I wanted to focus on Rule #7 today. That is “We Take A Non-Traditional Approach”.
Here’s the rule as it appears on our Rules page:
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It also means taking a holistic approach to swimming – and getting into the flow, as well as the meditative or “zen” qualities of swimming.
What does this mean to you in your quest for freestyle mastery?
Being opposed to the traditional “no pain no gain” philosophy doesn’t mean we’re advocating slacking off at every workout, and just swimming as many boring laps as you can every time you swim.
Quite the opposite!
“Slowing down to go faster” is a much deeper concept.
Just like rushing through life will often lead to stress and dissatisfaction, simply swimming “faster” is not how to get faster. There is definitely a time and a place for sprints, but it makes a lot of sense to de-emphasize this part of your training- especially at the beginner levels.
Take on “The One Thing” that you need to that day.
Maybe it’s hand extension, or pull, or breathing…or a specific drill that’s aim is to get you a specific result.
Just do that one thing, get as good as you can at it, then on to the next challenge.
This purposeful and mindful practice is what we want all of our students to understand.
You CAN have it all, including going faster, if you’re willing to first slow down and develop the patience it takes to master the small stuff.
“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow – that is patience.”
Just keep swimming!