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competition preparation questions
- Thread starterdannybuoy
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Thank you Eva,
For both a fine read and confirmation of what i too experienced, the me-me-me aspect of competitions. You know, i'm beginning to really enjoy that aspect? Part of that atmosphere of hushed concentration during the competition speaks volumes not only of the kind of concentration it takes to prepare for a max, but also of the respect divers have for each other. I found so far that the socializing happens after the competition, waiting for the results. Plus, you are a national champion now (are you going to blush again?), and champions aren't only allowed to be somewhat egocentrical, they are supposed to be, as it helps with preparation. Though nowhere near national champion, i try to also make my training be about training and not so much about socializing, but it's harder in the public pool, i found, not only because of the noise but also because of a slight shame i feel to do the rituals one does before a max. So competitions are an excellent chance to peak, and i think you can be proud of yourself that you did peak, and that -besides the obvious honor of being a champ- one of the most valuable things you might have gained from this experience is the knowledge that you can peak at competitions, despite nerves, road-accidents and dairy products.
For both a fine read and confirmation of what i too experienced, the me-me-me aspect of competitions. You know, i'm beginning to really enjoy that aspect? Part of that atmosphere of hushed concentration during the competition speaks volumes not only of the kind of concentration it takes to prepare for a max, but also of the respect divers have for each other. I found so far that the socializing happens after the competition, waiting for the results. Plus, you are a national champion now (are you going to blush again?), and champions aren't only allowed to be somewhat egocentrical, they are supposed to be, as it helps with preparation. Though nowhere near national champion, i try to also make my training be about training and not so much about socializing, but it's harder in the public pool, i found, not only because of the noise but also because of a slight shame i feel to do the rituals one does before a max. So competitions are an excellent chance to peak, and i think you can be proud of yourself that you did peak, and that -besides the obvious honor of being a champ- one of the most valuable things you might have gained from this experience is the knowledge that you can peak at competitions, despite nerves, road-accidents and dairy products.
Right you are - now go fetch my towel! 
I hope you had a great second competition - did you do anything different than in the first one?
Peaks ARE great as is the ability to concentrate. But I think that being self-absorbed all the way through a competition is a bad sign, a sign of insecurity. If people are (very) unsure about their performance in a competition, like I was, it is probably because they haven't found the right level in training. Then they rely too much on peaks to compensate for the lack of a good, basic level reached through training (or maybe just lack of knowledge about their basic level, which might still be good enough). Like Jome says, your level is what you can reach repeatedly and you only go into the competition with the bag of tricks you already have. There is definitely a little extra magic during competitions but it is very hard to rely on it every time.
For this reason, I am reconsidering my principle of not going for the records in training sessions, where I would usually surface before reaching the target. Superstition...
It would be better, I think, to build up my basic level as far as I can - hopefully matching or surpassing the target - and get a comfortable platform to peak from (or not) during competitions. But on the other hand, there was a strange comfort in surfacing during training, not far from my target in an easy dive, thinking "I could have done it if I wanted to"... Hope this is making sense.
Relaxation before one-shot performances will probably come with more routine in competitions. But also with training to the right level every time.
I hope you had a great second competition - did you do anything different than in the first one?
Peaks ARE great
as is the ability to concentrate. But I think that being self-absorbed all the way through a competition is a bad sign, a sign of insecurity. If people are (very) unsure about their performance in a competition, like I was, it is probably because they haven't found the right level in training. Then they rely too much on peaks to compensate for the lack of a good, basic level reached through training (or maybe just lack of knowledge about their basic level, which might still be good enough). Like Jome says, your level is what you can reach repeatedly and you only go into the competition with the bag of tricks you already have. There is definitely a little extra magic during competitions but it is very hard to rely on it every time.For this reason, I am reconsidering my principle of not going for the records in training sessions, where I would usually surface before reaching the target. Superstition...
