[H2Open Newsletter] - Beware the perils of over-confidence (+ tips for swimming straighter)

Published: Wed, 09/16/15

   
Beware the perils of over-confidence
If someone asks you how you feel before a swimming event are you more likely to answer:
(a) Great! My training's gone really well and I'm going to smash it today
or (b) OK, I suppose. I've had a bit of a cold and my shoulder's a bit dodgy so I'm just hoping to get round really?
Even if you feel like (a), it's very British to give an answer more like (b) but everything I've read about your mental attitude and performance says that (a) is the way to go.
However, over-confidence can also be a problem, as I found out last Saturday. Luckily the consequences were minor but it was still a useful learning experience. So, here's why over-confidence can lead you astray in the water.
For something different this newsletter we've decided to share four readers' swimming stories. Check out their reports on the Scilly Isles, Malta to Gozo and back again, wild swimming in the Lake District and completing a 12-hour swim in a pool.
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Simon Griffiths
Founder & Publisher
H2Open Magazine
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Join an Aspire Channel Relay Swim in 2016
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Are you looking for the ultimate swim challenge? Something truly awe-inspiring? Join an Aspire relay team swimming the English Channel in 2016 and dive in to one of the greatest adventures of your life. Aspire are as passionate about the event as you are and will be with you all the way. To begin the journey and help support people paralysed by spinal cord injury email event co-ordinator, Andrew or phone him on 020 8420 8951.
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Maryvonne Le Brun recently took part in the annual 11km Malta-Gozo-Malta swim despite only taking up open water swimming three years ago. Find out why she recommends the swim (or the shorter Gozo-Malta swim, which takes place on the same day).
Malta Gozo Malta swim
Beth French loved the first Scilly Isles swim in 2014 so much that she went back for a second dose. Find out why.
Scilly swim
When Lynne Macgregor signed up for a 12-hour charity swim she hadn't planned on colliding with scuba divers or being bombed by children, but it was all for a good cause. She didn't like losing 600m though.
Lynne Macgregor
Liz Ginns and her boyfriend decided to swim in every swimmable lake in the Lake District. Find out why car drivers gave them strange looks and check out her recommendations for the best places to access the water.
Liz Ginns
Do the ASA survey for a chance to win a £50 voucher
Can you help the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) improve the experience for open water swimmers in England? All you need to do is complete their short survey about the sport – and if you do so before Friday 2 October you’ll be entered into a free prize draw to win one of three ASA goody bags, including a £50 high street voucher.​
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WIN A PLACE ON A MAXIMUM PERFORMANCES TRAINING DAY – OR CLAIM A £49 DISCOUNT

Here's a chance to win a place on a one-day training course with one of the UK's leading freestyle experts, Ed Sinclair, a double Olympian, World & European medallist and Ex-British and European freestyle record holder. Ed is running another series of swim clinics this autumn at Epsom College and Hampton Pool aimed at open water swimmers, triathletes and masters swimmers. A £49 discount is on offer for anyone who enters but doesn't win.

FIND OUT MORE AND ENTER​

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