Don't Murder Time!

Sometimes I disagree with my coaches.  For example, they have a strong belief that your mind is EVERYTHING.  Like the other day, my coach was saying how if you say you can't do something, you can't.  But if you don't do that, you are giving yourself a chance.

I don't think that's true.  For one, I don't like it.  But my reasoning is that I have said I wouldn't be able to do things at practice countless times before.  But, I did it!  Not all of the time, sure, that's granted.  But there were some times where I thought I wouldn't be able to do it, but I did.  But there's a catch.

Not a small loop-hole catch people couldn't think of, no.  Here is what I did- I tried.  I tried.  I tried my hardest even though I didn't think I would be able to do it.  And by trying, I succeeded.  Even if I hadn't made the interval or beat my best time, I still succeeded in that by breaking myself down and just working my butt off, I'm getting faster.

But I see where the coaches are coming from.  I don't think it's saying you can't do something.  In my opinion, it's deciding that you aren't going to try that keeps you from doing something.  Plain and simple. 

Keeping an open and happy mind is really good for swimming.  It's hard to, but I try.  I try to go into races with the "I'm going to let happen what's going to happen, try my hardest and be okay with it.  Anything is possible and I know my goals, and I'll be there someday; today or tomorrow" attitude.  Freaking out isn't good for you, but I don't think it's what's keeping you from doing your best.  If you decide you are not going to TRY, then you are doomed. 

Anyways those who are reading this  now know my view on this topic now.  So let's move on to part 2 of this blog post.

Meets are supposed to be places were you race.  Get up and go.  I don't care if you feel like a titan, feel like crap, feel week, feel strong, are tired or well rested, hungry or stuffed.  You get up and you go, 'cause it's a race. 

Telling yourself you are not going to do good before a race is not good prep talk.  But that is much much much much different than telling yourself

"I'm not even going to try that hard."  (Real quote from the last meet.  Really.)

Come on girlie!!  Not only does this hurt your performance, it hurts other peoples' vibe if it's on a relay.  Relays should be happy and have the "go for it" mood, even if it's clear we are doomed to last place.  Who cares?  All that matters is time.  Our times in the relays, our splits and such, and the time that we spend as a team, racing and having fun.  Team spirit and bonding is achieved with jokes, laughs, and a get up and go attitude.  Not with a

"We are going to suck."  attitude.  Chica, don't murder time!!

Plus, what if it's not on a relay, and it's an individual?  How would you feel if somebody was saying that next to you?  You would feel happy, even though it's mean, you would feel happy and more confident that you are going to beat them.

No no no no NO!  We are the dragon slayers!  We strike fear into the hearts of the ones around us!! Grrrr!

In conclusion; don't give up before the race has started.  You and your times are the only thing that matters, not some nameless faceless swimmer in lane 4.  You are going to be fine!  You practice hard, you are ready.  Even if you don't feel good, still try.  Because in the end that's all we can do - in swimming and in life 

So get out there and kick some butt!