It is certainly fascinating to see a swimmer improve so much and get a clear before-and-after perspective from the video footage. We know from all your emails, youtube and blog comments that it has inspired many of you on your own swimming journey - which is great!
Megan and SS Coach Emma Brunning |
But what if Megan's story left you feeling a little uncomfortable or frustrated? After all, if she can make such big improvements with her swimming then why not you too?
When you read the post, did you put Megan's improvement down to her age, or her background or some sort of untapped natural talent? If so, you missed her real secret. The fact is that Megan has nothing unusual in those areas, she was and in some ways still is a very 'normal' swimmer... except in one regard.
Megan's secret is simple to state but very hard to *truly* come to terms with. She has:
That's all it is. Not overthinking. Not over-analysing. Never talking herself out of the work she needs to do to improve.
After last week's post, Liz from our squad asked:
4 weeks before away for 2 weeks, but then I should be able to...
Of course unless you're a professional athlete, some time away from the pool is inevitable for work or family commitments but the key reason someone else has improved and you haven't is very very likely to be your consistency. Why not throw yourself the challenge of 8 to 12 weeks of unbroken focus on your swimming and see what can be achieved in that time frame? You might just surprise yourself!
Megan (and paddler!) during the 19.7km Rottnest Channel Swim |
A key part of achieving that consistency is your swimming demeanour. In last week's post Megan put it this way:
If you can face your training with an inner smile rather than an inner grimace you've got everything you need to be the next Megan. Don't fear the hard work but actively embrace it - that is the attitude of a true champion.
Swim Smooth!