It would be better, I think, to build up my basic level as far as I can - hopefully matching or surpassing the target - and get a comfortable platform to peak from (or not) during competitions. But on the other hand, there was a strange comfort in surfacing during training, not far from my target in an easy dive, thinking "I could have done it if I wanted to"... Hope this is making sense.
Relaxation before one-shot performances will probably come with more routine in competitions. But also with training to the right level every time.
Evita,
Congrats on the two national records!! An amazing first competition!
I think the strategy of not going for pbs in training is a good one, for certain things. Going for max effort is mentally exhausting. If it's been a while since your last competition, it does help, in my experience. For static, I need to push it in my training to get used to holding my breath for a long time. But for dynamic it's different.
My best competition experience ever was "training" for no-fins dynamic. I spent a month doing 25m repeats on 30 seconds of rest or more, just focusing on relaxing and technique. I never tried a max dynamic. At the competition, I pulled off 104m with ease, a new pb at the time. Totally surprised myself. But my mind was focused on 25m sections, not 100m sections. It was a great and low stress feeling.
Congrats on the two national records!! An amazing first competition!
I think the strategy of not going for pbs in training is a good one, for certain things. Going for max effort is mentally exhausting. If it's been a while since your last competition, it does help, in my experience. For static, I need to push it in my training to get used to holding my breath for a long time. But for dynamic it's different.
My best competition experience ever was "training" for no-fins dynamic. I spent a month doing 25m repeats on 30 seconds of rest or more, just focusing on relaxing and technique. I never tried a max dynamic. At the competition, I pulled off 104m with ease, a new pb at the time. Totally surprised myself. But my mind was focused on 25m sections, not 100m sections. It was a great and low stress feeling.
Haha, you know what they say about superstition, right? It brings bad luck...
I think we sort of train simularly, in that i tend to not go for a max either, and enjoy sticking to 60%, making that easier and working on technique and feel. But before these competitions i tried some longer dives, 80-85%, also to familiarize my body again with that almost panic feeling. The second competition went very well, so i think i'm going to stick to that routine. It went very well in that again, made some interesting mistakes, and again, did a PB.
Since i don't have a routine for static i tried something else this time, just one very short warm-up breath-hold. I'd also done my stretching laying down and sitting, plus i'd checked the schedule, oh, 500 times, so when i got in the water i was prepared, but in retrospect i have to do more and longer warm-up holds. I wasn't really floating away after OT this time, and was waiting for that first tap, which is not a good sign. I already knew it wasn't going to be good, and knew knowing that wasn't good either, so after i hit my AP i only fought a little, for about a minute, and decided to hold back for dynamic, coming up at 4'21. I'd practised the protocol in my head just before getting up, and it went well. It was satisfying despite being 40 seconds under my PB; what i really wanted to do was an 'official' 100.
The other thing i changed, not a mistake in retrospect, is that i swam a little after static, then ate two apples and put my feet up for about 15 minutes. I also did a standing, kind of swinging and moving (think drunk monkey) warm-up, to really make my legs loose and lactid-free. Now the pool was interesting, 25 meter long and 1 meter deep at one end, which makes for some fascinating turns. I practised those, contemplated going for a DNF, did a simple 60 meter dive and rested at the side for the last 15 minutes, fins off and feet in water. Got in my lane as soon as the guy before me got out, congratulated him on his 100, put on my fins and kind of lost track of the rest of the world from that point on. All i heard was the count-down, exhaled fully at 10 seconds before OT, left at 5 secs after, and all i kept thinking was "yes". Yes 25 meter turn, 50 turn oops but yes, 75 yes this is easy, i remembered to smile a little (i find that helps), cruised towards 100, got there and thought "Turn? Yes." so i did. First ever turn at 100. That was so exciting i immediately told myself "up! enough! keep it clean." so i surfaced. Was remarkably fresh, but took my time anyway to breathe, take off the mask, breathe, sign, breathe, and say "I'm okay". My heart danced as i waited for the judge, and when he showed me the white card i could've kissed him. Instead i shook his hand and those of the safety guys, and heard i did a 103. And because of that turn, and because a couple of the guys who normally do well over 100's now gave up at 75 and 100, i came in second in dynamic. Second in my second, a silver plaque to remind me.
