Being Present

We’re back, but with somewhat limited internet access. We’re committed to keeping the daily tips going and adding some video tips as well. We appreciate your patience as we get settled down in California.

This tip is about patience and about staying present. Do you find yourself rushing through your morning swim workout, to rush to work? Rushing thru meals to get to other activities? Worrying about workout number two in the midst of workout number one? If so you are falling into the mental trap of anticipation and likely detracting from the quality of your current activity. The more you are able to focus on what you are doing – keeping your catch strong in the pool, savoring that yummy meal so important for your recovery, posture and leg turnover during your run – the more enjoyable these activities will be and the more you will benefit. Learning to stay in the present is also critical for race day success.

So what do do when your mind starts drifting and you get that vague antsy feeling of “I need to hurry up with this..”. The first thing is to become aware of your thoughts and acknowledge them. “Okay, I am stressing about work, but I’m in the middle of a 3x800m set in the pool”. Then, don’t get mad at yourself for lack of focus, but rather just let those thoughts go and return to your physical body. Keywords can be an excellent tool to help you do this.  It is a waste of mental energy to constantly preoccupy yourself with the future – you can’t control it and trying to can increase your overall stress load and decrease your ability to absorb your training. Be patient and practice being in the present. It will get easier.