By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern
The prognosis of Christmas training is that it’s hard. Well, yes! However, winter training can be a blast too!
Swimmers should flourish during the winter season because:
1. You can eat whatever you want…
Calories? More like cookies. Doubles and strenuous sets mean no worries or guilt about what you consume over the holiday break. Getting through training is tough, and delicious food makes it easier. Bring in treats to practice. Bake in between morning and afternoon workout and let your teammates know how much you care. Raise Christmas cheer with food and festive snacks to share!
2. Napping is normal, and you’re a pro at it.
Photo Courtesy: Angel Eowyn
For the average folk, the holiday is full of planning, shopping, family, and stress. Naps are needed. For a swimmer, the holiday consists of three things: swimming, sleeping, and eating. Embrace sleep and rest up for practice. You’re going to need it!
3. People are jealous of your parka.
Parka’s tend to become trendy during Christmas. They’re the perfect coat for shoveling snow or going grocery shopping in negative degree weather. A parka is also a presentable blanket that you can wear out in public after practice. The bright red one you wear in and out of the pool everyday would even look stellar in the family Christmas photo. Don’t overlook a parka as a nice gift for a family member. They’ll learn to love it almost as much as you do!
4. Frozen hair is the new ombre.
Photo Courtesy: a4gpa, flickr
The mixture of negative temperatures and post-practice hair is GREAT. The nice crunch of your hair after seconds of entering the cold tundra (commonly referred to as the outdoors) really completes your time spent at the pool. Who doesn’t love the possibility of your hair breaking off? A free haircut AND less to fit in the cap!
5. Snow angels in your swimsuit make for the perfect Instagram post.
Photo Courtesy: Alex Murray
It’s all fun and giggles until you’re the one locked out of the pool and stuck freezing in the snow. However, it does make for an awesome memory and picture to laugh about. Have fun in the snow with your teammates, but be sure to not slip running back into the pool!
6. Christmas music at the pool turns into team caroling.
Photo Courtesy: Bill Slattery Jr.
Belting out carols does wonders when you want to get out of practice early. NOT! The more singing the more time you may have to spend with your face looking down at the black line. However, cherish the holiday season. Sing anyways! If Santa Claus, who looks oh so similar to one of your assistant coaches walks into the pool, don’t question it; start caroling! You may even get a Christmas miracle (out of practice early)!
7. The Christmas Eve practice makes falling asleep with “visions of sugar plums dancing your head,” just that much easier.
Photo Courtesy: Ryan Lochte/Twitter
Christmas eve practice. Three words. Only one adjective of description: beastly. Coaches thrive on this day. Swimmer’s do their best to survive. It could be considered the hardest day of the year. For me it’s the most memorable. Prayers are said at the beginning of the set and grades are given out at the end. By the time practice ends and at least a solid meal and a half are eaten, it’s bedtime. In just a few hours, jolly old St. Nicholas will be making his way down the chimney.
8. Sharing your chocolate milk with Santa is a no brainer, since you buy it in bulk.
Photo Courtesy: flickr
Two practices a day, six days a week for three weeks… that’s a whole lot of milk. Gallons upon gallons will be drank post practice. Fuel your body right over the holiday break and drink your milk! Also, don’t forget to leave the milk and cookies out for Santa. Not only will he be grateful for your concern about his hydration, he’ll also love the surprise sweetness of the chocolate milk rather than the bland regular he tends to get from non-swimmers.
9. You’re the first to get the sneak peak of the presents on Christmas morning.
Photo Courtesy: Alan Cleaver
The rise and grind completely pays off on Christmas morning when you’re the first one up. First one up means first one to the Christmas tree. Hello Christmas presents! Be thankful for all those 5 a.m. morning practices, they really do pay off when you least expect it!
10. Christmas Day means no practice.
Photo Courtesy: Tamara Dwyer
(Hopefully) A break! A day off! A day to celebrate the holiday AND not having to jump in a chlorine ice bath. Take the day to appreciate all you have been given and all the effort you’ve been giving. Surround yourself with family and friends. But don’t forget to set your alarm for practice on the 26th because remember: you are a swimmer, with the ups and downs and strenuous winter training, dedication is key and you should be proud of yourself.
Happy holidays! May the get out swims and holiday treats be ever in your favor!
Leonie Kullmann
I swim for the Special Olympics from September till June
Then I swim outside of the time we don’t swim for special Olympics from june till September I love this sport – swim