It wouldn’t be summer without swim team, and this is my last season of coaching. It’s definitely starting to sink in, and I’m going to miss having this job for so many reasons. I coach a really great group of kids. They all have so much energy and enthusiasm for the team and just life in general, and it rubs off on me. Every day after practice I leave feeling accomplished that each age group worked on a skill and improved on it. It’s a really great feeling to know that you’re making a difference in someone’s life.
I wake up at 6:45 every morning, and after minimal snooze alarms I’m up and ready. I’m always the first to be at the pool and I try to get there early enough to where I can take my time setting up for practice. Mornings in the summer are probably my favorite time of day. The air is just slightly chilly, but it feels refreshing and reminds you of the potential of the day ahead. The pool deck is quiet and peaceful. I really feel like I’m where I belong when I’m around a pool. Plus I get to live life in Nike shorts, tank tops and sunglasses. I seriously have the best job I could ask for.
It’s definitely helping my 101 in 1001 goal to swim 3,000 laps. I’ve gotten into the habit of swimming the warm up set with the oldest group. It’s an easy way to swim at least 12 laps a day. I also get a quick arm workout every morning when I put the lane ropes in. They’re on a giant spool that must weight at least a hundred pounds, and even though the other coaches will help, it still takes a lot to put them in and take them out every day. I'm starting to see some arm definition, so it' all worth it!
Another perk (sometimes) is that I’m always on my feet. I’m up and moving, doing things around the pool deck, and helping out wherever I can. I love meet days because they’re always so busy. During a meet the only time I really sit down is if I have to take over the lifeguard stand. It keeps my metabolism going all day, and I always find myself in better shape during the season. Having an active job is helping me get into better habits of having an active lifestyle. I have high goals for myself when it comes to getting healthier, and coaching is really jump starting that. Changing lifestyles is hard, no doubt about it. But I know it will pay off to leave my selfish and lazy college ways behind me. This time, getting in shape and eating healthy is going to stick. I’m holding myself more accountable, and I think it’s going to make a huge difference. I’m pretty close to breaking my bad habits, and swim team has been the perfect catalyst for it! Coaching is a job that is easy to love.