Lara's Blog

Back to the Drawing Board

Tina — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:30:19 +0000

I hear that the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over, but expecting a different result. That’s what Lara is NOT doing, the same things that did not work. With a disappointing performance at US Nationals last month, Lara returned to Tucson determined to figure out how to get a different result. Was she disappointed? You bet. Did she beat herself up? Maybe a little. But then gradually I see a little light come on and it’s getting brighter and brighter. Lara has looked at what did not work and has decided to mix it up this fall. The first thing she did was sign up for boxing classes. Why would she do that, to beat someone up? Watch out just in case. She was invited by a friend to try the boxing gym. Lara absolutely LOVES it! She goes to about 4 classes a week warming up with the jump rope and working out her arms with the medicine ball. What a great way to improve her endurance and upper body strength for swimming! Sheer genius. And she is still doing all of her workouts for the swim team plus 13 credits of classes.
Now for the mental makeover. Talking to other parents and postgrads at Arizona, the toughest adjustment in an elite swimmer’s career is no longer competing with the university NCAA team. The coaches are more focused on the college swimmers and the professional swimmers now must cut the cord a bit. The coaches are still there to guide the post grads, but it’s up to the pros to figure out what they need from the coaches and to rely on each for support. The post grads have all sorts of experience and successes. The fellow post grad team mates can be a huge help to each other. Lara has slowly come to the realization that she must steer her own course. No more hand holding available.
Once again I am amazed by my daughter. No matter what happens, she learns from that experience. Lara has what it takes to be a true champion. Way to go kiddo. Love ya! Mom

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It’ll be OK!

jsapper — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:38:24 +0000

As an elite athlete (and an older one at that) I can say that sometimes you need to step back and relax. Clear your head of competition and set aside family/friend time. Get your mind totally off of swimming. After a week or so get back into the pool non-competitively, remember that’s it’s supposed to be fun. Then get back into it. It’s tougher when a loved one has passed on cause you have to live with it every day, put you need to get passed it and freeing your mind again is the only way to do it…

No Excuses Analysis

Tina — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 21:11:03 +0000

What happened last week at Nationals with Lara’s 50 free? To say the least it was very disappointing. I have never seen Lara not do well in the 50 free, even when she’s feeling ill. Since Nationals 2007, Lara has made it to the “A” final each time. So we found ourselves in a different position, just making it to the “B” finals. It’s called the consolation finals. Not much comes from it except maybe a little redemption to better your time from the prelims. Having a set back like that causes you to overthink and analyze, what could have been? Leading up to the meet Lara said that she was swimming well in practice. And with each meet this summer, she was getting faster. Lara had the ability to win that race and make the Pan Pac team. So what did happen? Maybe it all comes down to what’s going on in her head.
The fiasco surrounding the results of the 2008 Olympic Trials could still be rearing it’s ugly head. Lara barely missed making the team, then she should have been on the team, but did not get put on the team. That was a very big deal and I thought that Lara came through it all with grace and class. But I’m sure deep down she is sad that she did not get that opportunity to compete in Beijing. Then Lara had her senior year of eligibility for NCAA swimming. The team looked good and were predicted to win the National title again in 2009. A disqualification in the 200 Medley relay was costly in losing 40 points and the team could not recover to regain the championship. Another huge disappointment and Lara was fairly burned out with it all. Then on April 9, 2009 we lost Keith, Lara’s biggest fan and greatest supporter. I was not aware how much this affected Lara, apparently quite distraught without her Dad and withdrawing from all of her classes at U of A. How do you get over the loss of your beloved Dad? It’s not easy and time needs to heal those fresh deep wounds. Going to the swim meets is just not the same without Keith. We all miss him so desperately.
Now Lara’s been out of college swimming for two years trying to make it as a professional swimmer. She got an agent. She would like to be more independent financially, but she still has 18 more credits to go to graduate with her scholarship. So school’s got to be the focus now, even at the cost of training with her swimming. So Lara, you put so much pressure on yourself, wanting to make money and wanting to be successful with the swimming. You have to realize that your moment for greatness will come when all of the stars are aligned and when you have all of your ducks in a row. This was a disappointing Nationals and we are all depressed that you did not make the Pan Pac Team that you so much deserved. But as you heal spiritually you will succeed again. And maybe not making it this time is God’s way of saying, “step back a bit, it will happen when the time is right”. Never, ever give up.
Love, Mom

