My experience swimming at 6am instead of 8pm for the first time

General Forum
1

Following my last post where I asked for advice on morning swimming versus evening swims, I wanted to share my thoughts for anyone interested in reading.

I had a hard time getting up this morning and almost hit snooze on my alarm a couple of times. Even while getting ready, I was still feeling like backing out (maybe some imposter syndrome at play?).

After having a coffee, a banana, and a Lucozade, I drove to the pool and found it mostly empty. There were five lanes, each with one person in them. The lane I picked was mine for about 90% of my workout, which almost never happens in the evenings.

I swam my 1km, practiced some flip turns and dolphin kicks, and then it was time to get ready and head off to work. The rush of endorphins is still with me, and I feel like one of my main tasks for the day is already done.

To summarize:
Pros - had a lane to myself, no traffic on the way, uninterrupted swim session, and those endorphins lasted through the day.

Cons - not much time to warm up or prep outside the pool, and getting ready for work instead of heading back to bed.

I honestly think I might become a morning swimmer.

2

I agree that morning swimming feels so much nicer than evening swims, but getting up is challenging. Great job pushing through, keep it up!

3

I swam 2km before work today like I usually do. It’s such a great way to start the day, and I really miss it on days when I don’t swim.

4

Nuri said:
I swam 2km before work today like I usually do. It’s such a great way to start the day, and I really miss it on days when I don’t swim.

Same here, morning swims are the best. Once you get into the habit, it gets easier (though getting used to it in winter can be tricky).

5

Nuri said:
I swam 2km before work today like I usually do. It’s such a great way to start the day, and I really miss it on days when I don’t swim.

2km is amazing! That’s my personal best on days when I’m well-rested and fueled up with good food and caffeine.

6

When I swim in the morning, I feel tired for the rest of the day, even if I wake up at the same time.

7

Denny said:
When I swim in the morning, I feel tired for the rest of the day, even if I wake up at the same time.

I feel the same way. I’m relatively new to swimming, so I assume it will get better with time.

8

Cale said:
Just a prediction, but I think you will be super sleepy as soon as your head hits the pillow tonight.

I already feel like napping, and it’s only lunchtime!

9

I really dislike waking up before the sun rises, but I absolutely love my 6am swims! Sometimes I get the whole pool to myself.

10

Sky said:
I really dislike waking up before the sun rises, but I absolutely love my 6am swims! Sometimes I get the whole pool to myself.

Do you swim in an indoor or outdoor pool? I think sunrise swims would make 6am even more enjoyable!

11

@Palmer
In winter we swim indoors, but I plan to check out morning swims outdoors during summer!

12

Sky said:
@Palmer
In winter we swim indoors, but I plan to check out morning swims outdoors during summer!

Those summer swims will probably be amazing! I swim indoors all year, but when I vacationed recently, that sunrise view really motivated me to swim at 6am.

13

Swimming is the only sport where I can just roll out of bed and get started. I don’t eat, just stay hydrated on the way to the pool, and get into the routine once I’m in the water.

14

Rin said:
Swimming is the only sport where I can just roll out of bed and get started. I don’t eat, just stay hydrated on the way to the pool, and get into the routine once I’m in the water.

I totally agree! It’s nice to just roll out of bed, grab coffee, throw on my swimwear and tracksuit, and head out without worrying about getting ready until later.

15

@Palmer
Exactly! You always know it’s going to be wet and getting warmer.

16

Morning swims are fantastic as long as you can get up early enough for it not to disrupt your day.

17

It really depends on whether you’re a morning person. I usually swim at 7:50am, four times a week, and once in the evening around 7pm. I tend to have better times in the evenings than mornings.

18

Jovi said:
It really depends on whether you’re a morning person. I usually swim at 7:50am, four times a week, and once in the evening around 7pm. I tend to have better times in the evenings than mornings.

I’m definitely a morning person. I prefer weight lifting in the evening after a full day because it helps relieve stress. I can swim further in the evenings, but I set a personal best for 1km this morning!

19

I love swimming in the morning! The local pool opens at 6. I’m often one of the first to arrive. It’s mostly serious swimmers, not families or slow folks. I don’t need caffeine to start; a bit of carbs and hydration is plenty. It’s way better than evening swims where I’m tired after a long day at work surrounded by people not following the rules.

20

@Zeke
For me, caffeine feels more like a mindset. Having bananas and toast filled me enough to push through today. The morning swim was an awesome way to kick off my day, and the endorphins are still running high. I felt more productive too!