By Ashlee Weingarten, Swimming World College Intern
Everyone has heard of getting some needed R&R, but to maximize your potential in the water, there is a mound of other ‘R’ words to keep in mind. Here are 10 R’s of swimming which will help you get the most out of this painful, yet satisfying sport we have grown to love.
1. Respect everyone around you.
It may be easy to blame your coaches or other swimmers for things that happened during your race or any other time, but remember that they are there to help you. It takes time to correct wrongs, and being disrespectful to those trying to help will not get you anywhere.
2. Race every meet.
No matter how you are feeling or what is going through your mind, try to the best of your ability to push it aside. It will not benefit you to go into a meet with a negative mindset. If you are thinking positively, there is a good chance you will swim better than that person sulking beside you.
3. React to the unexpected.
There are many issues you could face at any point during your swim career. React appropriately and don’t let the small issues affect your swimming. Broken goggles before your race is not the worst thing that can happen to you, so there’s no need to throw a tantrum.
4. Recognize your mistakes.
If you let your mistakes go undetected, you are not benefiting anyone but your competition. Mistakes happen in swimming, but you need to correct them as soon as possible. Continuing to swim that way will only more deeply ingrain bad habits.
5. Relax your muscles.
Swimming definitely has a way of getting your mind and body worked up. Remember to relax. It won’t do you any good to dive into a race tense.
6. Rely on your instincts.
Whether you have been swimming for years or months, there will come a time when you need to lean on your instincts. It may be a new event or something you have been swimming for years, but there will be decisions you have to make behind the blocks. Never second guess them.
7. Rules are key.
Swimming has a lot of rules, and while it may seem impossible to learn them all, you must try.
8. Results are not everything.
Whether you came in first or last, remember the reasons why you were there in the first place. So maybe you didn’t take first place, but you get a best time. What matters is that you are doing something you love.
9. Resources are at your disposal.
Coaches, swimmers, your parents; they are all there to help you in some way. Take advantage of your resources and show gratitude for them.
10. Rest your body.
Before a meet, and even during the off season, it will not help you or your body to constantly be working out. Plan rest days and let your muscles repair.
JM Karwa