Relays

Relays are a great part of swimming- mostly because it shows the teamwork that actually does go into the sport of swimming.  Relays are really great when each member swims fast, wanting to contribute to the relay and the team.

Each person on that relay has a sort of pressure-  The leader has to start the event off right, the second swimmer has to maintain the lead, or catch up, the third swimmer has to maintain, catch up, or develop a bigger lead for the anchor swimmer, and the anchor has to finish the race to victory.  All have a bit of pressure; all positions need to swim fast.

I think that's why I like relays so much.  I like knowing that my teammates are cheering for me, and I like knowing that the product of a best time happened because of the effort of four people.  I like seeing my teammate swim closer to the wall, as I get myself ready on the block, knowing that it will be my turn.

I think along with the whole aspect of relays, relay exchanges are important- important to practice and important to master.  No one wants to touch the wall, look up, and see their other teammate just diving in.  Quick exchanges are a must.

All in all, I've had my most memorable swimming experiences on relays.  I can remember how much more I loved standing atop a podium with gold medals with three other teammates than by myself.  Out of the few records that I still hold back at my high school and club team, I think the relays will stand the longest.  The hard work and dedication that was put into those relays were impeccable.

So, love relays.  Learn to love relays.  What's better than having 3 other people swim with you?  Get enthusiastic about relays.  Practice your relay starts and exchanges.  Feel some pressure.  Swim fast for yourself and your teammates.

Love relays!  And of course, swim well, fast, and swiftly :)

Swimming VS Finals

In the war between swimming and finals, finals always win.  always.  Don't skimp on studying for an after practice nap or a doubles practice.  As your family probably says, "school comes first."  It's true.  Below are some of my tips for handling swimming during finals.

• School comes first.  You're not going to school for a degree in swimming, so spend your time studying and writing papers for the subjects you're earning credits for.
• Plan out which practices you're going to attend.  During finals week, some coaches offer a morning practice and afternoon practice.  Look at your finals schedule and plan out your swimming time around your studying time-- not the other way around.  If you have one final, go to one practice, but if you have two finals, don't go to any.  Spend that extra time studying.
• Don't put too much thought into it.  During finals, your brain is probably fried.  Put in a good practice, but don't fry your brain even more by trying to keep track of pace, stroke counts, heart rates, etc.
• Don't stress the small stuff.  Don't stress out if you're not making those 100's on 1:15, or if you're not decending a set of 50's.  Get in the pool to loosen up and stay in shape.  Spend your energy studying and putting the last touches on your final papers.

The main point of this blog post is that Finals come first.  Swimming has to take the back seat.  Most schools hold a certain GPA that students have to maintain in order to compete.  It wouldn't make sense to blow off studying- school costs too much money, and if you bomb your finals, you might not be able to swim regardless.

Go to a practice that works with your study schedule.  Study.  Study.  Do well on your papers and finals.  And after finals, you can relax by swimming fast, well, and swiftly. :)

The Turkey Trot

I'm home for the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving.  I have finally gotten a chance to see my friends and family.  And since it is Thanksgiving, there is one thing that always comes to mind-- "The Turkey Trot 10,000."  Instead of tips, pointers, and my opinions, I think today is a perfect day for nostalgia.

My club swim coach made up a swim set dubbed, "The Turkey Trot 10,000."  Unfortunately, since I have been swimming with him for what seems to be eons, I have completed this torturous, and sometimes monotonous set numerous times.

The name gives it away-- "10,000"-- ten thousand yards. woo hoo (said without the least bit of enthusiasm).

Looking back on the first few times I did this set, the Turkey Trot had a few monotonous options.  We had our choice of 400x25, 200x50, 100x100, 50x200, 20x500.  I'm not sure for certain- but I believe most were on a 1:20 pace.

I can proudly say that I have completed both the 400x25s and the 100x100s.  I don't remember the 25s too much, but I can recall swimming the 100s.  I remember trying to count, make the set fun, and somehow convince myself that I was going to be done soon.  I remember trying to squeeze a sip of Gatorade in every chance I got-- 400 laps is no joke.  I also remember picking the 100s by myself.  If you're ever swimming 10,000-- get a partner and encourage each other-- because 10,000 yards takes a long time.

After those experiences, the option of an actual set came into play.  That wasn't as bad.  I remember having kicking and swimming incorporated into the set-- even some 25s here and there. 400 laps is 400 laps, but at least distances and times were constantly changing.

