To swimming fast when it counts the most
By Dr. Alan Goldberg

With the Olympics having recently concluded, many people watching from home may have wondered, “How do the champions do it?” On the biggest stage of your life with the heat of competition cranked up high, what do you need to do to swim to your potential?

Once you get to the big meet, your physical work and preparation are over. You’ve done everything to insure that your body has the physical capability to go fast. Now what you need is to keep your mind in a “gold medal place.” Swimming fast when it counts the most is all mental. The following three strategies will help you maximize your training and go fast:

1. Keep your race focus on process, not outcome
2. Try softer, not harder
3. Stay calm pre-race

This is part of an article on page 11 of “SPLASH MAGAZINE”, September/ October 2008 issue. Check it out!

Nutrition Suggestions from the USA Web Site:   (Click Here)

Swimmers need to work WITH their parents.

Swimmers MUST eat breakfast—it is the first “fueling” of your body for the day.

Swimmers need to eat a “quality” lunch—carbs, Fruit, protein, calories. If you pack it –you KNOW. It’s quality!!! Lunch is “refueling” time!

Swimmers need to drink regularly throughout the day. Water is best--But sports drinks and juices are great too. Avoid soda!!!

Swimmers should eat a good snack before practice—But not a full meal less than an hour before practice. This snack is pre-practice fueling!

Swimmers MUST BRING A WATER BOTTLE to practice. And have it at the end of your lane. Sports drinks are Good too.

Swimmers need to eat and drink something within 30 Minutes of the end of practice to start “refueling” that Empty tank.

Swimmers should eat at home more often, never letting The tank get totally empty!

Swimmers should NEVER show up at practice or a meet on an empty tank!!!!

Swimmers should always keep the tank fueled!!!