The Week Ahead: 11.6 to 11.11

It is not the straining for great things that is most effective; 

it is the doing of the little things, the common duties, a little better and better.

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

Once we get down to these last few weeks, things go quickly! This week is another one that will go quickly, with the Second Shave meet on Tuesday and Diving Regionals on Thursday. Obviously, as we come to these last competitions, it's easy to focus on a lot of the outcomes: places, times, scores, etc. However, we can't let ourselves get carried away and lose focus by focusing on such outcomes; rather, each day, we need to focus on the little details that are going to ultimately going to help determine those outcomes. For swimmers those details are starts, turns, breakouts, breathing patterns, stroke counts, etc. For divers those details are approaches, hurdles, spotting, pointing toes, etc. The more we can hone in on those details, the better we will be prepared for those final swims and dives. Moreover, when we're focused on the daily process, we don't carry the stress of thinking about those final outcomes.

The other thing we need make sure of is that we're doing everything possible to stay healthy. Getting consistent sleep needs to be a huge priority. Beyond that, worry about washing hands, getting enough vitamin C, bundling up when going outside, etc. Of course it's still possible to come down with something even if you're doing everything right; but we need to do everything in our power to put ourselves in the healthiest, most rested position.

Tuesday 11.7

• Second Shave Meet @ The Holland Aquatic Center
• All swimmers will be competing in this! No practice after school.
• Athletes On-deck at 5:15pm
• Warm Up @ 5:30pm. Meet Start @ 6:30pm.

Thursday 11.9

• D3 Diving Regionals @ Hamilton
• Brooke, Andrea, and Emily will be competing at the D3 Diving Regionals!
• Warm Up @ 3:00pm. Competition Starts @ 5:00pm.
• Stands open @ 4:00pm.
• Top 12 make it to State.
• After swim practice, Ben and as many swimmers as possible will head down to watch.

Saturday 11.11

• Last Saturday Practice!
• In the Water from 7:00 to 9:00am.
• We will carpool to Visser's afterwards for breakfast.