On Thusday night at practice Coach Mark reminded us that the LCM pool closes in early August. He asked us what we wanted to do about practice until the fall season officially starts.
Of course, my initial reaction to the announcement was: panic! I dread transitioning from outdoors LCM to indoors SCY. For me, any time, whether it be August, September or beyond, seems way too early for the annual pool/season switch.
My second thought however, was, “maybe it would be a good time for an active recovery phase.” This is the “maybe I’m finally learning something” part.
During the rest of the year I normally cycle six weeks or so on, one week of active recovery. But the summer season is so short (note the “panic!” reaction above). I hate to miss any outdoor swim opportunity.
I’ve also added lots o’ paddling to the mix this summer, as I prepare to be a minion for the Math Savant’s Catalina Channel swim this August. And running is on the regular schedule because I signed up for my first ever multi-sport event, a local “Tri My Way” event at the end of July. (“My way” is swim/run/swim).
Let’s recap:
–No active recovery in two+ months
–It’s peak allergy season (don’t even get me started on the yearly “I feel rusted-stiff-exhausted” allergy season backlash struggle)
–I’ve been tired enough from the swim/paddle/run mix that I haven’t picked up a weight since I don’t know when
Hmmmm…sounds like active recovery is in order in August for me.
So, Coach Mark, here’s my answer: I’d like to take the middle two weeks of August for active recovery. But then would it be possible to round up the troops somewhere for “seasonal transition mini-camp” workouts until the fall season officially starts? I would love sessions devoted to dry-land conditioning, drills, strategy, fall/winter goal-setting, etc. What do you think?
Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist