Everything packed the night before, and a protein drink for after swim. Having a car makes it easier to store stuff after; I hang the towel to dry on a hanger in the back seat on the garment hook. Quick dry towels are more convenient, but I like the texture of a cotton towel better. I also use the clothes spinner machine to wring out the bathing suit.
If you have no choice, it’s swim in the morning or don’t swim at all and feel bad about it all day, it’s easy. If you care about swimming, it won’t be hard to make it happen. You get used to it.
Lorin said:
If you have no choice, it’s swim in the morning or don’t swim at all and feel bad about it all day, it’s easy. If you care about swimming, it won’t be hard to make it happen. You get used to it.
I like the no-nonsense approach. It’s precisely why I’m asking this question and for tips rather than just skip my swim. It’s not an everyday thing, but will occur more regularly than it has before!
I swim first thing in the morning; the earlier, the better. Just get up and go. It’s a great way to start the day. I don’t eat before my swim. I grab a piece of fruit and a 42 mg protein shake before coffee afterwards. I carry a swim bag with a hand towel, which is large enough to dry me off, but small enough to not weigh me down when wet. I rinse at the pool, but shower at home. I keep my bag packed and ready every night. I lay out my “gym clothes” the night before as well, which makes it easy to roll out of bed, get dressed and head out the door.
I started 6am club training a few months ago. I knew I could never get through it fasted, so I started with a small breakfast an hour before. My early morning digestion has improved over those months, and now I have my usual breakfast about 45 mins before.
So, however those first few swims go, check in with yourself and see how you are adapting. Don’t be afraid to adjust food types/amounts etc. and see how you respond.
Have an electrolyte drink before and a base bar after. I have a bag with a ‘wet stuff pouch’ I switch times too. Remember to warm up the small muscles with stretches before you swim whenever to prevent injuries!
When I learned how to swim in my early 30s, I was swimming at night. Then I joined the masters team and started swimming in the morning. I cannot imagine going back to swimming in the evening. I don’t need motivation. I look forward to my swims.
After I swim, I hang my suit and towel in my car before getting on the train.