Teach me some mind games...

Usually marathon swimmers are more OCD than ADD. For me on long swims I try to spend time focusing on a variety of things; technique, turns, breathing patterns, the other people in the pool. And I’m usually counting something strokes per length, laps, as well as paying attention to the clock and figuring out splits. And since most of my long training swims are part of a larger planned goal, I spend time visualizing the event and thinking about what I need to do in the training swim to be prepared for the event. Finally, there is often a soundtrack of some sort running through my head (Grateful Dead, Zeppelin, Linkin Park, Green Day, theme from Gilligan’s Island,…)

I'm really glad you started this topic as I am looking for ways to occupy my mind, too. But mine will be open ocean and 18 miles of it. Maybe that swimp3 thing should be something to consider. If not, then I probably for sure will get to experience a zen state; just hope I come out of it:D Thanks for all the tips, everybody. Donna

1) First & foremost, TECHNIQUE, esp. as I fatigue. 2) Math equations. 3) Trying to pace off others. (Not just pace with them, but if I am slower, trying to keep them from lapping me, or if I'm faster trying to see how often I can lap them.) 4) Others in the pool. Bonus points for attractive women. 5) Stroke counting every 10 laps or so. 6) Throw in a 50+ yard acceleration every x minutes. (5-10). 7) Try to remember things. (e.g Name of every grade school teacher you had. Name of every girl you ever kissed (and didn't laugh at you afterward). Name of every pet you ever had, etc.) 8) More math equations. Unlike Rob, I try to avoid thinking about music since one song tends to get stuck in my head - who really wants to listen to The Knack's "My Sharona" for 3 hours? It is important to keep a balance between disassociation (most of the list above) and association (being totally aware of your technique, aches, pains, etc). With practice, you will find your balance. -LBJ

Yes, I think I tend to be just about an equal mix of both OCD and ADD. I am an interval trainer by nature, so swimming for these long consecutive swims was a big change. I asked for the swimp3 for christmas or my birthday, and I think adding that to my training will significantly improve me attention span. generally now I do need to focus a bit on technique as I have had shoulder problems, including bi-lateral shoulder reconstruction surgeries. I also go through the alphabet and name people I know who start with each letter, food that starts with each letter and animals, thats helped a bit, but I was wondering what else everyone thinks about while they swim:-D?? math equations would not be wise for me, hee hee, I am definatly not a mathamatician, I would end up having to swim for hours upon hours!

I swam about a 5k today with four others. We stopped twice at our designated turning points to regroup/chat. I tried to keep my focus on technique, hold a good line without excessive sighting and not let the barracudas get more of my attention than they deserve. I swam a 6k postal a few weeks ago. The second third was hard because my mind started drifting, but I was able to get it back. Yoga and meditation help me. A long swim can be a very satisfying way to experience a zen like state.

Usually about 2 weeks before I do an OW swim, I'll count strokes in the lap pool. I'm not worried about the strokes per length. What I try to do is develop a cadence. Then when I get in the OW, I'll just start the cadence and count strokes as I go. I try to turn my brain off except for the counting and keeping the cadence. Yes, I realize this is very OCD but it works for me.

The best days for me are when I think about absolutely nothing. I spend a lot of time concentrating on the sound and feel and my breathing. Much like meditating in a studio, a focus on breathing can help you get past thoughts about anything else, including pain, boredome, weakness, fear, etc. If I'm in a pool, I also like to visulaize what I will see when I breathe in the swim I'm training for. Breathe right - see the beach and kayak; breathe left see the horizon. For me, there is nothing better than having my kayaker stop me to drink and I can't imagine it's been more than a few minutes since my last stop.

I agree with the zen state. Transcend the swimmer and become the swimming

So what are some things you guys think about when your swimming for hours consecutively? 1-2-3-breathe 1-2-breathe 1-2-3-breathe what the f was i thinking signing up for this breathe ... :dedhorse:

what the f was i thinking signing up for this breathe ... :dedhorse: haha, i have to admit that goes through my head quite a lot,lol. In the pool i manly focus on the number of the length that i am on, i do technique checks regularily, but manly i focus on the number, same with in open water i generally count to 100 strokes, then restart, not sure why, but i do, it helps keep me in the present, if i let my mind wander to much i loose sight of what i am doing, if that makes sense.