Let’s be real, for swimmers, Valentines day means a practice, maybe a weight session, and not enough energy for a night out. Couples everywhere are going out, but your idea of a good night is staying at home, crashing out on the couch, ordering an extra-large pizza, and binge-watching Netflix in hopes of promoting recovery (no that’s not what your coach meant).
Because of your commitments to the pool, it’s sometimes kind of hard to make commitments out of the pool, such as commitments to other people. Due to this, there’s plenty of potential for swimmers to make some bad mistakes on Valentines day: here are the five Do’s and Don’ts of Valentines day for your average swimmer.
1. TEAMMATES
DON’T
Look, we get it. You spend 24 hours a week in the pool with someone, you talk to them on the team chat all the team, you’re constantly at away meets with them, you’re going to be close, and that’s cool. When Valentines Day rolls around, you need to remember that these are your teammates, and no matter how good they look in that Speedo or one-piece, swimcest is ultimately frowned upon. Now there are obvious cases where this can be disproved, but for the most part, we’re sticking to our decision and saying keep in your lane when it comes to teammates this Valentines day. It could make for an awkward morning practice come Monday.
DO
Ask your teammates to hang out. Some of them are likely in the same boat you’re in and might not even realize its Valentines day. You’re always going to find at least a small group of swimmers who are willing to sloth out on the couch and chow down on an extra large from Papa Johns.
2. SKIPPING
DON’T
Whatever you do, don’t skip practice for Valentines Day plans. Hey, if your coach is cool and wants to cancel it so you can go out, all the power to you, but skipping is a no-no and here’s why. When it comes to love, and believe me I’m the Swimswam love expert, you have to make sure they like the real you. If they can’t handle the fact that you have an intense training schedule, and they expect that you’ll drop practice for them just like that, they’re not the one. I’m sorry guys, truth hurts.
DO
If you absolutely NEED to leave a little bit earlier to make those reservations or get your spot on the movie or whatever you’re doing, ask your coach. Although your coach is usually yelling at you and you probably think that due to their intense sets that they don’t have a heart, you’re wrong although your evidence stacks up fairly well. Depending on the level you’re training at, and your coach, MAYBE he or she will let you go a little early. Personally as a coach, not happening on my stopwatch (ha), but always worth a try. Worst-case scenario try and schedule around practice, you know when practice is before Valentines day, so be on top of that.
3. SHAVING AND GROOMING
DON’T
February can be a very, very tricky time when it comes to shaving considering that for most college swimmers the Championship meets are right around the corner. Conference championships are coming up in the States, the CIS Championships are coming up in Canada, and there are plenty of big meets in March and April. If you’re planning a certain shave-date for these meets, don’t shave early just to impress your significant other. We get it, you want to look good for your date, and raccoon eyes, hairy legs, and reeking of chlorine aren’t necessarily the biggest turn-ons, but you need to focus on competition and not messing with your shave and taper cycle.
DO
Girls, long pants and he’ll never know. Maybe use a special shampoo or product to get rid of that chlorine stench (if that’s even possible), but in the end there’s no real out in this situation. You just have to grind it out, and blame the chlorine smell on the person at the other table (you smell that guy?).
4. PIGGING OUT
DON’T
Swimmers eat. We know swimmers eat, a lot. It’s hard to imagine what a swimmer would look like “pigging out” since they eat as much as they do, but trust me, it’s possible. Think about your competition. Eating a ton chocolate, polishing off too many bottles of wine, and eating enough candy hearts that you can’t move anymore is not a good idea. Put it this way, sink or swim. You wouldn’t pour vegetable oil into your car right before the Indy 500, don’t pollute your body with garbage during training.
DO
Fine, eat. I told you so, but eat, I knew you were going to anyways. The difference here is what you eat. Instead of chocolates, maybe you load up on vegetables or something else that’s good. Boost the protein intake. Eat two 12-inch subs from Subway, whatever, but look at WHAT you’re eating. If you’re going to over-eat, nothing is going to stop you as a swimmer, but at least look at what fuel you’re putting in your body.
5. BEING THAT GUY/ GIRL
DON’T
Don’t be that guy. Just don’t do it. The one who comes to practice bragging about the date they’ve got with the cheerleader who decided she’s had enough with football players and only dates swimmers now. Don’t be the one who acts all depressed because it’s Valentines Day and ruins the focus at practice. Just don’t be that guy. Your team is there for you during the good times and the bad times, but if you’re either of the two people above, you’re going to grind somebody’s gears.
DO
Be that guy. No not that guy I described before, I mean that nice guy. Got a date? Need to talk about it? Cool, just don’t be obnoxious or brag. Upset that you’re single? You’ve got an awesome team so quit your whining and help push the people that push you all season long. Be there for your team, let them be there for you, whatever, but just remember it’s one day and have fun. Also wing-manning and setting up your teammates is always a nice thing; think of it as a relay effort.
Well, if you guys follow these simple do’s and don’ts for Valentines Day, we can almost guarantee it will be a success. Wishing you the best of luck, happy Valentines Day from Swimswam!
All the more reasons for ditching swimming completely.There’s more to life than swimming.