Apnea Training> Overcoming Mental Mountains

Having been one year since I seriously committed to train for a dynamic apnea pool competition, the comeback has been unlike any physical activity I have ever worked to prepare for.  The physicality is difficult, but not so unlike soccer or other strenuous aerobic pursuits I have seriously undertaken.  No, what separates the discipline of apnea from all the others is the mental side of breath holding.  For me, when I am not present even the contemplation of holding one's breath can evoke panic and an intense desire to quit,  Quit training and forgo participation in the upcoming competition.  

In the range of competitors regarding apnea I am very much an amateur but I do feel my foray into this sport has given me a taste of what everyone goes through as well as an understanding on why the practice is becoming both more popular but also still has little recognition within the wider public.   

Next week when I compete in the Campeonato Nacional Guerrero 2024, in Zihuatanejo Mexico I will have the knowledge and experience from the previous year to help me focus on competing with myself only.  Something I have concluded will be essential, and along with more visualization, mental preparedness, and training, I am focused on improving my personal bests.