It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Top 5 Things about December

Photo Courtesy: Tamara Dwyer

By Olivia Wile, Swimming World College Intern.

For many, December marks the beginning of the Christmas season. For college swimmers, it marks the halfway point of the season and a continuation of the infamous holiday training.

Since many swimmers typically begin training when they return to school in late August or early September, it’s natural for them to begin to feel a little burnt out by the time December rolls around.

Start adding the end of the semester and exams into the equation, and you have a recipe for stress and fatigue both in and out of the pool. However, though it is a challenging month for college swimmers, here are five things to look forward to throughout the month of December.

1. Mid-season taper meets

Photo Courtesy: Calvin Athletics

Many swimmers are either returning from or preparing for some kind of a mid-season rest meet. This typically gives athletes the opportunity to shave down, suit up and chase after some fast times. It also provides them an opportunity to assess the progress they’ve made so far during the season.

In traveling to and competing at these mid-season meets, athletes also have the chance to bond with teammates, support one another and face some more friendly competition. As teams from across leagues usually come together for these meets, it allows swimmers to face new, fast faces.

In a sport that revolves around racing and competing, what could be better?

2. Team festivities

Photo Courtesy: Brian Dickmann

Whether in or out of the pool, college swimmers are likely to experience some form of holiday festivities with their teams. This could mean a “12 Days of Christmas” set or even a team Christmas party.

In what can be a long, stagnant season, throwing in some holiday cheer this month might be the boost swimmers need to stay eager and focused on their training. It’s time to enjoy this holiday time and the variety of activities that come with it, both on and off the pool deck.

3. Traveling home for break

Though college coaches may not look forward to setting their athletes free for an entire week or two for Christmas break, having the chance to go home during December can be great for the swimmer psyche.

Being reunited with friends and family and even having the chance to train with old club teams or at home pools can rejuvenate and prepare swimmers to return to school refreshed and ready to finish their seasons strong.

4. Going on training trip

Photo Courtesy: Meaghan Abelein

Though not exclusive to the month of December, many teams leave for their training trips during this month. While training trips include arguably the hardest workouts of the season, they also include a lot of fun team bonding.

Being able to travel anywhere with teammates provides an opportunity to grow closer and strengthen morale. In addition, new training scenery can be a nice change of pace – even if the pace is getting faster in the pool.

Whether traveling south or beyond, experiencing a new place with teammates has the potential to enhance the team’s bond and training.

5. It marks the halfway point

Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

As stated earlier, December just about marks the halfway point of the season. Regardless if swimmers are competing in mid-season meets, December is a great time to analyze what is going well with training and where there is room for improvement.

With many conference championship meets and national meets quickly approaching in February and March, now is the time to fine-tune and focus hard while training.

So whether they are gearing up for a mid-season meet, excited to welcome the halfway point of a long season, or looking forward to training trip, there are many things for swimmers to enjoy this next month!

All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.

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