So more warm-up before static for me, and some food after, and legs up. Now back to training, but this time 65 meter laps, hurah. And this competition i was already less nervous, though, as you can tell, still in full me-me-me mode (get your own damn towel ), but i've noticed that most divers are somewhat nervous. Not necessarily a bad thing, you know? But maybe you'll enjoy doing a max during training every once in a while (when i do them i do them at the end of a training, so i still get in a good session and if it doesn't go well, i have the excuse that i already exhausted myself).
I think we sort of train simularly, in that i tend to not go for a max either, and enjoy sticking to 60%, making that easier and working on technique and feel. But before these competitions i tried some longer dives, 80-85%, also to familiarize my body again with that almost panic feeling. The second competition went very well, so i think i'm going to stick to that routine. It went very well in that again, made some interesting mistakes, and again, did a PB.
Since i don't have a routine for static i tried something else this time, just one very short warm-up breath-hold. I'd also done my stretching laying down and sitting, plus i'd checked the schedule, oh, 500 times, so when i got in the water i was prepared, but in retrospect i have to do more and longer warm-up holds. I wasn't really floating away after OT this time, and was waiting for that first tap, which is not a good sign. I already knew it wasn't going to be good, and knew knowing that wasn't good either, so after i hit my AP i only fought a little, for about a minute, and decided to hold back for dynamic, coming up at 4'21. I'd practised the protocol in my head just before getting up, and it went well. It was satisfying despite being 40 seconds under my PB; what i really wanted to do was an 'official' 100.
The other thing i changed, not a mistake in retrospect, is that i swam a little after static, then ate two apples and put my feet up for about 15 minutes. I also did a standing, kind of swinging and moving (think drunk monkey) warm-up, to really make my legs loose and lactid-free. Now the pool was interesting, 25 meter long and 1 meter deep at one end, which makes for some fascinating turns. I practised those, contemplated going for a DNF, did a simple 60 meter dive and rested at the side for the last 15 minutes, fins off and feet in water. Got in my lane as soon as the guy before me got out, congratulated him on his 100, put on my fins and kind of lost track of the rest of the world from that point on. All i heard was the count-down, exhaled fully at 10 seconds before OT, left at 5 secs after, and all i kept thinking was "yes". Yes 25 meter turn, 50 turn oops but yes, 75 yes this is easy, i remembered to smile a little (i find that helps), cruised towards 100, got there and thought "Turn? Yes." so i did. First ever turn at 100. That was so exciting i immediately told myself "up! enough! keep it clean." so i surfaced. Was remarkably fresh, but took my time anyway to breathe, take off the mask, breathe, sign, breathe, and say "I'm okay". My heart danced as i waited for the judge, and when he showed me the white card i could've kissed him. Instead i shook his hand and those of the safety guys, and heard i did a 103. And because of that turn, and because a couple of the guys who normally do well over 100's now gave up at 75 and 100, i came in second in dynamic. Second in my second, a silver plaque to remind me.
So more warm-up before static for me, and some food after, and legs up. Now back to training, but this time 65 meter laps, hurah. And this competition i was already less nervous, though, as you can tell, still in full me-me-me mode (get your own damn towel
), but i've noticed that most divers are somewhat nervous. Not necessarily a bad thing, you know? But maybe you'll enjoy doing a max during training every once in a while (when i do them i do them at the end of a training, so i still get in a good session and if it doesn't go well, i have the excuse that i already exhausted myself).
Congratulations!
LOL - I'll just have to knock on wood then...
That's 9 out of 10 statics for me. Wish I knew how to change that :head
1 meter deep? Those must have been REALLY creative turns. I always whine about our 1.10 meter shallow end with its "sand paper" bottom, but I will just stop that now...
