Comments for Swim For Life

Comment on Happiness, Buddhism and a Graceful Freestyle by Terry Laughlin

Terry Laughlin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:46:29 +0000

It really is quite a departure from the “No Pain No Gain” “Feel the Burn” and “Pain is just weakness leaving the body” philosophies. But I’ve also spoken numerous times with world record-setting swimmers, asking them “How did it feel to swim faster than anyone in history.” None described feeling pain. All described their swims in language that would be very familiar to anyone who has read about Flow States. It made me realize that seeking Flow States in training would probably be better for “average” athletes as well. And certainly something that would increase our motivation to do the thing that brings us pleasure.

Comment on Happiness, Buddhism and a Graceful Freestyle by Alyson

Alyson — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:55:19 +0000

I really appreciate this post. I have read about Chi running, too, and am approaching all my exercise in new ways: running, cycling, swimming. Tuning in to my body, stilling and focussing my mind, seeking beauty and grace. SO DIFFERENT from sweaty painful effort and far more appealing and pleasurable to me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Comment on Move with grace at the end of the race. by Peter

Peter — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:31:40 +0000

Late in the marathon of my first ironman distance last week the most inspiring comments from spectators where “You are looking good!”, not comments on my pace. This came into my mind when reading your post. As I said in German: “Mit Würde ins Ziel kommen.”.

Comment on Struggle–the right kind– Can Be Good. by Doug Alt

Doug Alt — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:50:34 +0000

Terry,
Yes, there is a difference between trying to learn a brand new skill or sensation and “honing” one that much of the work has already been accomplished on.
In your book, “Total Immersion”, your philosophy of short attempts at NEW skills was very clear when you repeatedly encouraged 1 pool-length attempts of a particular drill, followed by some THOUGHT while paused at the end of the lane, followed by an attempt at concentrating on a DIFFERENT ASPECT of the drill for the next length.
Much learning and little boredom occur with this approach!

Comment on Struggle–the right kind– Can Be Good. by Terry Laughlin

Terry Laughlin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:47:01 +0000

Doug
Well said. This is not to suggest that 10, 15 or 20 repetitions of a task aren’t worthwhile. When I do a larger number of reps, it’s usually because I feel I’ve begun to lay down a good circuit and am repeating the circuit in order to hone and deepen it. This intention keeps me keenly focused throughout. And indeed, on each, I’m striving to execute as well or better than the best sensation I’ve had previously.

Comment on My Triathlon Uplift by Neale

Neale — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:39:01 +0000

I view race results and read race reports all the time. Thanks, Terry, for reminding us all that the true race winners are seldom those who stand on the podium.
God bless all you guys who have the grit to continue competing solely motivated by your will to finish. I will draw upon your feats for inspiration

Comment on Struggle–the right kind– Can Be Good. by Doug Alt

Doug Alt — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:07:36 +0000

Terry,

The concept of three tries, ONLY, at any particular skill, or portion thereof, is a powerful one.

Our brains do not just evaluate our learning attempts at the moment that a particular attempt is executed; it processes these experiences repeatedly during the next day or so.

For example, I worked on the feeling of following my hand “through the hole” in the water earlier today. Now, several hours later, I have been consciously thinking about what worked and what didn’t.

Subconsciously, as during sleeping and dreaming states, my brain will no doubt continue it’s review process, possibly even more intensely than during my conscious ruminations.

When there have been just three skill attempts, the sub-conscious brain can remember that I tried something first, then made a correction, and then, based on the results of that, made another correction. Then, there can be an “Ah Ha!” moment in which it becomes clear that either attempt #2 or attempt #3 produced the most desirable results, thus providing a residual image of what it is I am going to attempt on my first try tomorrow.

However, if there are 15, 20, 30 attempts at a skill, neither the conscious brain nor the sub-conscious one can, even a very short time later, sort through the experiences with any accuracy… “Let’s see, what exactly was it that I tried on attempt #12? Hmmm…. What exactly was the result when I extended my stroke farther down to the side of my thigh during attempts near the end of the session? It’s all such a blur…”

Comment on My Triathlon Uplift by Terry Laughlin

Terry Laughlin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:24:23 +0000

Doug Thanks for sharing this great affirmation of the motivating effect a slow-but-stalwart athlete can have on others who’ve been on the fence, perhaps doubting they have the stuff to pursue an athletic/endurance accomplishment themselves. This is an example of what’s called Peer Modeling. We are far more likely to believe ourselves capable of doing something when we see someone we perceive to be much like ourselves doing it. When we see someone who’s clearly a superior athlete – because we don’t perceive ourselves to be like them – it serves less as an example or inspiration. I’ve previously viewed this in a teaching context. This gives it far more power.

Comment on My Triathlon Uplift by Doug Alt

Doug Alt — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:03:22 +0000

Terry,
Thanks for the motivating and uplifting thoughts.
For me, my challenge last September was being able to complete a 1-mile event. Having taken up swimming as a fitness activity in my mid-60’s, I was happy just to make it to the end, albeit with liberal stretches of backstroke and breaststroke. It was an evening event, and as I approached the end of the course the marker bouys had been pulled in, the sun had just dipped below the horizon (as viewed from beneath my armpit with each breath… talk about a “sinking feeling”) and I ultimately received a hearty applause for completing the course…LAST!
I felt GREAT! I had done it!
What added significantly to my satisfaction was that 2 separate spectators, who had been chowing down on barbeque and beer at the water-side festival where the swim was held, came up to me afterward and said that I had inspired them to get off their fat you-know-whats and start working on ACCOMPLISHING SOMETHING also.

Comment on My Triathlon Uplift by Terry Laughlin

Terry Laughlin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:18:32 +0000

Jon
This was the case at Musselman. Even as a spectator, I knew those cutoffs as they were announced repeatedly by the guy doing “color commentary” for the crowd – largely to create a sense of drama about whether those still swimming or biking would make it through. As you would expect, they got loud support. I’m also certain that the organizers maintained more than adequate vigilance for the health and safety of those who elected to continue after the cutoff.