Summer Blues for A Swimmer

For swimmers "Summer Break" is a short period of time. Many swimmers just wrapped up the 2013-2014 season with The Canadian Age Group Championships in Winnipeg last week. For some swimmers though Provincial's or Regional's may have been the last meet of the season. To put things into perspective better, most Regional swimmers have been done swimming since mid June. Some though may have kept training into July to take part in open water swims or regional level meets offered in late June or early July. While most of the swimmers that qualified for Provincials have been done swimming for nearly 4 weeks. These swimmers have been enjoying a MUCH deserved break from the pool! I'm a true believer in rest, recuperation, and reflection! A swimmer should do these 3R's after each season. This not only gives the body time to heal, but gives you, the swimmer time to do other things other then swim 6-11 times a week. 

There does come a time for any swimmer in the days, weeks, even months away from the pool you feel out of shape or lost from the strict routine swimming has. Don't worry to much about feeling out of shape or tuned from the pool because all the other swimmers in your group will feel the same way. Most coaches allow the first few weeks of the season as a build up and getting the body back into shape and the routine of training multiple times a week. However, if you are in need of something to do and can't stand not being in the pool or weight room then go to a local pool or gym and swim some laps, and lift some weights to keep your mind busy. 

Personally I haven't been out of the pool a week yet and already wanting to get back in! I have already begun an ab challenge that I came a crossed on the internet and next week I'll be hitting the gym and doing various workouts to build strength in preparation for the short course season. As for the pool, I'll be back in the water on August 10th taking part in the Elite Swim Clinic in Toronto. I'm looking forward to this and encourage all swimmers to take part in one of the two clinic dates offered in August. The link above has all information needed to know about the clinic. Space is limited, so register now so secure your spot! 

The amount of things athletes can do to pass the time these last few weeks of summer are endless. Try new things like go for hikes, do a family project, go for walks, runs, bike rides, head to the beach and go for a swim and soak up some sun. If you do some of these things the chances of you being bored these next 4 weeks are slim to none. The most important part of the remainder of the summer is relax, enjoy the time away from the pool because before you know it we will all be back into the grove of swimming countless laps of the pool and following the black T for hours on end. So don't stress to much about the upcoming season and enjoy the time off and away from the pool and the sport, for now take the time to recharge and get ready for an awesome upcoming 2014-2015 season!