I usually do max (or pseudo-max) attempts in the middle or second half of the training session, but the excuse is still valid, I think
dannybuoy said:
LOL - I'll just have to knock on wood then...
dannybuoy said:
That's 9 out of 10 statics for me. Wish I knew how to change that :head
dannybuoy said:
1 meter deep? Those must have been REALLY creative turns. I always whine about our 1.10 meter shallow end with its "sand paper" bottom, but I will just stop that now...
dannybuoy said:
I usually do max (or pseudo-max) attempts in the middle or second half of the training session, but the excuse is still valid, I think
Hello! I'm the young norwegian girl...
I've been reading this thead a little before Aarhus triple challenge, which was also my first competition. There's a lot of good advise here, so thanx! And I've finally found the time to sit down and tell you guys what I do...
I don't have any good training buddies where I live, so I almost never do statics or max dynamics. So when talking about a routine for this, I don't have one yet! But with a little help from other competitors and people that I met, I put together simple warm up that worked fine, and most importantly didnt stress me up.
I do stretching about 45-60 min before OT, ready my equipment and then lies down to relax. For statics I do two warm up dives so that I finish at least 15 min before OT, then go out of the water, dry up a bit and relax/breath.
I do dynamic in a modified Murat-style with no warm ups and no breath ups. What I do, is only laying down, keeping warm and focus on my dive, almost going into a sleepy state. I'm trying to prepare my mind to handle the difficulties I know I'll meet and telling myself that I AM going to do it, not giving up. This is the most important thing I do before a dive and the part that separates a good one from a bad.
At official top (or just before) I take a deep breath and lie down like for static. After 30-60 seconds, I begin to swim, very very slowly at first. I feel this method, which I've only just learnt in Gothenburg, makes my dive responds kick in earlier and stonger. Especially my heartbeat really slows down. The contrations also comes much sooner, around 25-35m, and so does the lactic acid. But my head is crystal clear, and that's most important...
I'll try out other technics as well, as I'm in fact a newbee (started a little training one year ago). But I'm lucky to be one of those people who don't really get the nerves so I had a great time the entire competition days. Talking with all the other people is such a great way of learning! I am most greatfull to all of those who shared their time and experience. I'll definatly go competing again!!!
Elisabeth
I've been reading this thead a little before Aarhus triple challenge, which was also my first competition. There's a lot of good advise here, so thanx! And I've finally found the time to sit down and tell you guys what I do...
I don't have any good training buddies where I live, so I almost never do statics or max dynamics. So when talking about a routine for this, I don't have one yet! But with a little help from other competitors and people that I met, I put together simple warm up that worked fine, and most importantly didnt stress me up.
I do stretching about 45-60 min before OT, ready my equipment and then lies down to relax. For statics I do two warm up dives so that I finish at least 15 min before OT, then go out of the water, dry up a bit and relax/breath.
I do dynamic in a modified Murat-style with no warm ups and no breath ups. What I do, is only laying down, keeping warm and focus on my dive, almost going into a sleepy state. I'm trying to prepare my mind to handle the difficulties I know I'll meet and telling myself that I AM going to do it, not giving up. This is the most important thing I do before a dive and the part that separates a good one from a bad.
At official top (or just before) I take a deep breath and lie down like for static. After 30-60 seconds, I begin to swim, very very slowly at first. I feel this method, which I've only just learnt in Gothenburg, makes my dive responds kick in earlier and stonger. Especially my heartbeat really slows down. The contrations also comes much sooner, around 25-35m, and so does the lactic acid. But my head is crystal clear, and that's most important...
I'll try out other technics as well, as I'm in fact a newbee (started a little training one year ago). But I'm lucky to be one of those people who don't really get the nerves so I had a great time the entire competition days. Talking with all the other people is such a great way of learning! I am most greatfull to all of those who shared their time and experience. I'll definatly go competing again!!!
Elisabeth
laminar said:
Yes, I tend to agree. During training, I much prefered enjoying some easy dives as part of a preparation and then hoping for a good day at the competition, instead of trying and failing one too many times at something hard. That can make you stop believing in yourself.
