By Morgan Pestorius, Swimming World College Intern
The highlight of winter training is the swimming training trip. If you’re going to be intensely working out for four hours a day, it might as well be near a beach. Here’s a short list of things to pack so you’re prepared!
Swimming Training Trip Pack List
1. Mirrored Goggles
Photo Courtesy: Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation
Swimming outside is a totally different experience than swimming indoors. It’s been a few months since summer so we forget how strong the sun is. Without mirrored goggles, it’s nearly impossible to open your eyes when you’re swimming backstroke. Just be careful of goggle tan lines!
2. Suits
Wherever you’re going, it is sure to be warm, which means you are going to come back with a nice tan. For girls, this means you should consider investing in a training bikini to avoid a white stomach and a big tan circle on your back. Boys luckily wear tiny suits, so they end up getting a nice bronze glow all over.
3. Sunscreen
There’s no doubt that as soon as you step off the plane on your training trip, you’re going to want to go lay on the beach. It has been so long since your skin has seen the sun that you’ll probably burn within a few hours if you don’t remember to pack sunscreen. Wearing a training suit with a sunburn is torturous so just skip the pain by applying sunscreen.
4. Over-The-Counter Pain Meds
Training trips are a lot of fun, but you still end up putting in tons of hours in the pool. You’re at the peak of your season, which means your muscles are extremely tired and the practices are just getting harder. You’ll probably need some over-the-counter pain meds to make it through the week. Of course, make sure your coach is okay with what you use.
5. Entertainment
Whether it be a book, movie or iPod, it is a good idea to bring something to entertain you between practices. It’s a nice way to relax by yourself for a bit if you are stressed, tired or just need a break.
6. Earplugs
You never know if you’re going to get stuck with a snoring teammate as your roommate for the trip. Make sure you bring some earplugs so you can sleep soundly and have enough energy for practice in the morning.
7. Smiles
Practices are going to be hard and you’re going to be spending more time than you’re used to with your team. Even if you get tired or annoyed, try to have a good attitude and enjoy yourself. Before you know it, the trip will be over, so you might as well make the best of it!
8. Camera
On your training trip there will so many memories made. Some memories you’ll want to forget, like doubles and grueling sets. Other memories you’ll definitely want to keep, like the (hopefully) beautiful scenery, your teammates goofing around and the wonderfully exhausted faces you’ll all have when you wake up for morning practice.
9. Silliness
Whether this is your first training trip or your fourth, there will be quite a lot of nonsensical madness. This will be brought on by exhaustion, soreness or team-wide stir crazy and you will inevitably take part. Prepare to experience intense training coupled with intense craziness that will in some insane way keep you sane. This will be a trip you’ll remember forever!
Wishful thinking 10. Ryan Lochte
Most ladies want a date with Ryan Lochte just to admire his good looks, but even if you don’t find him attractive, it would still be cool to hang out with him. He’s had some awesome experiences that all swimmers would love to hear him talk about. Plus, just think what training with him would be like!
Morgan Pestorius is in her second year at TCNJ. After swimming as a freshman, Pestorius is redshirting this year to recover from an injury and has volunteered as the manager of the team. Previously, Pestorius trained with the Bridgewater JCC Tide and Juniper Lane Swim Team in New Jersey.