It's not totally applicable, but my new coach, Paulo Sousa said, "The people writing all of these articles on 3-steps to fast swimming or whatever are not the ones who need listening to. The best coaches, the ones who have the good stuff, they aren't sharing it. Because they are too busy coaching."
I want to just do the work. I want to be like Quentin Cassidy and train in a cabin in the woods and then show up out of nowhere and beat the world. I want it bad. I don't want to #hashtag my way to the top.
I admit that right now I have time to write blogs and tweet pictures of my dinner. It's part of the game, I know. Nothing screams ROI like: "#swimming @swimsponsor @nutritionsponsor @watchsponsor @snorkelsponsor #sOmuChFuuuUUn!!"
I realize this barrage of advertising is necessary in order to show value to sponsors, who can keep food on the table. Sometimes I see tweets with thank yous to 12 sponsors and I feel like someone is dumping a bucket of names on me in hopes that some will sink in. I think that I can work my way into this stuff without making it so annoying that people assume that I'll promote any sponsor that gives me a pair of socks. I am working hard to find things that are actually meaningful to me so that my tweets, blog, and more importantly, my recommendations, are genuine and reflect who I am. My title sponsor, Athletes Lounge has enabled me to make it to races around the world, train in San Diego for a month, and so much more. I'll do my absolute best to offer them enough exposure to repay them for what they have done for me.
I apologize if this came across as whining. I've talked to quite a few pros who feel the same way, so I think it is a relevant topic that brings you a little closer to my experience. I really am going to redouble my efforts to bring you, my awesome followers, the all-Eric-all-the-time experience you deserve. Afterall, I know you're all secretly dying to know how I cooked my pasta tonight ;)