But to rely on guessing was quite hard during the competition. Like Dannybuoy, I also did my first 100m turn this weekend and thought "wow, strange territory - I should surface soon", because of the new experience. Sometimes it helps to have done things before.
Or maybe looking ahead to new territory gave an extra edge, I don't know. Probably it is not the black-or-white area I would like it to be, should try both...
Elizabeth,
That's neat that you tried the Murat style dynamic. Did you use a full exhale and hold your breath on the surface or underwater? How did you distance compare to other dynamics when you did them the old way (if you did any recently)? What was your dive time, if you know it?
Have you tried doing them on a passive exhale/ FRC/FRV?
Cool!
I've been diving this way recreationally for almost 8 months now and find it incredibly relaxing. But I have not tried it at a competition.
Evita,
I haven't done an attempt on a pb in any discipline for a long time. I think at a certain point, breaking your old pbs can become fairly daunting, even if you believe logically that you should be able to do it. That's why I like to train in a way that prepares me well for the max effort, but leaves me with little expectations.
The only time setting a specific goal worked for me was a funny episode a long time ago at a competition in Vancouver. Eric Fattah did 123m in dynamic, breaking a record that I had held at the time. I went next and made 125m. It was a pretty crazy feeliing.
But now the tables are turned. The Canadian record is 150m by Eric Fattah and I haven't done a max dynamic in 2 years! So it's a hard thing to trick my brain into feeling casual about. "Oh, just go and see what you can do…" says one half of me and the other half says "Over 150m." Panic sets in. :duh
In Canada this year, our Regional competition in May was cancelled and so we only have Nationals and that's it. Should be a competition full of surprises!
That's neat that you tried the Murat style dynamic. Did you use a full exhale and hold your breath on the surface or underwater? How did you distance compare to other dynamics when you did them the old way (if you did any recently)? What was your dive time, if you know it?
Have you tried doing them on a passive exhale/ FRC/FRV?
Cool!
I've been diving this way recreationally for almost 8 months now and find it incredibly relaxing. But I have not tried it at a competition.
Evita,
I haven't done an attempt on a pb in any discipline for a long time. I think at a certain point, breaking your old pbs can become fairly daunting, even if you believe logically that you should be able to do it. That's why I like to train in a way that prepares me well for the max effort, but leaves me with little expectations.
The only time setting a specific goal worked for me was a funny episode a long time ago at a competition in Vancouver. Eric Fattah did 123m in dynamic, breaking a record that I had held at the time. I went next and made 125m.
It was a pretty crazy feeliing. But now the tables are turned. The Canadian record is 150m by Eric Fattah and I haven't done a max dynamic in 2 years! So it's a hard thing to trick my brain into feeling casual about. "Oh, just go and see what you can do…" says one half of me and the other half says "Over 150m." Panic sets in. :duh
In Canada this year, our Regional competition in May was cancelled and so we only have Nationals and that's it. Should be a competition full of surprises!
Holy crap, Elisabeth!
You did 133 meters on your first competition, after only a year of training, and after a minute of static? That's insane! I'm definitely trying that tomorrow! So when do you know to go? Do you go progressively faster? How far can you go when you start at the start, the more, say, traditional way? Did you know you could do 133? Did you enjoy the dive?
Wow, how awesome is that? Newbies rule!
I can honestly say i've never had that, be it under water or above :duh That would probably scare me s***less. If it happens to me tomorrow, i'm suing you, haha.
You did 133 meters on your first competition, after only a year of training, and after a minute of static? That's insane! I'm definitely trying that tomorrow! So when do you know to go? Do you go progressively faster? How far can you go when you start at the start, the more, say, traditional way? Did you know you could do 133? Did you enjoy the dive?
Wow, how awesome is that? Newbies rule!
I can honestly say i've never had that, be it under water or above :duh That would probably scare me s***less. If it happens to me tomorrow, i'm suing you, haha.
laminar said:
Yes, I guess it becomes scary when you reach the marginals and really need to be in perfect tune the whole way for the next dive to surpass the last one. I am no way near that - luckily, I still have a lot fairly basic improvements to do.
