Well, it is now New Years Eve, and we’ve made it through eight practices with one to come tonight from 6-8 (prime training hours – obviously). The journey down south went smoothly, though I think my bladder almost exploded at one point because Ben REFUSED to pull over. Overall, mainly a good long nap in the van.
And then the true training trip began… From practice the night we arrived to doubles every day since, the trip has definitely been both a physical and a mental trial. Though the swimming has been tough, it has definitely brought the team together. We have never been so encouraging throughout practices, and with the current level of training, we need all the positive energy we can get! Especially since many of us, myself included, were a little surprised by the long course meter pool. Some of the freshman had never swum long course until now, so it was a great experience!
Yesterday we had our big meet of the trip (after morning practice of course). A tri-relay meet against a boys’ team and a girls’/boys’ team. Of course, distance swimmer Lara gets 5 events, one of which being the 200 in the crescendo – long course. Talk about a long 200… but that’s beside the point. It was actually really fun (and got us out of a practice ha!). Everyone was really motivated and cheering even though the events were a little unorthodox. Of course, Macon is never done after a meet – it was time for an hour of drylands with Ben the beast before we could make the traffic-filled trip to the annual Steak and Shake dinner. Absolutely DELICIOUS. Especially after that 5 minute plank hold – ohhh that hurt. All that ab work was immediately eliminated by the deliciousness of milkshakes and French fries – well worth it.
Which bring us to today’s New Year’s Eve training slash A-Mo’s 21st birthday BASH! Practice this morning was from 10 am to 12 pm, giving us such much needed extra sleep. Over in the D-Train we did a mind-numbing 60x100s (not a misprint – yes, 60). I suppose it could have been worse, but on about number 45 or 50 I started miscounting, not the number of 100s, but rather whether I’d done a 50 or a 100. Oh the delirium of distance swimming! (Note to future swimmers: get a REALLY good song stuck in your head before practices on training trip) Then, beach time all afternoon!! The beach has been BEAUTIFUL! Sunny and warm every day so far! Luckily, motivation for tonight’s practice will come from a swimmer’s number one love – FOOD! We’re going to The Cove, a restaurant off the water, for A-Mo’s birthday, which should be a GREAT way to spend the New Year! Everyone is extremely excited because there comes a point where PB&J just doesn’t cut it.
Some warnings for future training trip athletes:
1. The sun does indeed drain you for practice. Put on sunscreen and don’t tell Ben you were out literally all day!
2. You don’t need as many clothes as you think. Pretty sure I’ve worn the same t-shirt and shorts for 3 days…
3. Enjoy training trip in moderation
4. Norman deserves his own seat on the van. Try not to offend him.
5. Microwaves are OPTIMAL cooking appliances. Who needs stoves?
6. 5 people to a room gets a bit crowded – count to 10 and take deep breaths. Oh and get towels every time you’re in the lobby because the maid won’t actually clean your room. Let’s be honest, I wouldn’t touch that mess either!
As a quick recap, the trip has been GREAT! Definitely a lot of fun, though practices can get to be a bit much. Not a huge fan of the freezing cold short course pool, but nothing that the team can’t handle. We’re definitely going to be ready for ODACs after this extra work! I know I’m excited! Back to campus in a mere 3 days! Gotta get back to the beach!
LATER!
Lara O'Brien
