Common Problems and Solutions | Mediterra Swim & Run

Overcoming Swimming Fears

by Coach Mat | 1 Aug, 2015

You may have heard it said something like this: there is no courage except in the presence of fear. Fear is what makes courage meaningful. *** The day before the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Race, while sitting at lunch on the boat during our pre-race training and...

Drink Up!

by Coach Mat | 11 Jul, 2015

As the heat of summer gradually builds into an oven-like experience here on the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey I am reminded annually to renew and improve my habit of hydration. That habit has gotten better for me but I still notice weaknesses in it. And I am betting...

Love Your Goggles

by Coach Mat | 17 Jun, 2015

It may sound like a silly question but… Do you love your goggles? Let me rephrase it… Do you love being able to see clearly and comfortably when you swim? It may sound like an obvious thing, or it may sound like no big deal. But care for your goggles is...

Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 3

by Coach Mat | 6 Jun, 2015

The practice advice continues from Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 2… *** You Can’t Do It All At Once You can’t perfect everything at once, or in one season. Yet, by race day, you’ve got to have some chosen skill improvements...

Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 2

by Coach Mat | 30 May, 2015

This essay continues from Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 1… *** Now, a bit of practical advice on Deep/Deliberate Practice. The Four Deliberate Practice Principles 1. Make it a specific, clearly-defined, skill objective. “I am going to swim...

Deep Practice Encouragement – Part 1

by Coach Mat | 23 May, 2015

I recently read Joshua Foer’s book “Moonwalking With Einstein: The Art And Science Of Remembering Everything” about his journey from an ordinary forgetful guy to the finals of the US Memory Championships a year later. Along the way he learned a great...