But I can almost understand it (_almost_) when the really top competitors quit halfway through an attempt instead of going all the way and doing something short of what they wanted. I witnessed this many times this weekend...
The dive itself is with full lungs, but I usually do some exhale statics on land warming up (which I forgot to do sunday!). So it's not exactly Murat style, but something like it. The whole dive takes around 3 min including the static (at the 133m dive: ca 30sec). I go quite slowly, trying to speed up at the end when my body is already working anaerobic.
I did 112m in march the normal way, but I haven't tried it for max since then. But I've done some 75m that feels as hard as 100m murat-style. The thing I find is that when diving "normal", I reach a very tough point where the contractions are really bad. If I manage to fight it, it passed (around 100+), but then I really don't feel it anymore when to come up. I'm afraid to be on the edge without knowing it.
When I dive my on way, my legs burn the whole dive, not just the end, and it seems that the only thing stopping me is the legs getting to heavy.
I would really like to hear how you others are experiencing the different fases of a dynamic.... We are all different, but can surely learn something new
I did 112m in march the normal way, but I haven't tried it for max since then. But I've done some 75m that feels as hard as 100m murat-style. The thing I find is that when diving "normal", I reach a very tough point where the contractions are really bad. If I manage to fight it, it passed (around 100+), but then I really don't feel it anymore when to come up. I'm afraid to be on the edge without knowing it.
When I dive my on way, my legs burn the whole dive, not just the end, and it seems that the only thing stopping me is the legs getting to heavy.
I would really like to hear how you others are experiencing the different fases of a dynamic.... We are all different, but can surely learn something new
And sorry, I forgot to answer one... I enjoyed the entire dive and felt strong. When I got my white card I couldn't stop laughing and smiling So I'm looking forward to my next comp!
So I'm looking forward to my next comp!
Thanks for the tips, Elisabeth,
Tried your method on wednesday, had one of the most relaxing times since doing static in a bubblebath. Did an easy easy 80 in a little over 3 minutes, laughed hard afterwards, felt excellent and more like 2 minutes. Can definitely see now what you like about it; it's like floating. Thing is, though, did 3 of them, the second being the 80, and after the third (70+) i was very tired. Normally, even when i train at 80%, i can keep going for much longer than 3 relatively easy dives. Is it just because it's new for me, or is this method no good for multiple dives, or? How do you train this? Today i did it my usual way at 60%, and did 20 dives without getting anywhere near as tired as wednesday, so am i just a Murat-whimp or did it take you a while too? And how do you warm up for something like this at competition? Same style but shorter dives or 'regular' dynamics?
Am i asking too many questions? Please excuse me, had a great time and want to do it again, but without getting so exhausted. Also, not entirely sure the staff at the pool like seeing someone laying there, then taking off as they're about to come to the rescue.
Tried your method on wednesday, had one of the most relaxing times since doing static in a bubblebath. Did an easy easy 80 in a little over 3 minutes, laughed hard afterwards, felt excellent and more like 2 minutes. Can definitely see now what you like about it; it's like floating. Thing is, though, did 3 of them, the second being the 80, and after the third (70+) i was very tired. Normally, even when i train at 80%, i can keep going for much longer than 3 relatively easy dives. Is it just because it's new for me, or is this method no good for multiple dives, or? How do you train this? Today i did it my usual way at 60%, and did 20 dives without getting anywhere near as tired as wednesday, so am i just a Murat-whimp or did it take you a while too? And how do you warm up for something like this at competition? Same style but shorter dives or 'regular' dynamics?
Am i asking too many questions? Please excuse me, had a great time and want to do it again, but without getting so exhausted. Also, not entirely sure the staff at the pool like seeing someone laying there, then taking off as they're about to come to the rescue.
