Quick Dip: Why Can Early Training Feel So Difficult?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Sleep & Recovery  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Early training can feel harder than an afternoon or evening session. Your alarm may ring while it is still dark and you might want to stay asleep.

Your body has a daily rhythm, often called your body clock, which helps control when you feel sleepy and awake. Waking earlier than usual can mean getting up while your body still expects to be asleep.

Preparing the night before makes the morning simpler. Pack your swimming bag, fill your bottle, put out your clothes and check when you need to leave. That means less searching for kit when you have only just woken up.

An earlier alarm also needs a plan for bedtime. Ask a parent or carer to help you leave enough time for sleep. A warm-up cannot replace the sleep your body needs.

At the pool, follow your coach’s warm-up. Use the opening lengths to focus on your body position, breathing and technique as you get moving.

Do not judge the whole session by its first few minutes. Give yourself time to settle into the swimming, without rushing straight into your fastest pace.

If you regularly struggle to stay awake or feel exhausted, tell your parent or carer and your coach. They can help you look at your sleep and training routine together.

Did you know? Light helps set your body clock. Bright screens close to bedtime can make it harder to feel ready for sleep.

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team