Saturday, January 17, 2009

Florida Update

I'm still here enjoying my time in Florida. I trained with Randy from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday afternoon. I gave a clinic to his team on Thursday. I loved speaking to his team and demonstrating some swimming techniques in the water. It is extremely fulfilling to share my experiences with others and help them better understand proper stroke technique.

One thing I always wonder after I give a talk is whether or not I touched on the subjects people really wanted to hear about. I try to tailor each of my speeches to the specific audience I'm dealing with but I feel as though it's hard to ever know for sure if I was successful. My guess is that there will always be people who would have liked to have heard more about something and less about another...and vice versa. Either way, lots of people told me they really enjoyed it so I was happy.

I swam the 50 free last night and swam pretty slow. I went 20.89. Actually that is very slow. At this point of the season I'm just coming off really hard winter training and still continuing to beat myself up in the water. However, the way I look at it is the slower I swim and the more tired I am now...the faster I will go this summer. There are only so many times per year I can swim fast and be totally ready to perform at my max. For now, I am simply busting my butt in the water and in the weight-room so those awesome swims come when they really matter...this summer.

I will be swimming the 100 Freestyle today and the 200 Freestyle tomorrow. I'm thinking about going to St. Pete today after the meet and checking out the ocean down there. It should be fun. I'll let you know how it goes!

9 comments:

Kyle M. said...

"I went 20.89. Actually that is very slow."

Haha...Wow. I guess, with regard to personal bests, I see what you're talking about, but my goodness, that is still fast!

I love your blog, Garrett! I've been a reader for a while now, but I'd never commented and figured I'd say hi. Hope you enjoy the rest of your visit to Florida, and good luck with the continuing training!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the experience of swimming. Its an interesting and intelligent! A really great quote for motivation--- "If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit - you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards."-BB

Anonymous said...

Thank you for keeping us update and good luck for tomorrow....:)

Anonymous said...

As a parent of one of the swimmers to whom you gave the clinic, I wish to tell you it hit all the right notes.. My swimmer has more understanding of what it takes to succeed, and the dedication required by both from the swimmer and the entire family, than before. I still have not stopped hearing the phrase "Garrett said..." even today!

You have sparked the beginning of understanding of this sport that others have never been able to get to.

Thank you for your time in Clearwater! The team and the parents appreciated the amount of time you spent with us, and your willingness to share both your self and your stories.. Training near you made you seem more real and goals possible.

Hope to see you in Clearwater again someday!

Kait W. said...

Thanks for keeping us updated Garrett, it's really awesome that you take time for your fans! P.S. 20.89 might be slow for you considering what you have done, but that is still really fast! Keep pushing, you inspire so many every day!

Anonymous said...

I swam in that meet and got to watch that 50 from the deck. it was pretty amazing.
I personally swam better times at the meet but i felt really slow in that pool, it was rather frusterating.

Garrett said...

You're absolutely right...I should have clarified. Me going 20.8 is only slow in comparison to my expectations... I'm glad you like my blog. That means a lot to me:)

I love sharing my experiences with other people. Good quote.

I was so happy to be able to come to Clearwater and enjoy everyone hear. Thanks for the wonderful time!

I'm glad you liked the races this weekend...

Anonymous said...

I, too, am a parent of one of the CAT swimmers. Many thanks for coming to Clearwater and sharing your time and techniques with our kids and swimming with our kids in the Al Soltis meet. I think your comments during your swim clinic connected with all the kids - not an easy feat given the huge age span in your target audience (five to eighteen). As a parent, I especially admired your sharing that the accomplishment you were most proud of was graduating from UT - something I think our kids really needed to hear. Your comment complements Coach (Randy) Reese's philosophy that kids need to work hard and grow in all spheres, not just athletics.

My six-year-old daughter was simply awe-struck to meet you in person, see you swim, and have you sign her backpack and photos. She is normally quite talkative, but when she met you she was speechless! We also admired your patience and persistent smile with the throngs of young swimmers seeking your autograph.

Best wishes for continued success and fulfillment in all your endeavors. Hope to see you back again at CAT!

Anonymous said...

Hi I too am a parent and coach for a team that came tot he meet at CAT. Thank you so much for giving of yourself and being and inspiration to our swimmers. Love your blog too!


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