Hey dannybouy! No problem at all with some questions
The thing is I'm also very new to this technic, have only done five dives this way (including two at the comp). You see, I don't do this for my normal training, only for long dives. That is because I want to be warm and dry and then just suddenly jump in the water and dive. My warm-up for a murat-dive, is a few exhale statics on land, ten min laying down relaxing and then go. The real effect comes when my body is shocked with the cold water and realises: Wow, we've gotta save the fuel! Then the pulse drop quickly... And then you start your dive, just floating away!!! It's really nice.
I get very tired both mentally and in my legs after these dives, which isn't that strange since they're long ones. On normal work-outs (since I don't have a buddy), I only train technic and a some CO2 tolerance and then do several, shorter dives (not more than about 50-60%) the normal way. Maybe it does work to do the murat-style regularly to train the dive-reflex? I really don't know! I've gotta get a buddy and try it out... You should not try this without a spotter, both for your own well-being and others
Now a little question for you. When you said it was an easy dive, how did your legs feel? Contractions? etc... How does it compare to your normal dives? I'm quite interested in others experiences with this technic, so let me know
The thing is I'm also very new to this technic, have only done five dives this way (including two at the comp). You see, I don't do this for my normal training, only for long dives. That is because I want to be warm and dry and then just suddenly jump in the water and dive. My warm-up for a murat-dive, is a few exhale statics on land, ten min laying down relaxing and then go. The real effect comes when my body is shocked with the cold water and realises: Wow, we've gotta save the fuel! Then the pulse drop quickly... And then you start your dive, just floating away!!! It's really nice.
I get very tired both mentally and in my legs after these dives, which isn't that strange since they're long ones. On normal work-outs (since I don't have a buddy), I only train technic and a some CO2 tolerance and then do several, shorter dives (not more than about 50-60%) the normal way. Maybe it does work to do the murat-style regularly to train the dive-reflex? I really don't know! I've gotta get a buddy and try it out... You should not try this without a spotter, both for your own well-being and others
Now a little question for you. When you said it was an easy dive, how did your legs feel? Contractions? etc... How does it compare to your normal dives? I'm quite interested in others experiences with this technic, so let me know
That makes things a lot more clear.
Figured this technique was more for the long long dives. Pretty gutsy of you to dare to commit to it for competition, especially since this was only your fifth.
About my attempts, i did have a spotter (and a couple of people standing there with their mouths hanging open, but ah well, the sacrifices we make), and on the easy 80, i laid still for i think 50 seconds. When i noticed i was calm enough, i slowly went down and kicked my fins in a way that cost the least energy. Had my eyes half-closed, half a smile on my face, and like you said, had early first contractions. Usually i get them around 40-50 meters, this time 25-30 meters in. But they were milder than usual, really no problem to handle. After the turn, i'd say around 60, they got a bit harder, but still no real struggle. At 80 the urge to breathe was about the same as in a normal 60 dive, i think, and i decided to go up. The legs were fine, since i'd barely used them; i was really going sloooooooowwwzzz . The funny thing was that when i tried again, all of a sudden i had cement in my legs and wasn't relaxed at all anymore.
So next time i think i'll do a little Murat dance at the end of a session, and speed up a little as contractions come. Looking back on it, i think you were spot on with your comment that it feels more clear; when i get to the struggle faze of a regular dive, my head gets a bit fuzzy, well, fuzzier than normal, but this style feels more aware, more relaxed and more fun. Maybe it's going to be more meters too, eh? I can imagine you're a bit more in control right near the end as well, right? In any case, you've added a great technique to my repertoire, so thank you lots for that. Did you get a lot of positive feedback after the competition?
Figured this technique was more for the long long dives. Pretty gutsy of you to dare to commit to it for competition, especially since this was only your fifth.
About my attempts, i did have a spotter (and a couple of people standing there with their mouths hanging open, but ah well, the sacrifices we make), and on the easy 80, i laid still for i think 50 seconds. When i noticed i was calm enough, i slowly went down and kicked my fins in a way that cost the least energy. Had my eyes half-closed, half a smile on my face, and like you said, had early first contractions. Usually i get them around 40-50 meters, this time 25-30 meters in. But they were milder than usual, really no problem to handle. After the turn, i'd say around 60, they got a bit harder, but still no real struggle. At 80 the urge to breathe was about the same as in a normal 60 dive, i think, and i decided to go up. The legs were fine, since i'd barely used them; i was really going sloooooooowwwzzz . The funny thing was that when i tried again, all of a sudden i had cement in my legs and wasn't relaxed at all anymore.
