Hi everyone. It's quite an old thread, but I've been absent for a while and I'm catching up.
Unfortunately I'm not a 6+ guy (minutes that is...
) and so what I have to say may not be so relevant. Also, it's difficult to put this into words.
Anyway, whilst everyone has they're own technique, I think Eric is probably 'right' (at least aligned with my experience) when he talks about conditioning the body through some tough warm-ups. I find that negative (or at least passive exhale statics) get my body ready quickly without tiring it out (I find long positive statics just boring and exhausting), whilst a good routine is essential for the mental side.
Another (controversial
) technique I use is a strange shallow, quickened breathing during the negative recoveries. This actually helps me concentrate and relax whilst putting more pressure on my body (I think I get less oxygen than I would breathing deeply). Davide Carrera asked me which Yogi taught it to me, which was amusing
.
I do as many negatives as is necessary to reach 2:15 (the number various depending on many factors) and then I go for the big one. It is good to be able to identify a benchmark that you can always hit despite the pressure of a competition. Actually in my last indoor competition they posted my name on the main list (lane E) but forgot to give it to the lane assistant. With 20 minutes to go she wouldn't let me in the water so I just settled down to do my negatives on the poolside. I hit 2:15 and kept going until they let me in (4 minutes before my official TOP
).
The feeling of wellbeing with full lungs is very helpful after so many negatives.
I find this whole preparation extremely difficult in the water and therefore prefer to stay dry as long as possible. This was a big step forward for me in competition - doing what I wanted to do (replicate lying on my bed) rather than following the official routine.
Rereading I think I'm a bit off thread. Oh well
, while I'm at it a big AUGURI to my friend and teamate Paolo Acanti who was just selected for the Italian National Team.
Ciao
Al
