4 Ways to Get Through the January Grind

Photo Courtesy: Ian MacNicol

By Delaney Lanker, Swimming World College Intern

January can be a daunting month for college swimmers, where you are so close to Championship season, yet still so many duel meets away. But don’t let the grind get the best of you. Here are some tips to help you take control of January and prepare for a better end of season meet.

1. A Week At A Time

Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

Don’t look at your meet and practice schedule all at once. Always thinking about the fact that you have a swim meet every weekend for five weeks in a row, is not going to help you get through practice that day.

Just focus on the practices you have that day and the perspective dual meet on Saturday. Two things can’t occupy the same space at the same time. Only looking at the big picture will cause you to miss some of the details that will pay off at the end of your season.

2. Stay Mentally Tough

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Photo Courtesy: Lillian Scott

Swimming is already a mentally challenging sport, don’t let your mentality affect your swimming. Our bodies can handle the amount of swimming and training we put onto it, they have been accustomed over the years. However, your mind does affect how you swim. So stay positive and make sure to focus on the little things. Not every practice and meet during January are going to be perfect, but make sure to leave in in the water and start every practice with a fresh and focused mindset.

3. Reward Yourself

Photo Courtesy: Delaney Lanker

January isn’t supposed to be torture, so don’t treat it that way. It’s a challenge meant to be embraced.

Make sure to keep the pep in your step and switch up your routine a little bit. Ask your coaches if you can do something different for a practice or go on a team outing. Eat that ice cream, hang out with your friends and go do something fun.

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a Monday morning off as a reward from your coaches too.

4. Remember, taper is coming!

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We are working that hard for a reason. The time and effort we are putting into the pool now, will pay off at the end of our season. January is the final push, that third 50 of a race lets say, and can impact the outcome of the season. So fight through the pain and know that February and Championship season are right around the corner. Soon, we’ll be on taper and remember why we like swimming so much.

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