So next time i think i'll do a little Murat dance at the end of a session, and speed up a little as contractions come. Looking back on it, i think you were spot on with your comment that it feels more clear; when i get to the struggle faze of a regular dive, my head gets a bit fuzzy, well, fuzzier than normal, but this style feels more aware, more relaxed and more fun. Maybe it's going to be more meters too, eh? I can imagine you're a bit more in control right near the end as well, right? In any case, you've added a great technique to my repertoire, so thank you lots for that. Did you get a lot of positive feedback after the competition?
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Hey Y'all,
I have been paying a bit of attention to this thread and found it very interesting.
Just one question - how can you train to increase your overall dynamic distance + static apnea?
When I do try for a personal best or just do 50 M dynamics it is very painful usually and I have a quite difficult time - is the pain I am feeling a good thing? I normally don't train for a sport like freediving where more pain could potentially be a bad thing or lead to a blackout.
Anyways, great thread just thought I would stop in and ask a a few questions.
-John
I have been paying a bit of attention to this thread and found it very interesting.
Just one question - how can you train to increase your overall dynamic distance + static apnea?
When I do try for a personal best or just do 50 M dynamics it is very painful usually and I have a quite difficult time - is the pain I am feeling a good thing? I normally don't train for a sport like freediving where more pain could potentially be a bad thing or lead to a blackout.
Anyways, great thread just thought I would stop in and ask a a few questions.
-John
Hey John,
For good tips on training in general try this link:
[ame="http://forums.deeperblue.net/showthread.php?t=64959"]How to start Freediving[/ame]
But please be careful with the pain. I mean, if you're talking about the regular things like contractions and burning legs, then stop thinking about it in terms of pain (you whimp :t ). But if it's pain as in 'hot needles in my brain' or 'acid in my throat', worry. And see a doctor.
For good tips on training in general try this link:
[ame="http://forums.deeperblue.net/showthread.php?t=64959"]How to start Freediving[/ame]
But please be careful with the pain. I mean, if you're talking about the regular things like contractions and burning legs, then stop thinking about it in terms of pain (you whimp :t ). But if it's pain as in 'hot needles in my brain' or 'acid in my throat', worry. And see a doctor.
Sounds like you've found the reason yourself for WHY I do it this way... The dive simply gives you another feeling, a better one in my eyes. It's more calm and more in control. And maybe it can take us really far one day?
When I'm closing up on the end of the dive, it's my legs, the contractions and a little voice in my head ("now you've done long enough!") that make me surface. There's seems to be lots of O2 for my head, which is the only part where I feel fine just then. Thinking about it I can do over 3 min of quite hard contractions in static and I can train my legs. So where is the limit gonna be? I'll just have to check it out
I did get a lot of positive feedback, even from "the big guys" who also helped me alot during the comp. Being around with people that have done WR's and stuff gives you an extra edge and you start believing in yourself.... So one of the things I've learned: Open up the horizon and start believing it is possible. Only then will it happen Good luck on your training, Dannybuoy!
When I'm closing up on the end of the dive, it's my legs, the contractions and a little voice in my head ("now you've done long enough!") that make me surface. There's seems to be lots of O2 for my head, which is the only part where I feel fine just then. Thinking about it I can do over 3 min of quite hard contractions in static and I can train my legs. So where is the limit gonna be? I'll just have to check it out
I did get a lot of positive feedback, even from "the big guys" who also helped me alot during the comp. Being around with people that have done WR's and stuff gives you an extra edge and you start believing in yourself.... So one of the things I've learned: Open up the horizon and start believing it is possible. Only then will it happen
Good luck on your training, Dannybuoy!