A Look at the Details of College Training Trips
The end of the academic semester may signal the beginning of a period of relaxation and leisure for many. However, for most, this only marks the start of a tough, yet worthwhile, period of swimming: winter training. During winter break, many college teams opt to bring their athletes to warmer climates or different states to train. This period of time tests physical and mental strength and offer opportunities for growth and connection. But what else can swimmers expect from these excursions?
Grueling Training
Training trips may come off as a time for fun in the sun. Although this statement holds some truth, it is not entirely correct. Most college teams may choose to train under the sun, but the practices are tough. Really tough. Swimmers typically are fatigued more often, thus testing strength in all areas of what it means to be an athlete.
Additionally, training is usually amped up more than it typically is when school is in session. It is not uncommon for there to be two swim practices paired with a dryland and/or life session every day of a training trip. Of course, this can be very challenging. Looking on the brighter side, swimmers have the chance to build up their mental and physical capacity and lift their teammates up.
Team Bonding (and Living)
Swimmers will spend 99.99% of their time with their teammates on training trips. From training together to living together, it is quite impossible to not be surrounded by swimmers at all times. Training trips give swimmers a chance to bond on another level. Swimmers seeing their teammates at their most exhausted and run-down, and it is moments like these that brings teams together and create special bonds incapable of being made any other way.
Because swimmers have the opportunity to have these shared experiences, it offers time to reflect and focus on their unifying team goals. In addition to being a time of work and training, these trips are also a time of preparation, especially for those taper meets that conclude the season.
Location
As previously mentioned, college teams often opt to take their athletes to places with warmer temperatures. However, some teams choose to train in colder climates, such as the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Sometimes, collegiate swim teams will go abroad to places like the Caribbean or Europe. It is also common for swimmers to simply stay at school to train over winter break.
No matter the training location, swimmers should take advantage of the time outside of swimming and team activities by exploring the place that they find themselves in. In a new city? See the sights! Training at your home pool? Try a new restaurant or activity! Do not be afraid to explore; be excited that you get to experience a trip with your team like no other!
There is no doubt that training trips are difficult and can be very draining. However, the memories created and relationships strengthened greatly outweigh the pain of constant training. This time spent with your teammates, in the pool or on the beach, will help contribute to success at the end of the season.
Go Irish!
This seems like a great opportunity for the student athletes, but just curious who pays for these trips?