You all spend so much time, energy and sacrifices chasing your dreams and goals that sometimes you forget about the mental and emotional energy that is also required during the chase. Although I truly believe that you understand that side of athletics I also believe it's vastly underutilized, misunderstood and thus not properly channeled to better your results both at practice and at meets.
Why do I say that? Let's use a couple of practice examples. First we all know how important it is to hydrate so it amazes me when you don't have a water bottle or you leave it in your bags until your thirsty. Why you leave it in your bag is always a mystery unless you have a pet squirrel living in your bag. While we are on the subject of hydration I don't understand why you think it's okay to skip some repeats, sit on the wall drinking as if it's a coffee break while your teammates are working hard in the pool. You should be sipping every time you stop between repeats if only for 10-15 seconds. Don't let it get to the point where you are thirsty, it's too late by that time. Next item is taking "ownership" and that means being on time. That does not mean that you arrive early at practice but still get in for warmup late. Doesn't matter if you sleep in the building, if your not in on time YOU'RE LATE, period. That's disrespectful to the coaches your teammates and the sport.
Fast forward to a meet. Before the swimmer goes over to the block we talk and I can't help but to think I'm looking into empty eyes, her face tells the whole story. Why am I here? I'm going to die. I'm going to lose. Lost, confused and totally disconnected from the moment she steps onto the block, but this swimmers race is over before she takes her first stroke. Without that emotional strength from within she will struggle with every stroke, every breath as she attempts to get her hand to the pad.
The physical and emotional strains of our sport are enormous. The results are immediate and deeply felt regardless of what they are. Although it's hard to measure and difficult to define, the X factor cannot be ignored in your swimming. If your head is not in the game both at practice and at meets you are going to struggle. Swimming is an individual sport but swimmers cannot make it on their own. Behind all your success is a team, your parents, your teammates, your lane mates, your friends, your coaches and that little person in your head that controls your emotions. Lean on this team of yours as they will bring not only support but wisdom, knowledge and most of all safety.
So how do I get the "X" factor? First off it starts with having fun, a positive energy in the sport, relaxation and a overall playfulness. It starts with the person inside your head who talks to you when no one else hears. Learn to channel those talks through visualization (which we will discuss with our next topic) and the result will be a mental toughness that is focused and fearless in the face of any pressure.
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