Specific Skills | Mediterra Swim & Run

Practice Involves Feedback

by Coach Mat | 25 Dec, 2016

Along with the previous article in this series describing the role of focal points (mental representations), we are getting to the heart of the practice with the feedback loop. If you have ever learned to play an instrument (or tried to) or just listened to music...

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...

Difficult And Enjoyable Practice

by Coach Mat | 12 Nov, 2016

This is the third part of a series on how we demonstrate Deliberate Practice principles in our particular way of training. You may start with Part 1, and Part 2. In Chapter 4 “The Gold Standard” in Peak: Secrets From The New Science Of Expertise, in the...