate competitive swimming in my life. Right now, I'm perfectly happy with that trade off. Doesn't mean I'll always be, but I can regroup and refocus anytime I want. Obsession flat out beats variety for me.
The "chop wood and carry water" analogy is great, Puff! Mr. Fort is currently sidelined, for the first time in his life, with an injury and can't run. It's absolutely horrible for him.
Sorry to hear about Mr. Fort Leslie. I hope it's nothing too serious and that his time away from running is minimal.
When I had to have eye surgery a few years back and the doctors nonchalantly told me that "there is a risk of blindness," I literally swam through my anxieties and fears.
I was fortunate to be able to swim up to the day of the surgery. In retrospect I think that I was so determined to swim as I really recognized that each session could be my last. Without swimming, I was very concerned that I would resort to more self destructive activities which shall remain nameless given my current heightened anxiety levels.
I agree, Puff. Swimming can be extremely important to some, and there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever.
In general, the word "balance" makes me cringe. Obviously, life requires balance because there many different components that all clamor for our time. However, balance and moderation in all things can be frightfully dull and unrewarding. There is nothing wrong with a magnificent obsession. If it makes you happy to immerse yourself in something -- swimming or whatever -- no reason not to do so, if you're not neglecting other responsibilities. If it means you take less classes or watch less TV, is that really a loss? I've had to cut back on other hobbies/interests to accommodate competitive swimming in my life. Right now, I'm perfectly happy with that trade off. Doesn't mean I'll always be, but I can regroup and refocus anytime I want. Obsession flat out beats variety for me.
The "chop wood and carry water" analogy is great, Puff! Mr. Fort is currently sidelined, for the first time in his life, with an injury and can't run. It's absolutely horrible for him.
Sorry to hear about Mr. Fort Leslie. I hope it's nothing too serious and that his time away from running is minimal.
When I had to have eye surgery a few years back and the doctors nonchalantly told me that "there is a risk of blindness," I literally swam through my anxieties and fears.
I was fortunate to be able to swim up to the day of the surgery. In retrospect I think that I was so determined to swim as I really recognized that each session could be my last. Without swimming, I was very concerned that I would resort to more self destructive activities which shall remain nameless given my current heightened anxiety levels.
