WINNING THE DAY

 

 Swimmers at all levels usually have a goal as the step up on the block for their races.  For age group swimmers that goal usually revolves around four things;

1. Winning the race
2. Winning the heat
3. Personal best
4. Achieving a qualifying time

The order of these goals may differ amongst age group swimmers depending on the time of year or the meet itself.

The truth is that all age group swimmers want to accomplish something in every race but how many are

willing to really do what it takes?  How many are willing to get uncomfortable in order to accomplish something they desire? One thing for sure is that when a swimmer or any athlete steps out of their comfort zone and enter into the uncomfortable zone they really see who they are, what they are really made of and what is possible.  The confidence level of these athletes soars to new heights.

There’s an old saying, “talk the talk, walk the walk”.  It’s easy to say things but it takes real discipline to do what is necessary to accomplish a goal.  Having the will to accomplish any of the goals listed above is great but without a real commitment and discipline it becomes “just talk”.

In order to win that championship race at the end of the year, you must first win each day, each practice, each set, and each repeat.  To win the day you must have the right mindset and be focused the task at hand.   For example let’s take a simple set of 10x50’s free. The focus is to have 3 underwater’s off each wall and bottom arm/ no breath off each turn and no breathing flags to finish.  I’m willing to bet that all you heard was 10x50’s and then your brain went to airplane mode.  The problem is that you missed the 3 critical things that will make you better, heck I can do 10x50’s all day but am I really doing anything of substance.  The other thing that you heard was 10 and instead of focusing on the first 50 and striving for perfection you just swim and can’t wait till you get to 10.

This is where your commitment and discipline come into play.  Can you step out of your comfort zone become uncomfortable and complete the task correctly.  Do you have what it takes to “win the day”.  It begins with simple things and will require discipline.

WINING THE DAY

• Keep up with school assignments.
• Go to bed and arise each day at the same time.
• Make your bed. Your first win of the day.
• Hydrate…hydrate….hydrate. All day long. Keep sipping.
• Arrive early for workouts. Ready to go when we start.  
• Have a great attitude and mindset as you step onto the pool deck.
• Win your warmup. Win each set. 
• Absorb your coaches feedback and then work on it.
• Hold yourself accountable. 
• Spend time journaling after practice.  What worked well. What didn’t.  Where you need to focus more.