Monday, December 1, 2008

First Competition Since Beijing

Wednesday I head to Atlanta for US Nationals. This will be the first meet I will have raced in since my competition ended in Beijing. I'm not quite sure what to think about it? I have been training pretty well in Austin and am happy with my progress so far. My strength in the weight-room is probably better than it has ever been, and I am getting more and more fit in the water everyday. How this will translate into racing remains to be seen.

Today I talked with Eddie about the meet and told him what I think I can realistically go. He told me he thinks I'm going to be on the fast side. I must say, it is such an amazing feeling to know how much confidence Eddie has in me! I work so hard for him and really listen to everything he says. There is no question that Eddie and Kris (Texas' assistant coach) have been the masterminds behind my success and have truly guided me like no one else could have. I have the utmost trust in what they tell me and the decisions we make together.

In terms of the times I think I can go at nationals...These are obviously not concrete but rather estimates of the range I think I should be in.
50 Free: 19.4-19.8
100 Free: 42.7-43.3
200 Free: 1:37.0-1:38.5
I would be happy with my performances if I swam within these ranges.

It is difficult to judge in swimming what is possible. The best thing to do is take a hard look at what you've done in the past and how you've felt on those particular occasions. Given my current level of fitness and strength I think these standards are both high yet attainable. Never make a goal that doesn't have both of those components. Goals must push us to be better while maintaining a realistic component that when achieved will give us greater confidence to do more in the future.

We'll see how this meet goes. I'm honestly really looking forward to racing and testing my body!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish luck and good speed to you. We know you can do it! Just remember to work a little fun into it while your at it. Looking forward to see how you do.

Anonymous said...

I will send you a free recipe when you meet one of these ranges:

50 Free: 19.4-19.8
100 Free: 42.7-43.3
200 Free: 1:37.0-1:38.5

I am ready for you to cash in!

Anonymous said...

Good luck, Garrett! We know you're gonna do well. Don't stress too much!

LUCY said...

Garrett, Good luck! I know you will get the job done..... Mentally and physically.

Garrett said...

Having fun is without a doubt an important aspect of being successful that cannot be overlooked...

A free recipe Waaahhhhoooo!

I don't really get stressed at meets like this...I look at it more of something fun and challenging than stressful.

Anonymous said...

Awesome!! Good Luck!! I am glad you have a coach so dedicated and has been right there all the way for your success. Just work hard and never lose sight and everything just falls into place. Can't wait to hear about how you do, but I am sure you will do just fine. I some open track meet and stuff here in Jan.-Feb. kinda nervous but pumped up for em. I want to be able to throw around 17-18m...that's fairly far, sometimes when I throw that 8lb. ball I'm like it's all dust off my shoulders..lol.. the other throwing I do like hammer and discus it reminds me of dancing in circles....I hope I have what it takes for one I don't have a coach yet, because for one I gave up sight in senior year so couldn't participate in a college setting yet, so I am on my own training and practicing for now.

Anyway's Are all your events just freestyle or are you doing any relay's or IM's???

Anonymous said...

maybe you're just anxious.. not really to get it over with. but just to see how much you've improved since beijing. maybe? anyhow... have fun! take it all in. and enjoy your time over there.

you've already done the work, just go and do your thing :)

Garrett said...

Good luck finding a coach...keep training hard.

I'm just excited to see what happens. I see this as a test...who knows what will happen??? I want to push my body and mind to go faster than I thought I could at this point in the season...

Anonymous said...

Thanks!! I need all the luck I can get! To me I am just doing what I love to do and without a coach it's hard but in 2 years I will be in a college setting and able to have the opportunity but as far as the college I am in now it doesn't support track. So maybe just maybe at an open I can find a coach. I am talking to some colleges as of now and seeing what I can do.


That's awesome!! It's a mystery. Your mind really controls everything.

Lauren Brent said...

Well, I guess that means you're going (or went) today... good luck!! I'm sure you'll do fine and I look forward to finding out how everything went!!! *hugforconfidence!* :)

Anonymous said...

Good luck!!

Garrett said...

keep working hard and you will find a coach...

thanks for the support for the meet:)

Anonymous said...

Thanks I appreciate it. Your welcome!!


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