Setting goals as an open water swimmer is crucial for improving performance and staying motivated. Whatever your goal is, having clear and attainable goals can keep you motivated and on track, whether you're a beginner, a pool swimmer, or a seasoned open water swimmer. By setting specific, measurable, and realistic goals, you can track your progress, stay accountable, and push yourself to reach new PB's in the water.
It's important for open water swimmers to set SMART goals - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.
It's all about having specific targets, like swimming a certain distance in a specific time or working on your stroke skills. By breaking down large goals into smaller, more manageable steps, you can stay on track and monitor your progress more effectively. Keep in mind the importance of consistently reassessing your goals and adapting them as required, depending on your progress and evolving circumstances. By setting goals that are challenging enough yet attainable, you can continue to push yourself and help reach your full potential in your training and racing.
If a part of your goal is transitioning from the pool to the open water, consider incorporating open water swim practices into your training routine to build confidence and get you used to the different conditions. Remember, training does not just happen in the pool. So training for open water swimming also means getting used to being out in actual open water - And possibly a long way from shore, no bottom to see or line to follow, ‘things’ to be encountered. Don’t let any of that freak you out, take it all in and enjoy the moment. Ensure that you practice this too before the goal is upon you.
If you’re new to open water swimming or are looking to transition from the pool to the open water, check out our article ‘Transitioning from the Pool to the Outdoors’ for helpful tips and insights as you dive in.
Transitioning from the Pool to the Outdoors
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November 7, 2023
Pool Training and Conditioning is a Must! Swimming in open water is more challenging than in a pool. A higher level of fitness and swimming ability are required due to the absence of lane markings, the existence of currents, and the vast body of water. Make sure to build your pool endurance up before setting out in the open water. Using the pool for open…
One effective strategy for setting and achieving your goals is to establish both short-term and long-term objectives. Short-term goals can provide you with immediate targets to focus on, while long-term goals can help you stay motivated and committed to your training over time.
Using different apps such as Strava to track your progress will help you stay accountable and see your improvements over time. Because we all want those Strava achievement ribbons. Join different clubs, find like-minded peers, and challenge your friends in different Group Challenges. This is a great way to stay lightly competitive while hyping your mates up along the way.
A good place to start is to join the Ruby Fresh Strava club. Our goal is to create an open water swimming community where you can read about swimming, share your swims, banter, and take part in challenges.
Thinking about the bigger picture, it’s important for open water swimmers to not only focus on physical goals but also to consider mental and emotional well-being in the process. By taking a holistic approach to goal-setting and incorporating self-care practices, you can ensure that you are in the best possible mindset to achieve success in the sport. The mental game is just as important as the physical game!
This includes prioritizing rest and recovery, practicing mindfulness techniques, and seeking support from coaches, teammates, and professionals when needed. By addressing all aspects of your well-being, you can build resilience and set yourself up for success.
Having a circle of support in goal setting is important because it provides accountability and encouragement. When you have your circle cheering you on and holding you accountable, you are more likely to stay motivated and focused on achieving your goals. Having a support system can also help you navigate challenges and setbacks that may arise along the way. They can offer advice, perspective, and encouragement to help you stay on track and overcome any obstacles.
Write down what you really want, think long term, 5 years even. Define what success looks like for you. Think big. The HAG… The Hairy Audacious Goal.
Write down a couple of short-term goals that will help drive you to your long-term goals.
Think about who is in your circle of support. I.e. your coach, family and friends, etc. Your circle of support will be going on the journey with you so ensure that you’re picking the right people that can hold you accountable.
Create a list of your strengths and weaknesses/work-ons that are required to keep you on track with achieving your goals. Remember that these are not all just physical strengths/work-ons. Be sure to think about things like time management, nutrition, and mental strength. Prioritise your work-ons in order from most important to least important, while considering your goals and what will help you the most.
Now you need to create an action plan for each work-on. Break this down into three parts:
Outcomes. What does success look like?
Actions. What do I need to do to be successful?
Measures. How am I going to measure my progress?
Share your plan with your circle of support.
Regular check-ins/reflection time. Set yourself realistic timeframes for a check-in. Whether this check-in is on your own, or with your circle of support. Ask yourself if you are on track to achieve your goals, what is going well, and what isn’t going so well. Don’t forget to take notes during your reviews!
Goal setting is not just about writing things down and reviewing them once the time has come. It requires you to live and breathe this plan. Embrace and trust the process, be persistent, and learn and grow from any challenges that get thrown your way. The time is now.
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