After-- after touching the glorious wall for the last time, After realizing that you don't have to swim one more gosh darn lap (until tomorrow), After having your body slightly collapse from all the work you put it through -- you hop out of the pool for bagels!  My coach, assistant coach, helpful parent, or swimmer usually brings bagel and spreads.. The best part.  After all, a swimmer's body needs replenishment after that sort of workout/ torture.

The Turkey Trot is a wonderful thing to look back on.  Especially since now that I am in college, I am forced to miss this event for my own college team practice.  I miss the thought of the Turkey Trot and the thought of being done.  But, honestly, I'm glad I have a legitimate excuse for missing the Turkey Trot.  ...Maybe next year ;)

Going Home for the Holidays

Usually every school has a Thanksgiving break during the week of Thanksgiving.  And usually, practice is not mandatory during this time.  But, it's not always a good idea to skip out on swimming practice for a whole week.  You've been training for months, in and out of the pool, and your meet season might have already started.  Don't let your hard work go to waste by sitting around and doing nothing but consuming turkey for the next seven days.  Here are some things to keep you in shape and swimming ready:

• Go to practice.
• Even though the practice isn't mandatory, it's best to go anyways.  Take a couple hours out of your relaxing day to workout and be dedicated.  Contact your coach to see if he is still holding non-mandatory practices.
• Swim with your club team
• If you're in college, and you're going home for the holidays, call your old high school or club swimming coach and ask about their practice schedule.  Most likely, your coach will welcome your work ethic and invite you to swim for the week.  It's a good way to switch up your usual workout routine and catch up with some old swimming coaches and friends.
• Go to the YMCA
• If you don't have access to a coach and team, go to a pool.  Have your coach e-mail you sets to do for the week, and take them to the YMCA pool.  Be your own coach.  Have fun and train.
• Go to the gym
• If you can't get to the pool, go to the gym.  Get on a treadmill, go for a run, ride a bike, do a workout dvd, do something!

All in all, don't sit around all week.  Don't let your training go to waste-- do something!
Enjoy Thanksgiving, and work hard!  Your dedication will leave you swimming fast, well, and swiftly :)

Present Time

Even though Thanksgiving hasn't even arrived, Christmas ads, decorations, and music seems to be everywhere.  So, what should you get your swimmer-friend?  What do they need?

My website of choice is swimoutlet.com.  I'm not an affiliate for them-- I just believe their website offers the best deals, the best descriptions, and the best options.  Below are some gifts I think are perfect for any woman competitive swimmer.

 These are the Speedo Optimus Training Fins.  They sell for $19.95.  These are great fins.  The blade on the fin is not too long and not as short as Zoomer fins.  The foot pockets are soft and don't rub against my heels, leaving blisters.  A great fin and a great present!

  

This is the Nike Polyester Cut- Out Tank.  It is made from 100% polyester and has an open back style.  I love this suit.  Since it is made from 100% polyester, it will last you for over a year-- making the $49.95 price range extremely reasonable.  With many colors to choose from, I would definitely recommend this suit to any competitive swimmer who trains daily!

This is the Timex Ironman 30 Lap.  This watch has a myriad of features, including 30 lap memory recall, 99 lap counter, 3 separate alarms, and a top pusher for easy lap and split options.  This $34.95 price tag can be put to good use at practice and at meets.  I like how this watch can recall up to 30 lap times-- making it easy to record many splits.  Check out other great watches at swimoutlet.com to find which one works best for you!

This is the TYR Alliance Team Backpack II.  As an owner of this backpack, I love it.  The goggle pouch is big enough to hold all of my extra caps and goggles, and the wet pocket is definitely big enough to hold my wet towels.  And with all of that, the dry, main compartment still has room to hold clothes and other necessities.  The side pockets are great to put shampoo and conditioner.  For $37.50, this is a great bag; there are many color options to choose from!

These are the Womens' Speedo Sport Pool Thong II.  This is a great sandal to wear while walking around the pool deck at swim meets or showering off in the locker rooms.  The sandal is lightweight, and it sports a diamond cushion pattern.  These sandals are $18.95 and are available in pink, blue, or black.  A great alternative to walking around deck barefoot!





There are some early Christmas present ideas for swimmers.  These items will keep you swimming fast, well, and swiftly :)