Commentary by Norah Hunt, Swimming World College Intern.
January, for swimmers, is an underrated month. Everyone speaks of the exhaustion that is October and the excitement that hits come March or April, but no one talks about January and the inevitable exhaustion that hits athletes. This month, centered right in the middle of the season, brings with it frigid weather and exhausting practices, with the end of the season too far away to be of any real comfort.
During this time, swimmers often lose sight not only of their championship meet, but also their love for the sport entirely. Practices aren’t fun, teammates become cranky, and long chilly days make skipping practice and staying in bed become all too inviting. During this time, it is crucial for swimmers to remember why they love the sport, and why the long, painful weeks of January are absolutely worth it.
Here are four ways to rekindle that love, even in midst of the most grinding training sessions:
Photo Courtesy: Lars Plougmann
Reminisce on younger days.
Every swimmer, even the Olympians, had to start at the swim lesson level, and chances are that it is on video somewhere. Watch the videos, look at the pictures, even talk to parents about these beginning days. During this time your love for the sport was simple and unaffected by all the craziness and pressure that now comes with it.
You were just a kid with a love for the water. During the hard practices and rough days, try to channel that inner child. Swimming is actually an incredibly simple sport that is so often overcomplicated, but a young child only sees the sport for what it is: a fun time.
Photo Courtesy: Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Sports
Reach out to teammates.
Simply put, competitive swimming would not be a thing without teammates. Anyone that has ever attempted to complete a practice by themselves will be the first to testify: this sport is nearly impossible to do without a support system. One of the best ways to rekindle a love for the sport is to reach out to the people that made the sport so fun to begin with; the ones that helped make every practice better.
Have a dinner or a movie day with these people, and reminisce on all the crazy times spent trying to make it through each practice. These people have seen you at your very worst and very best, and they are sure to make you remember how silly and special this sport can be.
Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien
Just float.
Sometimes in the middle of rough workouts and long weeks of doubles, it can become so easy to hate the water. However, swimmers would not be swimmers if they didn’t love the calm and tranquility of a pool. Sometimes the best way to revive a love for the sport is to remember that the pool is designed to be an escape, not a prison. Float around; swim some laps with complete disregard for the times. Sink to the bottom of the pool. Simply put, take a breath.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Talk to the coaches.
If a swimmer is experiencing burnout, then a coach is an excellent resource. They care about the whole part of the athlete, and feelings of contempt and anger towards the sport are probably affecting athletic performance. Sometimes, all that is needed to feel recharged and rejuvenated is a workout off or a recovery practice. Coaches can provide these options, and talking to them about how you feel at certain parts of the season is important both for their planning purposes and their evaluation of the season up until that point. They want to know. They care, and they are happy to listen.
January is a monster of a month. Long practices, rough doubles, and frigid temperatures often take more of a toll on swimmers than they even realize. During these times, it is important to remember the key reasons why you love the sport. Take a breath, sing a song, and remember that this sport is wonderful. It is fun! Have fun with it!
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
Caileigh McCafferty
Catherine Maxey
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