For most swimmers, the warmer weather means a change of venue. The stuffy indoor pools are put in the past and practices are moved outside. Swimmers don their cut out suits and compare tan lines after every practice. At first it is exciting to be soaking up the sun and getting color while training, however, it is difficult to adapt to the new conditions. Backstroke becomes a struggle and everyday there is a new creature found at the bottom of the pool. But there is an art to swimming outside.
1. Complain once but not twice.
Everyone has earned the right to complain about the annoying jets that make it almost impossible to do a proper flip turn, but one complaint is enough. Everyone else in your lane is dealing with the same conditions, so they don’t want to hear it from you too. This goes for all other complaints… one is enough. Stay positive. Being outside is way better than being inside with the terrible air quality.
2. Don’t overreact.
There is a dead frog? A pine needle in your suit? A dark cloud? The pool is cold? It’s starting to rain? The sun is too bright? It’s too hot? There’s a beetle on your kickboard? Unless it is a killer frog, you will survive. Laugh it off and continue with your training. Don’t get hung up on the things that come with an outdoor pool. Stay focused.
3. Be prepared.
Bring darker reflective goggles. Always have a water bottle. And come with the right mindset. Just because you are outside and are sharing the pool with a few bugs doesn’t mean you can’t train as hard.
4. Enjoy it!
Before you know it, you will be back inside. The fresh air and vitamin D is only available during practice for a few months so take advantage of it. It is hard to stay focused on a set when there is a complete change of scenery. But swimming is swimming, training is training, and everything is better with a little sunshine.
Or you could live in California and not have a clue what an indoor pool even looks like.
– or soon not know what a pool looks like, period!
Go swim in the ocean – much more fun!