By Maddie Strasen, Swimming World College Intern
Whether you’re going home or staying on campus, training throughout the summer is crucial for college swimmers to stay in shape and remember their goals. Although it can be difficult to push through practice in addition to working a job, balancing a social life, and maybe taking a summer class or two, here are five things college swimmers should keep in mind during the summer months.
1. How you train now will affect you later.
Photo Courtesy: Todd Anderson
You might not think that the training you do this summer will help you at championships— after all, they aren’t for another nine months. However, the effort you make to stay in the swing of things this summer will prepare you for the tough training that comes in the fall, making you more likely to improve in the pool and enter the season feeling confident. The summer is an ideal time for keeping up your strength and cardiovascular health.
2. Keep an open line of communication with your coaches.
Photo Courtesy: Delly Carr / Swimming Australia Ltd.
Your coaches might not expect you to train at the highest level possible during the summer, but they do expect you to put in the effort. Make sure you keep your coaches up to date on your progress in the pool and the weight room.
3. Listen to your body and mind.
Photo Courtesy: Stanford Athletics
Swimming should not feel like a chore— it should be something you want to do and improve upon. If your body needs rest, it’s OK to take a day off, as long as it doesn’t become a habit. If your mind is stressed, maybe a stretch-out swim will help you get back in the game. On the other hand, if you are feeling like you need to improve your technique or your strength in a certain area, communicate with your coaches and work extra hard on that area over the summer. You will be thankful you did when fall semester rolls around.
4. Start setting some goals.
Photo Courtesy: Sarah Crocker
Setting goals now will help give you some guidance throughout your summer training and put you on the right path for the upcoming season. It’s never too early to start thinking about what you want!
5. Balance your time.
Photo Courtesy: Caitlin Daday
The summer might bring a job, possibly taking a class, and of course spending time with family and friends. Although training is important, these things are important too! Don’t be afraid to take some time to socialize, relax and catch a little bit of a break, all the while keeping your goals in mind.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.