This may sound like heresy, but we in the swimming world have an unhealthy obsession with Personal Bests, or PBs. There. I said it. The problem is simple. The vast majority of swimmers, and virtually all parents, believe that the time is the only measure of a race. And for major meets, they are mainly… Continue reading Our Unhealthy Obsession with Personal Bests
Tag: swimming
Own the Podium and the Difference Between Success and Victory
This last Thursday, Brett Wilson wrote an interesting and controversial article for the Globe and Mail called Own the Podium is a recipe for failure. The main contention in this article is Own the Podium's sole focus on top 3 results is "artificial and arbitrary". He says "If we define success in narrow metrics -… Continue reading Own the Podium and the Difference Between Success and Victory
What Makes a Pool Fast?
This is one of those questions that makes non-swimmers look at you kinda funny. How can you have a fast pool or a slow pool. It's water. And the formula for that has been known for a while. H2O. But as any swimmer can tell you, there are definitely fast pools, and definitely slow pools.… Continue reading What Makes a Pool Fast?
What Does it Mean to Be On a Swim Team?
Swimming is an individual sport. We compete in our own lanes, untouched by anyone else (hopefully!) We train with others, occasionally banging arms together, but even so we live inside our heads looking down at the bottom of a pool. So what is a swim team, and why do we even need them? I guess… Continue reading What Does it Mean to Be On a Swim Team?
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Winter Swimming
It's that time of year again. Cold weather, dark mornings and dark evenings. And for many people, its a time for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called winter depression. Basically, it's a mood disorder that takes place only during certain times of the year - most commonly during the depths of winter. Symptoms include higher… Continue reading Seasonal Affective Disorder and Winter Swimming
Visualization and the Power of Thought
I recently posted on our Facebook page about a Youtube video, The Scientific Power of Thought, that beautifully describes how directed thought can change our brain, and even improve our motor skills. It's based on the incredible 2007 book, The Brain That Changes Itself, by Norman Doidge, MD (educated and now teaching at University of… Continue reading Visualization and the Power of Thought
What to Expect Now That the Holidays Are Over
I hope that everybody's holidays were excellent, fun and relaxing. And so now that we've had 2 weeks of Christmas shortbread, egg nog, candy canes, chocolate and general lethargy, what can we expect in the pool? It turns out its simple - you can expect the coaches to focus this next week on the skills… Continue reading What to Expect Now That the Holidays Are Over
What Happens To Swimmers Over the Holidays?
I'm often asked what swimmers should do over the Christmas holidays. It's a very good question, and one that doesn't easily lead to a good answer for all levels. There are two factors at war with each other. Swimmers typically don't reach their peak until their 20s, and so there really should be no rush… Continue reading What Happens To Swimmers Over the Holidays?
Reflections on a Division 3 Championship
Today I'm going to just reflect on the weekend at Divisions that we just had. No discussion of points, or PBs or individual races. No recitation of endless statistics (that I like so much!). Instead, I'll let my mind wander over scenes and instances that stood out for me. Now bear in mind that I… Continue reading Reflections on a Division 3 Championship
Hey Coach, Are We Tapering For Divisions?
Yes, I've heard that question a lot this last few weeks. And it's not that easy to answer. But first, let's talk about what a competitive swim taper is, and why we do it. My readers will know by now that I love to tell stories. So let's start off this blog with one. The… Continue reading Hey Coach, Are We Tapering For Divisions?
Coach Rick - Mighty Tritons Swimming 