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Bye Bye Nationals 2010

Tina — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:40:31 +0000

It still was a magical night for Day 3 finals at US Nationals in Irvine. Rebecca Soni was the victor in the 100 breast and was superfast by 3 seconds with our own Annie Chandler taking second. Woo-hoo, way to go ladies. And Kara Lynn Joyce won the 50 free. We are very happy for her. During her interview she said that she was so happy to win because last year she’d had a bad year and placed 9th in this event at Nationals. Kara Lynn, you just made our day! You have shown if one does not give up and keeps on swimming, that at some point it’s going to go your way. Thanks.
Now Lara and I are ready to say farewell to US Nationals. We’ll be off for some beach time. Later!

Not meant to be…

Tina — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:22:10 +0000

Lots of excitement prior to the 50 free prelims. Lara was seeded second. She’s been feeling good. She’s been working hard. But it was all over in a flash. She got off the block and slowly lost steam coming in 5th or 6th in her heat with a 25.95. Not good. Not good at all. And we’re disappointed in the results. But NEVER disappointed in Lara. We just need to get out our frustrations out, recover and move on. Spiritually, we need to leave it in God’s hands. Lara HAS greatness in her and God will know when the time is right. It was just not meant to be today.
Lara’s resting for finals tonight. No pressure. She can be relaxed and perhaps get the fast time that we all know she can do. Go Lara! Be the shark.

Thursday August 5, 2010

Tina — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:32:39 +0000

It’s 50 free day.

Prelims Day 2 Nationals 2010

Tina — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:39:55 +0000

Well there’s some exciting swimming happening here in Irvine at US Nationals. Lara was busy doing a work out in order to prepare for tonight’s relay so I decided to watch some first class swimming. Found a good parking place and made a quick pit stop before finding a good seat in the grand stands. The first event of the morning was the women’s 100 back in which Natalie Coughlin came out as the top seed. And then we had two mens events in a row that saw the rock stars of swimming. In the 200 free, Vanderkaay came out as top seed followed closely by Lochte, Berens and some guy named Phelps. The 100 back is proving to be one of the most competitive events of the meet with Aaron Peirsol coming out as top seed for tonight’s finals. Breathing down his neck are Matt Grevers from Arizona and former Arizona swimmer, Nick Thoman. Good luck tonight gentlemen.
The top seeds for tonight’s women’s 200 freestyle are Vollmer, Schmitt, Hoff and Sutton. And the last event of the morning has Michael Phelps as the top seed in the 200 fly. Should be a fun night of finals! Now to rest up and see you all back here tomorrow for the women’s 50 free results. Go Lara, go!

Tuesday, August 2, 2010

Tina — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:43:38 +0000

Well the date written on my calendar months ago is finally here. US Swimming Nationals started today. Lara and I have been becoming familiar with the area and finding our way between the hotel in Costa Mesa and the pool in Irvine. Thank goodness for my trusty Garmin! This is my third Nationals that I’ve attended and the air is always electric with the excitement of anticipation. In Irvine there is a huge grand stand for spectators by the outdoor competition pool. Behind the stands are all sorts of booths where I was able to get some free USA Swimming petite seat cushions. Free is always good!
Today’s events included W 100 fly, M 400 free, W 200 IM, M 100 breast, W 400 free and M 400 IM. Lara was done with her work out at the end of the 200 IM, so we took off to grab lunch. Tonight I am particularly interested to see who will win the Women’s 100 fly, Christine Magnuson or Dana Vollmer. Both awesome competitors and Olympians. You go ladies! And tomorrow we’ll look forward to watching Lara lead off the 4 x 100 free relay.