How to be Faster

Is it Talent or Choice?  How do you get faster?

Finding success in the pool is difficult.  Our bodies are built to walk upright, and use our opposable thumbs on things like tools.  We are not designed to lie horizontally in a liquid environment and move rapidly.  Even the fastest human swimmers on earth are relatively snail like compared to any creature adapted for the water. 

So how can one be talented?  For the reasons stated above, I feel that no human is ‘talented’ when it comes to swimming.  Yes some are taller, have larger wingspans, humongous feet… whatever.  I have even seen webbed toes. That tends to be more genetic than anything and can give those individuals some mechanical advantage.  Is that talent?  Janet Evans and Natalie Coughlin are considered below ‘average height’ and the pair have held 9 world records and competed in  4 Olympic games (and counting).  Big is nice, but it in no way guarantees speed.

There is something that can guarantee speed.  It’s called your brain.  Yup.  Seriously.  You can decide to be faster.  I know, crazy right?  Nope.  Just very hard.  It’s doing the things that help you be faster – ALL THE TIME.  During a long set – or even for a whole workout , it is easy to fall into a lull that allows soggy streamlines, turns that scream apathy,  and the most favorite one is just less kick.  We can lose focus on what are hands are doing under the water.  We can forget to use the wall to our advantage.  That stuff that sometimes get lulled into a zone where your face has that blank 1000 mile stare.  Or “Is this set ever going to end?”

You are the sum of your choices.  Plain and simple.  Choose to be great.  Not just once – but as close to 24/7 you can make it happen.  Focus on tangibles – things within your control.   Blast off the blocks, punch a tight hole for the entry, rock solid streamline, amazing kick tempo, big power from the first inch of your breakout, strong grip and throw.  Rinse and repeat. 

Use your brain.  Choose speed.  You’re worth it.