Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

This week I heard quite a few swimmers mention that they were very sore and very tired, so I thought it would be appropriate to address why it is important to become comfortable with this discomfort. All Great swimmers have a very high ability to become comfortable being uncomfortable. As we all closely watch the Olympic Trials and Olympic Games try to envision the amount of soreness and fatigue that each of those athletes must endure on a day to day, week to week, year to year basis in order to be prepared to perform at their very best at a very specific time. WOW!! That is amazing just thinking about it. There were days, I am sure, that some of these ELITE Swimmers could barely raise their arms over their head, but I am equally sure, they got out of bed and got to morning practice. WOW!!! That is amazing as well. As Barrington Swim Club swimmers your ability to get better is based on three main factors. Each of these factors are necessary in equal amounts to reach your maximum performance.

First, is the relentless discomfort in PRACTICE ATTENDANCE. The first stage is to get to practice no matter what. Sore and Tired especially. It is said that Michael Phelps went a span from age 12-17 without missing a single training session. WOW That is amazing!! Here is a young man that learned early on that his success was based on his ability to become comfortable doing more than the competition.

Second, is the relentless pursuit of discomfort in TECHNIQUE PERFECTION. Sometimes ugly strokes go fast, but most of the time the swimmer with the best stroke will go faster! Look at the technique the swimmers at the Olympic Trials, you will notice a wide variety of technique, but the similarities are what to watch for. Pay close attention to the things that all of these GREAT Swimmers do the same. The Key is learning to hold it together and make your stroke better when you are the least comfortable in training.

Third, is the relentless commitment to PERFORM in PRACTICE. ALL Great swimmers are Very Very consistent with their practice performance. ELITE Swimmers realize that their ability to get better will be determined by their day in and day out ability to HURT and still go FAST EVERY DAY. Make going fast in practice, no matter how you feel, part of your routine. There are so many swimmers that are willing to Come to Practice, Work on Technique, but not willing to HURT Themselves in practice day in and day out.

As you focus on our Championship Meets in July and August remember to become comfortable being uncomfortable, Get to Practice, Work on your Technique, and step up and hurt every practice every day!!

PRACTICE LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY!!

RACE LIKE A CHAMPION AT SECTIONALS, JUNIOR OLYMPICS and NATIONALS!!