Just like any other sport, swimming requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Rituals are a part of swimming that can be similar from swimmer to swimmer, or be extremely unique. The FIT swim team has some of their own ways to prepare for their big meets and we want to share a few with you!
The night before:
Normally the team will eat some kind of food that contains many carbs such as Italian food. This is because overnight the carbs turn into sugar that gives the swimmer energy to get through their race.
Shaving is also done the night before a race. Many swimmers will shave their whole body including arms and backs, which multiple of the FIT swimmers participated in.
The team also gets together for a nightly meeting with the coach to go over the next day's races and talk about goals they want to accomplish both individually and as a team.
The morning of:
Together the team meets to eat breakfast. Apples, eggs, bagels and plenty of water are just a few favorites of the team.
On the bus over to the meet the coach goes over each event for the day and prepares the swimmers mentally by providing encouragement and helpful tips.
During:
While the competition is going on, many of the swimmers have specific rituals they follow.
Katie Hogan always listens to upbeat music and stays focused all the way up until she has to swim. This gets her excited for her race and in rhythm to swim.
Emily Mance, one of the writers of this blog, always stretches her whole body before she swims. She always stretches her neck and shakes out her muscles right before she is about to step on the block.
Jeff Sutera makes sure that he is constantly hydrated by drinking Gatorade, and well nourished by eating fruits and protein bars.
At the start of the meet the team always does a cheer together to make sure that FIT is well represented and empowered.
