March Break 2015

With March Break in full swing it's time for clubs to train insane and prepare for LC but more importantly prepare for the 2015 Canadian Swimming Trials. This time last year I was in sunny Fort Lauderdale swimming crazy mileage which eventually lead to injury upon return from the 2014 Canadian Swimming Trials in Victoria. Reviewing the 2014 Trials 'Best Time Present' of only 22% for the country made me realize something is wrong with this picture. Well the first thing that's wrong is swimmers competing at this meet are being run into the ground with heavy training over the March Break which is leading to failure at Trials. Smart coaches will begin the descend in mileage during the March Break if they are known for high mileage. Coaches doing USRPT don't have to worry about descending the mileage, instead increasing the race specific work and technical work to ensure attention to detail is perfect.

My 2015 March Break is quite. I've decided to take the week off. Well that's a lie I'm taking 5 days off from the pool, but still maintaining some dryland work on my own. I plan to do some runs, bike rides and walks to keep moving. A good rule of thumb for taking time off is knowing you won't get out of shape, especially when it's only 5 days. Now if you sit on your tush and watch TV and eat all week, then yes you will feel off heading into your first practice back, but maintaining some movement and doing some conditioning will really help your body regenerate and grow. The swim season is a long one with most swimmers going 11 months of the year at full tilt! So taking a few days off won't make or break your season. ALWAYS listen to your body, and rest if you need it. If are car needs fixing we take it to a body shop and fix it, if are body is crashing we should be taking time off and resting so we can get back stronger.

For those training through March Break, make sure to take time for yourself and spend time with your friends and family. Enjoy the March Break.