Common Problems and Solutions | Mediterra Swim & Run

Expertise Takes Time

by Coach Mat | 1 Jan, 2017

As I near the end of this discussion of Anders Ericsson’s principles of Deliberate Practice which he laid out in his recent book Peak, I will give you the punch line right at the beginning: You get masterful swimming in return according to your investment of...

Form Better Mental Representations

by Coach Mat | 17 Dec, 2016

Anders Ericsson declares that “the main purpose of deliberate practice is to develop effective mental representations.” (page 75). It would therefore be very important that we figure out what mental representations are in the context of our deliberate swim...

Relax Your Shoulders!

by Coach Mat | 10 Dec, 2016

In addendum to the previous post on What Is Relaxation? I recall another experience I had in running where a specific “Relax!” instruction worked. You certainly know about the global athletics company Nike. It started in Eugene Oregon, my home state, and...

What Is Relaxation?

by Coach Mat | 3 Dec, 2016

A couple weeks ago I participated in a Chi Running workshop led by Master Coach Alice Diffely in Portland, Oregon USA. To prepare for the workshop I was reviewing some chapters in the Chi Running book to refresh my memory of the principles, drills and focal points. I...

Full Attention Required

by Coach Mat | 26 Nov, 2016

We are continuing our series on the application of Deliberate Practice in our way of training: Part 1 – The Definition Of Deliberate Practice Part 2 – Follow A Proven Effective Path Part 3 – Difficult And Enjoyable Practice Part 4 – Focus On...

Focus On Small, Specific Pieces

by Coach Mat | 20 Nov, 2016

We are continuing from Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3 in this discussion of the features of Ericsson’s Deliberate Practice concept. We will look at the importance of focusing training upon small, specific pieces of skill. I am referring to Chapter 4 “The...