Stuck competitive swimmer

Question
QUESTION: My daughter is an almost 13yr old who has been swimming competitively for approximately 3 years. She has been making consistent strides on her events and has even got the full attention of the head coach, which was quite exciting for her. She even got moved up to a higher group, but now seem to be stuck in a rot for the past 6 months! She is soooo frustrated!!! And is beginning to frustrate me!! She is still practicing profusely 5 days 6 sessions a week. 2-21/2 hrs, 1-hr and 3-2 hr sessions...

I must say, although she is only 12(just turning 13)she has grown to 5'6" (as tall as I am, approximate 1.5 ")in the last 6-8 months!

Can you shed any light as to what is causing this slow down and what can help her out of it...She LOVES swimming and I don't want her to quit prematurely.
I really appreciate your time and ANY help I could get!

Thank you!!




ANSWER: Brenda--
Don't worry mom.  This is a normal occurance for a pubescent 13 year old.  Your daughter just grew a bunch and more is coming.  The good old hormones are raging and a lot of changes are happening that can slow down a good swimmer.  With the growth spurt she has had her muscles have also grown and stretched so some time is needed for them to get back to working the way they were.  Don't get frustrated and try not letting her get down, it can be a rough time, but it will come to an end.  The best thing to do is for her to keep on working and her times will start to drop again.  By the sound of the workouts she is doing she should be fine if she can stay focused and get through this rough spot.  At her age it may not be the last bump in her career, she may, in the next couple years go through another.  On a personal side, my sisters went through this and were able to stick it out and do well in college.
Again, most important, remember it happens to everyone and the only thing you can do is stay positive and help her stay positive and get through this slump.
Hope this helps and good luck,
George

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so very much for your answer and your encouragement! I'll try to hang in there. Two quick follow up questions...Roughly how long does this "spells"/slumps last? I know you probably seen enough to give a rough/general estimate...And should she continue working/practicing at the same level that she is right now, or should increase or decrease her practice sessions? Thanks a million again!
Brenda

Answer
Brenda--
Depeding on how much she continues to grow and the other physical changes that take place at her age, the slump could last anywhere from 1 to 3 months, hopefully not though because it can be frustrating for all involved.  Just make sure she is getting plenty of rest(7-8 hours of sleep each night), which having teenagers of my own, I know that's tough with homework and friends and stuff.
She should continue with the workouts that she is doing, she still needs to stay in the shape that she is in.  Her body will adjust to the changes and all should be good.
Best of Luck,
George