By Kate Walter, Swimming World Intern.
The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, parkas are being gleefully replaced with tank-tops and shorts, outdoor pools are open and there seems to be one word on everyones mind: SUMMER! For swimmers who spend the school year balancing academics, practices, meets and a social life, the summer time serves as a well deserved break. Some schools have ended already, while others are heading full force into finals week.
In the world of swimming, spring championship meets have concluded. Swimmers all over the nation are shifting gears and changing mindsets to approach the start of a new season. The summer of 2019 is destined to be great, with sights set on next years Olympic Trials in Omaha and the gift of time as an opportunity to truly focus in on the sport.
A Preview of Upcoming Meets
Photo Courtesy: Andy Ross
The summer is always an exciting time for meets and competition, and the summer of 2019 is no exception! From Speedo Sectional Meets to the Phillips 66 National Championships, the months of June, July and August will be full of fast racing and opportunities to cheer on your favorite swimmers.
World University Games: Naples, Italy, July 3 – July 14.
World Swimming Championships: Gwangju, South Korea, July 12 – July 28.
Pan American Games: Lima, Peru, July 26 – August 11.
Phillips 66 National Championships: Stanford, Calif., July 31 – August 4.
Futures Championships: Geneva, Ohio, Greensboro, N.C., Des Moines, Iowa, Mt. Hood, Ore. August 1- August 4.
Photo Courtesy: USA Swimming
The Joy of Summer Swim Leagues
The laid back, relaxed environment of summer swim leagues can serve as a relief from the intensity and pressure of club competition. Team bonding activities such as pancake breakfasts and pep rallies help to ease the pressures of the sport, reminding swimmers why they love what they do. Additionally, summer swim provides a unique opportunity for teammates of all ages to interact with one another, cultivating a supportive environment.
Photo Courtesy: The Langley Club
Making the Most of Summer Training
The summer is a great time to hone in on training in order to set yourself up for success and become both mentally and physically stronger. That being said, having more free time allows your body to rest and refuel according to its needs. Every little thing will help make a difference in terms of progress. This can mean doubling up for practice one day or choosing to work on a specific aspect of your stroke. While it can be easy to slack off and become unmotivated when school gets out, putting in the time and effort during these months will most certainly pay off in the future.
Mixing Up your Routine
Incorporating new forms of dryland and cardio to your training regime is important in order to avoid falling into a rut. Linked below are some articles by Swimming World that provide insight to creative ways to cross train and mix up your routine.
Creativity in the Kitchen
Photo Courtesy: Sandy Austin
Food in the summer time can pretty much be summed up in two words: produce galore! There’s nothing better than a juicy slice of watermelon or perfectly grilled corn on the cob on a hot July day. Taking advantage of the plentiful produce and experimenting with new recipes can be a great way to pass time. Above all, in order to optimize performance and feel their best, swimmers should fuel their bodies with healthy and nutrient-dense food.
The Road to Omaha: 2020 Vision.
A year from this summer, the nation’s best will flock to Omaha, Neb., for the 2020 Olympic Swim Trials. Through eight days of heightened competition, the Olympic Team for the Tokyo Games will be decided. The summer of 2019 is seen as a pivotal time for making cuts and determining the playing field for next summer in Omaha. Tickets for the Olympic Swim Trials go on sale the first of July.
What’s an Off-Season?
While the summer time is certainly a relaxing break from the rigor of academics and the demanding schedule of the school year, for competitive swimmers who train year-round in pursuit of their goals, the months of June, July and August are seen as a crucial time in the sport. Through team bonding activities to new exercise classes, summer can be a great time to work on yourself while also keeping up with the excitement of the season.
How will you spend the summer of 2019 in a way that will make you proud for years to come?
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.