Creating An Early Morning Swimming Routine...

While you can swim any time during the day, there is something special about an early morning swim. Arriving when the pool has just opened and greeting familiar faces is an addictive early morning ritual for many. The first dive in can also be so invigorating - whether it's the delicious coolness on a warm summer's morning or the toasty warmth of a heated pool in winter. However, what is even better, is how you feel both during your swim and after, when you have a shower and get ready to start your day. The universal motto of just about every early morning swimmer is "what a great way to start the day!" It doesn't even matter if you do a hard squad session or just a few gentle laps, that feeling of well being seems to be a magic ingredient in the water itself regardless of the effort you have expended.

All that might be well and good, but getting motivated for early morning swimming can be a challenge, especially when your warm and/or comfortable bed is so inviting. However, with some strategies and mindset shifts, you can create and maintain a routine arranged around an early morning swim. Below are some strategies to help you both get into and keep up your swimming habit.

Prepare the Night Before: To make your morning swim smoother, prepare everything the night before. Lay out your swim gear, pack your bag, and have a healthy snack (if you eat before you swim) and your water bottle ready to go. This reduces the time required to get up and out the door and makes you less likely to talk yourself out of it because you aren't organised.

Create a Consistent Schedule: Establish a regular swimming schedule. Consistency helps your body adapt to the routine, making it easier to wake up early over time. Try to swim at the same time each morning.

Accountability Partner: Find a swimming buddy or training partner who shares your early morning swimming goals. Knowing someone is waiting for you at the pool can be a strong motivator to get out of bed.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself for completing your morning swim. It could be as simple as enjoying a delicious post-swim breakfast or treating yourself to a favourite coffee or snack.

Progress Tracking: Keep a record of your swimming progress. Seeing improvements over time can be highly motivating. Track metrics like distance, time, or the number of laps you swim. You can do this with your smart watch or keep a notebook/journal.

Mindset Shift: Change your perspective on early mornings. Instead of viewing them as a chore, see them as an opportunity to start your day in a positive and active way when the rest of the world is still asleep.

Gradual Adjustment: If you're not accustomed to early mornings, don't force yourself to suddenly wake up at 5am when your previous bedtime was midnight. Gradually adjust your wake-up time by going to bed and waking up 15-30 minutes earlier each day until you reach your desired time. This might take a week or two.

Enjoy the Solitude: Morning swimming often means a quieter, less crowded pool. Embrace the solitude and the peace it can offer. It can be a meditative and serene experience and you don't have to fight traffic on the way.

Stay Committed: Commit to your early morning swims for a set period, such as a few weeks or a month. After that time, assess how you feel and whether it's become a habit.

Stay Flexible: Understand that life may occasionally throw curveballs, and you might miss a morning swim. Don't be too hard on yourself; just get back on track the next day.

Remember that motivation can vary from day to day. There will be mornings when it's harder to get out of bed, but having a strong routine and a compelling reason for swimming can help you overcome those challenges and make early morning swimming a rewarding and sustainable habit.