Whether practicing in the water (where everyone thinks we spend all of our time) or on dry-land (which no one seems to understand), any swimmer's relationship with the pool is complicated. We love the shape the exercise gets our bodies in, but the path to get there isn't exactly a walk in the park... or even a light jog...
Like with any sport, swimming is an exercise that pushes us to our mental and physical limits, and once we reach that point, our coaches push us to infinity and beyond.
For swimmers and non-swimmers alike, here is a "Day-in-the-Life" presented by Disney's "The Emperor's New Groove."
1. When you first get to practice, it's all fun and games.
You clown around with your team, and enjoy your last few minutes, down to the second, of the "calm before the storm"...
2. The freshmen are excited, but the returning swimmers are mentally preparing for what's in store.
They're so cute and innocent ...
3. But then Coach finally puts the workout up.
100 x 100's, you say?
4. And it's only the warm-up.
...oh.
5. So you try to bargain with him, but-
It's not going to work... I've tried...
6. And now the last set of 5 x 100's are all fly.
Think of it as rehearsal for the meet...
7. So you start the set
Sorry, did you say this top? or the next top...
8. Within the first 100, someone runs you over
In this scenario, I am usually (always) the old man...
9. So you let them pass and they're all...
You've won this round, Murph...
10. Once warm-up is finished, you mentally prepare for the main set —
Please not shooters, please not shooters, please not shooters...
11. — and it's underwater shooters
...alright. Fine.
12. You finish them successfully (mostly)
Yes I DID do all 24 with no breath...
13. So Coach lets you call it a night.
Why do I feel like there's a catch to this...
14. Especially since you'll be swimming twice as much yardage tomorrow —
... oh. That's why.
Despite the hard work and long hours, at the end of the season, you know you'll miss swim. You've got a great pair of coaches, a team that's basically your second family, and an exercise regime you can't see living without.
Swim on, mighty ones.
