Swimmers - Be Prepared

DO YOU KEEP A SWIMMING DIARY ?

It's a good idea if you can.  An A5 notebook or folder will do so you can record your sessions: the aims and goals of the session, heart rates and target times, what you thought about the session and how you felt.  This gives the coach feedback from you and is a good communication point between coaches if you train with a higher squad some of the time.  You can also record personal best times (or worst times if you've had a bad day! ).  It is important to record all your competition best times but keep the long course times separate to the short course ones.

Be prepared ...

Come to your training work-outs fully prepared for the unexpected.  Bring all your equipment and have it ready to use - including your drink.  Make sure you visit the loo before the session - if you get out during a main set it will not work to improve your performance.  Make sure you have spare goggles and that all the equipment works and does not need adjusting just before you use it, like hand paddles!

Rest intervals between repeats and sets are set by the coach for a reason.  Stick to them and try to make the target times.  Having extra rest and hoping the coach won't notice will not produce the desired effect.

Always carry out the prescribed programme.  If you need advice ask your coach, we're here to help you.  If you cheat and miss out bits then we won't have much sympathy if you perform poorly at competition knowing that you cheat!

IT PAYS TO PRACTICE 100% PERFECTLY ALL THE TIME