Coulda Woulda Shoulda

We have all had those moments.  Those moments when we wish we would've done something differently.  Those moments when we know we could have done better.  Those moments when we know we should have taken that opportunity when we had the chance. Coulda, woulda, shoulda.  One of the most overused excuses, but probably the most illegitimate.  You can throw around this phrase all you want, but it won't change anything. You're not Marty McFly. You can't hop in your Delorean and go back to any future.  The only time you can prevent that coulda-woulda-shoulda feeling is in the here and now. In the present.

Looking back on my competitive swimming career, there are definitely some things I wish I would have done different.  But I can't change anything about that now.

Going to more practices is often something looked back on that would have helped swimmers.  When a coach is putting in the time to provide two practices per day, or practices on weekends you should definitely take advantage of those times! Sleep is not a good excuse to skip morning practices.  Those are the practices that are going to lift you up and push your willpower until your potential is maximized.  Practicing twice a day also leads to better conditioning and as a result, a better taper.  It also gives you more experience in the water.  Getting familiar with the water, your stroke, your turns, and even your teammates are all ways to get the most out of your swimming season and going to more practices is something that will assure this.

Trying harder during tough sets is something people tend to shy away from.  I don't know if it is the fact that it looks daunting when the coach writes it down on the paper, or the fact that swimmers know that additional effort leads to additional pain.  But as the saying goes, "Pain is temporary, pride is for ever."  These are the sets that are meant to push you past your limits.  These are the sets that make or break you.  When you can push yourself through the toughest sets in practice, it will build your conditioning and better yet your character.  This is only something that can be done in the pool. You can't go to bed at night and wish you would have tried harder.  That won't help you to accomplish anything.

One of the most important things to remember when you are swimming is to have no regrets.  If you can swim with no fears and no regrets you will maximize your potential and achieve more than you could have imagined.  Take advantage of any practices and lessons your coach has to offer (even it is 6am optional practice and the it's 5 degrees outside!!!) and push yourself past your normal limitations during sets that would normally intimidate you.

Coulda-woulda-shoulda is not a good feeling.
Swim with no fear.
Swim with no regrets.
100% of the time.