BEL AIR, Maryland, December 24. BY now, most swim clubs have shut down for the day, getting the Christmas Eve workouts in early so coaches, swimmers and parents can start enjoying the holiday.
The Bel Air Athletic Club Swim Team had an inventive workout designed by head coach Peter Leib that he called “fun, but challenging” as the final workout before the 60-hour break the team got to celebrate Christmas. Based on the song “The 12 Days of Christmas,” here’s what Leib gave to his swimmers (distances in short course yards):
500 warmup
12×75 (50 of one stroke, 25 of another stroke) on 1:20
11×50 free on :50
10×25 on :30 (odd fly, even breast)
9×50 (25 of one stroke, 25 of another stroke) on :55
8×100 free on 1:30, hold under 1:15 or 1:20 depending on ability
7×50 back on :50
6×125 (100 free/25 no free) on 1:50
5×50 free on :45
4×25 fly on :25
3×50 breast on :50
2×200 free on 4:00 from the blocks (“Always trying to get them up and race when they are tired.”)
1×200 fly from the blocks
300 warmdown
Leib said most of the kids who completed this set were between 12 and 14 years old, with time standards in the “A” to “BB” range.
After the workout, the team participated in group stretching, Pilates and yoga. The parents had a big breakfast spread waiting for the starving kids when workout was over!
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