Poseidon Swimming - Meet Report # 1/ FUN!

Meet Review # 1

With the results of the seasons first competitions recorded everyone must be excited as to our current level of fitness as we pulled to the front in the PSDN heat winner competition. I was particularly pleased with Sunday efforts as the majority in the group performed the 1650 / 500 free double in excellent fashion.

We had an outstanding weekend of team camaraderie complete with loads of laughter while we tested our early season training level. Endurance has been the staple here in the early going and it certainly showed in the back half of our races. Stroke technique and stroke length improvements are evident reflecting individual training determination and dedication. We extend a special THANK YOU to Peggy and Mike Endsley for chaperoning our journey.

For Consideration:

Develop the desire to have "FUN" as defined by enjoyment of accomplishment. More often than not athletes prematurely "retire" from our sport with the comment "it just is not fun any more". I would like you to reflect on your definition of the word "fun".

Fun, defined as amusement is packaged in countless ways such as hanging out with friends on a Saturday night, at the movies or the ball game. Amusement, "fun" like the silly clowning around that occurs on team van rides or in the locker room and on team trips. The "fun" I refer to is enjoyment in the great sense of pride and satisfaction one has from mastering skills after long hours of training. This fun is the great feeling of accomplishment about oneself, the "fun" of feeling proud. Fun may have many faces and may have to be searched for during those times when accomplishment appears to take a back seat to injury, illness and misguided training focus.

For athletes that experience this type of fun are more likely to be consumed with a desire to feel more fun again. When athletes are motivated with this type of fun they wish to:
• Be filled with the desire to strive whole-heartedly for excellence replacing "I can not" with "I will"
• Realize that nothing of any real value is ever achieved without hard work and dedication
• Be willing to honor their commitment to personal goals and the team by attending more sessions rather than less
• Be great competitors, ready to test their abilities free from self-doubt
• Be willing to communicate with the coach accepting that the coach does not have to do everything perfect according to you
• Gain greater personal strength from an attitude of respect, caring, sharing and striving with others towards individual and team goals realizing that everyone may not have to be your best friend
• Be willing to make tough decisions when they count the most, confident that their preparation will allow them to perform the very best they are capable of performing

Development of this type of "fun" creates a long lasting foundation for success. Once fun is redefined many problems associated with fun (amusement) diminish as the athlete's understanding of the sport eliminates peer pressure from outside influence, defeatist thoughts and overall unhappiness with the activity which brings us all together.

Keep up the great training efforts, stay proactive with your studies, and communicate with those in your life for assistance in reaching your stated goals.

See you at practice for more FUN!

TED