By Natalia Kaczor
With school having started for most students, this means that another swim season is just around the corner. A new season is a time for a fresh start, new goals and inspiring motivation. Although getting back into physical shape seems like one of the only ways to get on the right track for a great new season, a strong mental game will help separate you from the rest.
Here are five ways to stay mentally tough this season:
1. What happened last season, stays in the last season.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Bad championship meets can put a damper on the new season. You may not want to go back to train if you were disappointed by a meet you had high hopes for. You worked hard all last season, making sure every aspect of your race would be perfect. But, the race was not perfect, and you were mentally drained from the upset. Try not to focus on disappointing races of the past. Come in to practice with an attitude of determination and perseverance. That will help you overcome the past and set you on track for a limitless new season.
2. Leave your outside problems, outside of the pool.
Photo Courtesy: Jeff Golden
We all have those tough days: the ones where everything at school went wrong, you butted heads with your friend, and the drive to practice seemed to drag on. The last place you want to be is at the pool for two hours. However, you still show up to practice. When you walk through the door to the pool, try to forget the problems of the day. You are there to work hard and get better. It is difficult to put 100 percent effort into the workout if your mind is conflicted about a stressful day. Focus on the workout, and before you know it, practice will be done.
3. Don’t psych yourself out of a set before you even start it.
Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien
“10x300s for time?! Are you kidding?! I can’t do that!” We have all been guilty of looking at a challenging set and automatically dismissing it as too hard. We shut down our mental game, which leads us to not want to push ourselves physically. Odds are that your coach knows you can successfully complete the set. He wants to challenge you so that you can work on becoming faster. By shutting out the opportunity to get better, the set is pointless. Try to look at the set optimistically. “It’s only 10, which is a lot better than 20!” or “If I pace myself correctly, the set will fly by!”. A little self talk can help make the set seem more bearable. Sure, it is a challenge – but not one that you can’t conquer.
4. Feed yourself positive thoughts during practice.
Photo Courtesy: Brian Jenkins – UVM Athletics
“Last one fast one!” “Let’s go guys, we’re almost done we can do it!” Small words of encouragement can make a big difference during practice. Whether you help the team out by motivating vocally, or just reminding yourself that you are tough and can finish the set, your mental game will develop in times of adversity and hardship.
5. After practice, reflect on the highlights of your workout.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Internally celebrate a best time in your 100 kick or the completion of all those underwaters that coach is strict about– mentally rewarding yourself will feel good. Even if practice was tough, you can still be proud of getting through it. Find at least one accomplishment from each practice to take pride in. Remind yourself of your feat and it will boost your confidence and make you excited to come back the following day.
Kaitlyn Miller
Micah Hudlet
Lillee Gould
Edwina Ed…..Sis Zabrina
Thanks Coach!?