Playing with the cards you’ve been dealt

When I walk into the pool on a Monday night to coach the swim session, the first thing I do is read the faces. I look for the “look” that indicates “ready to go” or “beam me up Scotty”.

I have a session written ready to go. But if the faces are saying “I really wish I was home watching the channel seven news”, I go to plan “B”. Plan B is a lighter session with more emphasis on technique and drill work rather than trying to wring the last drop of energy out of my players.

There’ll be some who are ready to fire up, and some who are struggling. We’re all individuals. Some of the squad members are still struggling since the WA IM in early December. These are the athletes who have dug to the bottom of the barrel. It was only five weeks ago. It takes a long time to put back the emotional energy or “chi” which is used in a really courageous performance. That’s why top marathoners have only got two good races in them each year.

For my on-line athletes this decision is up to you. The squad athletes can’t hide what their body is telling me. But if you live in another city, look in the mirror. Your face will tell you if you should push yourself or back off and substitute a session with one of the easier sessions.

I’ve found there are times in the moon’s cycle when athletes bounce back quicker from a heavy Sunday session. Keep track of how you bounce back in your diary. A pattern starts to emerge.

Often only swimming 1000m is going to be more benificial than grinding out a 3000m session. You may just be wasting some of your “chi” to drive yourself through the bigger session.

When I write the programs, I write them to suit a perfect world where athletes get 8hrs sleep each night and have a good balanced diet. These athletes take their supplements, don’t drink excessively and have harmonious relationships.

Do you know anyone like this? The goal is to get as close to this as possible but it’s hard at times. You may have to adjust your training a little to fit into your life.

If you train in my Brisbane squad, I’ll adjust the work according to your body language or your feedback.

The important thing to remember is, it’s not soft to adjust a training plan to suit your energy levels, it’s smart.