Psychology | Mediterra Swim & Run

Training Pace Perception

by Coach Mat | 7 Jan, 2013

It may or may not be surprising to you to learn that holding consistent Pace is one of the most important skills for any swimmer desiring to race or accomplish a particular distance goal for the best possible outcome. This applies to 50 meters sprints to 1500 meters,...

Cold Showers Are Cool

by Coach Mat | 5 Dec, 2012

I mentioned in a previous post on this topic that while the sea was warming up last spring I noticed an interesting phenomenah – my body felt more chilled in 22 C water than it did in 21 C. I proposed a hypothesis that there was some sort of breaker switch in my...

Cool Discomfort Zone

by Coach Mat | 17 Nov, 2012

Last spring, as the cool Mediterranean Sea was gradually warming up under the sun, I noted this observation: I was more chilled in 23 C (74 F)water than in 22 C (72 F). I had started swimming in March when the water was 19 C (67 F) and used my quickjohn sleeveless...

Crest Or Slump

by Coach Mat | 12 Nov, 2012

I imagine that most who are drawn to Total Immersion are fairly motivated people. We see inspiring common threads in the kind of people who attend our training events. But I am sure even greatly motivated people struggle to keep the momentum of training or exercise...

Why Do I Slow Down?

by Coach Mat | 2 Nov, 2012

Why do I get tired and slow down as the swim progresses? Interpretation #1 Well, I got tired and so I slowed down. I must therefore work out harder to get in better shape so I can hold consistent pace at this distance. Interpretation #2 I lost concentration on...

Official Polar Bear

by Coach Mat | 17 Oct, 2012

I did it. Today in a cold lake in Windsor, outside London, with Coach Terry eagerly swimming ahead, I made it 12 minutes in 12 C water. The body was fine, but my ice cream headache was unbearably painful when I submerged the head. Once I got breath under control i...