The Psychology of Swimming
How many of you have watched an elite Olympic level athlete on television and heard mention of their mental preparation for an upcoming competition? Now hands up how many of you who thought this type of training was only useful to the best of the best? ...
Swimming into 2013
Here are the most common swim coaching inquires to Fit&Abel over December and January: - I want to swim faster and more efficiently - I have trouble with my breathing - I am training for an open water swim or triathlon and need help - I have had shoulder trouble/injury If you have any one or multiple of these questions on the tip of your tongue you can see you are not alone. Here are some swim tips to help you on your way: Both swimming fitness and swimming technique will help you swim more efficiently and faster. Don’t neglect one for the other. Get some help; did you...
Goodbye 2012
What a year; Olympic swimming magic, good bye Michael Phelps and no surprise at the continued meteoric rise in the popularity of Open Water swimming. Some thoughts to finish 2012 … the most common goal I hear from a new swim client is : ‘I want to swim faster and more efficiently’. Is this achievable for everyone? Absolutely. Is it something your loved one can buy for you and place gift wrapped under the tree to be opened on on Christmas day? Yes and no. ‘Eh?’ I hear you say. Yes : knowledge is power. A swim technique book or video can help, swim lessons or swim membership to a swim group...
Fit&Abel Summer Downunder
Fit&Abel head coach Dan Abel is now back in New Zealand after 30 odd hours of travel back from the UK – it’s hard work following the sun. We have some great partners and swim opportunities this summer and if the first few weeks are anything to go by we are in for an action packed summer of open water swimming. We have started our Open Water Technique swims and our Ocean Skills swims. It’s not a silly idea to get your stroke sorted before heading into the Open Water, we are passionate about personalising technique training to YOU which is why we also offer 121 swim...
Swimming Around The World
I spent the majority of my swimmer career competing against and comparing myself to other swimmers. There are many factors that now entice me to open water swimming , one of the big draw cards is a desire take on and beat my toughest critic and competitor – myself. That is one of the reasons I can relate to the challenge that fellow open water swimmer Kate Willoughby is about to embark on as she sets out to become the first to ‘swim around the world’. Kate will be taking on that toughest of swimmer partners – her own mental spirit and fortitude....
Little Red Lighthouse Swim
Thanks to Simon for sharing his account of his recent 'Little Red Lighthouse Swim' Hudson Rover, NYC, 22 Sep...
That’s A Wrap
And so draws to a close an historical summer in London. Not that London is short of historical but this summer has certainly been one for the books. London 2012; Some of the most competitive and entertaining Olympic swimming ever, both in the pool and to my surprise the Serpentine delivered an amazing event in the 10km open water. The support and noise at the Paralympics has been at least equal to the Olympics. For us part time swimmers we have had a plethora of swim events, many unfortunately were postponed or cancelled due to the wettest summer in the last century; how ironic that...
Swim Opinion
August 2012 and we have just finished the pool events of what is arguably the most exciting swim meet in recent times. No matter what you’re swimming background it is hard not to get excited about Olympic swimming. I was lucky enough to attend some of the swim sessions, here are some thoughts…...
Swim Equipment Tips
Having the right equipment when swimming open water is so important; I am regularly giving tips to swimmers on what gear they should be using. At the end of the day it’s all about comfort and personal choice. If you are racing don’t save any new bit of kit for race day, test it in training first. If you are a recreational swimmer having good equipment can still make the difference between a good swim experience and a great one. No you don’t need to spend a fortune on gear. Here are my top tips: Seeing where you’re going is so important. All goggles have anti...
Summer?? 2012
Here we are half way through the year already. After one of the wettest and cloudiest starts to May London really turned it on for the last 10 days of the month. Average temperatures were around 25C and blue skies. The Speedo Human Race series went from threatening to cancel their May 27 swim due to frigid temperatures to holding an event in balmy 19C waters. Crazy. June seems to be starting like May, CWC, Cloudy, Wet, Cold....