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.
Isobel,
How are things in boston?
How not to obsess?
Obsessive people, obsess.
Quit now before you're in too deep,
Don't socialize with masters swimmers in person or online.
If you're new you'll go through the "honeymoon phase"
Join a great USS team, train in the distance lane, won't take long for you to burn out
Train with a team, by a coach, so you can just show up, do what you're told then leave & get on with your day
If you train alone it takes some thought because you need to plan what to do that day
My interest in swimming has changed over the years.
Remember "there is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.”"
Have a busy life and other interests, if all you have is swimming, you'll think about it (obsess) when you're away from the pool.
It's impossible to tell yourself to not think about swimming.
That's like saying "don't think of the color blue."
Obsession isn't so bad, that's how people become great. They focus their minds and bodies. If you don't want to think about swimming so much (obsess less) then fill up your life, calendar, & mind with other stuff.
Ande
Isobel,
How are things in boston?
How not to obsess?
Obsessive people, obsess.
Quit now before you're in too deep,
Don't socialize with masters swimmers in person or online.
If you're new you'll go through the "honeymoon phase"
Join a great USS team, train in the distance lane, won't take long for you to burn out
Train with a team, by a coach, so you can just show up, do what you're told then leave & get on with your day
If you train alone it takes some thought because you need to plan what to do that day
My interest in swimming has changed over the years.
Remember "there is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.”"
Have a busy life and other interests, if all you have is swimming, you'll think about it (obsess) when you're away from the pool.
It's impossible to tell yourself to not think about swimming.
That's like saying "don't think of the color blue."
Obsession isn't so bad, that's how people become great. They focus their minds and bodies. If you don't want to think about swimming so much (obsess less) then fill up your life, calendar, & mind with other stuff.
Ande
