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Please read this article from Annie Grevers in Swimming World.

5 Ways to Turn Christmas Training Fear into Cheer



By Annie Grevers
TUCSON – The Christmas Training season can certainly create some anxiety for a swimmer as the standard routine of swim-school-swim-homework-sleep suddenly becomes wide open. Instead of fearing the added training opportunities, you can learn to embrace them.

5 Ways to Turn Christmas Training Fear into Cheer

1) Oh what fun it is to train on a school-free, open day!

no school
How often do you get to devote all your energies to your favorite sport?
Never.
Take advantage of this break from scholastic curriculum and exercise the brain as you stare down that black line in your lane.
Christmas training is not often lumped in with our favorite holiday traditions, but the novelty of swimming without the stress of school is to be celebrated.
The best swimmers do not just log laps. They think about every angle of every portion of every stroke they take. Challenge your brain to engage throughout every stroke this year. Cerebral swimming may just become a habit.

2) It’s the nap, nappiest season of all

Napping
Hmmm. What to do after morning practice?
Option 1: eat fudge.
Option 2: play video games.
Option 3: take a nap!
Recovering like a professional is seldom an option with school in between workouts. You have the rare opportunity to recover like swimming is your job. Seize that opportunity and see what kind of results come when you recover with a hearty breakfast and a sizeable nap.

3) The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.

Charlie Brown
Don’t take Buddy the Elf’s advice in it’s entirety. We know all know the singers in the group.
Their songs are not appreciated as you try to savor the gasping seconds on the wall. But a great way to spread Christmas training cheer is to, you guessed it, CHEER!
It’s not cheesy. It’s not embarrassing. In fact, your teammates will like it.
They might even use their extra sugar energy to cheer for you in return.
“Be tough!” “Last one, fast one!” “Come and get me!” are a few suggestions if you are struggling with to find cheer content.

4) Appreciate Santa’s Swimmer Clause:

Candy
All those making merry shall gain weight during the holiday season, unless you are a swimmer undergoing Christmas Training.
OK. Not a guarantee. We would advise you to fuel your body with protein, adequate carbohydrates, fruits and veggies and minimal sugar.
But also appreciate the amount of exercise you are doing! I know this swammer misses never feeling the full effects of the caramel corn variety tin, mom’s fudge, and countless other sugary temptations I went after with fervor.

5) Silver and Goals!

what_are_your_goals
Write down a goal and three ways you’re going to attain that goal. The “how” is so important in goal setting.
Just because you will something to happen, does not mean it’s going to magically transpire.
I guess this could be considered homework, but it’s the most inspiring homework assignment you’ll ever get to do and your last assignment of 2014!
Reevaluate your existing goals. If you have not written down three goals, this is the perfect time.
Our most arduous training sessions can be so much more productive and meaningful with our goals fresh on our minds.

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