Saint Francis University: 2011 Training Trip Blog - Day Four and Five

by Josh Huger (MrUtopia)

Saint Francis University: 2011 Training Trip Blog - Day Four and Five

SFU's Kathleen Lyon will provide us with daily updates on the Red Flash

Day 4 and 5:

New year’s eve has come and gone faster than ever! And with one year down another year of great memories and fast swimming is underway.

Today we had the usual 8-10am practice but afterwards we did not get to return to the hotel and relax, rather we had the 70th annual relay meet that takes place in Ft. Lauderdale. It is a lot of fun because it is only relays and there is really no pressure put upon everyone. There are probably at least 10 teams present at the meet from all around the country who are in the area for their training trip. Everyone seems to have a great time while also getting a chance to soak up the sun.

Following the meet the team either returned to the hotel or just hung by the beach and relaxed. I and about 6 other teammates chose to tan for 4 hours which ended up being a blast because it was warm enough to even jump in the ocean.

Once evening practice rolled around we were excited to do a “captain’s practice” in which the captain’s choose the workout for the evening and it has to be at least 2500 meters. This was an absolute blast because we ended up doing a “social” kick in which we kick for about 700 meters with a partner and just talk and at the end we did fun relays that included doggy paddle and more. It gave us a chance to have the mood lightened after several hard practices. Everyone on the team could not stop laughing at the hysterical relays we were swimming and its memories like these that we will remember for years to come.

Towards the end of the night the entire team made reservations at a Mexican restaurant for New Years Eve and we all finally looked like we were normal human beings for our hair was dry and straight and we were wearing dresses or skirts.

Lots of pictures were taken and we had a great time at the restaurant with the great food and having the team together outside of the pool. By the end of the night some went into the local shops or the mini mall in the area while others returned to the hotel. We knew we had 6am practice the next morning so you either chose to suffer the next morning by staying up late or going to bed early and having a little bit more energy for the morning. I chose to hit the bed early because I was already exhausted from the morning practice and spending the entire day in the sun and this was probably one of the better decisions I have made because practice on New Year’s Day was no joke whatsoever.

Our coach truly worked us hard to start 2012 off right and as much as it hurt it truly was a great work out and made a great start to the new year. The team is now relaxing in their rooms and up to whatever they want because we are lucky enough to have a day off tomorrow. Some are going to visit the Miami zoo while others will hang out on the beach and relax.

Read about day 1 here

Read about day 2 here

Read about day 3 here

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