"The most important single in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people". THEODORE ROOSEVELT
How important is it to be a good teammate? By being an awesome teammate you help create a culture that will go a long way in how successful the group including yourself will be. When you walk around with a positive mindset it can be very infectious with everyone in the group, but on the other hand you can sabotage the group with innuendos, gossip and exclusion. Instead of being part of the problem, BE part of the solution.
Swimmers come in all types and have been blessed with different talents an regardless where you are on the spectrum everyone of you can be a great group mate.
EFFORT-- A great group mate will always give relentless effort regardless, no excuses. We always talk about focusing in on the things you can control and effort is the one thing that you can control every day. No excuses. An athlete who always has an excuse will always have a built in excuse for failure and that is all an excuse is, a valid reas=on for failure. The only way to get better is to give your maximum effort. This will not only make you better but it will push the whole group to nbc better.
HONEST--A great group mate is honest. The group dynamics is based on honesty and your coach and teammates need too know that they can trust you during the ups and downs of the season. By being honest you refrain from using social media for spreading gossip and innuendos about teammates. If you have issues go to the source and talk through it and respect each other and don't repeat it to others. You don't always have to agree with each other but you should talk and listen.
UNSELFISH-- It's not always easy but you need to put the group first and by doing so you, yourself are in a better position to be successful. Find happiness for your teammates success and be there when they need a hand and in turn they will be there for you hopefully. Cheer your group mates on during practice through a sprint set or a hard set it will make the practice must more fun and isn't that what it's all about.
HUMBLE-- Be humble for you never know when you will be on the other end. Enjoy your accomplishments but be humble and be sure to give praise to your teammates. Our success will come when no one cares who gets the credit.
ACCOUNTABLE-- To be a great group mate you need to hold yourself and your group mates accountable. Set high standards for yourself and the group and then hold each other accountable through support and encouragement. If someone is not meeting the standards you can't be afraid to face them (not through social media) but through face to face communication you just might be able to help them work through an issue and get them back on track. Don't accept a negative attitude, reach out and help them work through the issue. You never know when you may be on the other end.
IMPROVE-- You should always be striving to improve. Every time you walk onto deck you should have the attitude that you will walk out a better swimmer and person. Work to improve yourself through great effort and you will lift your teammates up.
OPTIMISTIC--Don't be that swimmer who is always complaining or coming up with excuses for not doing something the right way. Look for the positives in thatchers and the workout in front of you. Always look for the positives in your races.
RESPECT--Respect your family. Respect your teachers. Respect your coaches. Respect your teammates. Respect your facilities. Put your phones down and LOOK people in the eye when communicating. Nod and acknowledge people when they talk to you. Encourage and cheer on your teammates and create an environment of mutual respect for each other.
LEADER--A leader does not have to be the best swimmer, they don't even need to be the most vocal. They leave by their actions on a daily basis. They bring energy to the deck every day. They challenge teammates during practice. They are always setting a good example. They don't talk bad about teammates or coaches behind their backs. They put a stop to gossip.
RESILIENT-- A good teammate does not play the blame game. They take setbacks or losses as an opportunity to grow as a person and a swimmer. They don't make excuses. They look for solutions. They help their teammates do the same. Your ability to bounce back will be infectious to the entire group and will help them bounce back also. A positive outlook will make a difference. Be that teammate.
RESPONSIBILITY--The season as life will always have ups and downs and regardless of any outcome always take responsibility for YOUR actions. You never know who is watching for cues on how to behave. Be the better person and the first step is always taking responsibility.
SET OF THE WEEK senior prep 4 rounds. junior gold 2 rounds
- 2x25 fly (breathe chin on surface drop chin before arms come over)
- 2x100 (50 back/50 breast) (building speed on first 25 faster tempo on 2nd 25)
- 1x100 free fast (25 strong/ middle 50 racing/25 finish it off)
- 50 recovery kick on back
Intervals are set for each groups appropriate levels.
SNOW DAY
Hope everyone enjoyed your snow days last week. Great effort from those of you who made the effort to get to practice especially the ones who made it to the St. James on Friday and the ones who braved the cold on Saturday morning. We had a great turnout.
Have you ever wondered what your summer pools might look like after a snow storm. It might resemble something like the picture on the right. Ever wonder who makes this foot prints. I personally like to go down and try to figure which critters make what foot prints. I think this past weekend we had deer, birds, and maybe a bear 🐻 , on no those were my foot prints.
NUTRITIONAL TREAT FOR SNOW DAY
APPLE TOAST
1 tablespoon butter
4 slices of white or whole wheat bread
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced
Set oven ton boiling spread butter on one side of bread. Place apple slices on buttered side and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Place bread on a baking sheet. Place in a preheated oven until toasted. (about 2 minutes)
