Warm Weather Training Camp, Club La Santa, Lanzarote (27th October - 3rd November 2005)
On Thursday 27th October 2005 a group of 41 including swimmers, coaches and parents met at Belfast International Airport. This was the beginning of a very successful week for Larne Swimming Club as they headed off for an intensive Warm Weather Training Camp at Club La Santa in Lanzarote, under the supervision of Head Coach, Raymond Skillen.
Check-in passed uneventfully, the plane journey was boring for some but spirits were high when we landed in Arrecife. It was not long before we reached La Santa and after unpacking, a quick dip was had in the fun pool, followed by the first session of training. This was a particularly hard set especially after such an early start to the day.
The swimmers completed two training sessions per day, each lasting 2 hours, the first 9am – 11am and the other 5pm – 7pm. The distant swimmers completed 73,000m – 80,000m and the sprinters 53,000 – 60,000m during the week. This was an excellent achievement with the swimmers giving their best at all times.
As a treat the swimmers were given one afternoon off (Monday) which was very welcomed. A trip was organised to the water park in Costa Teguise and although the weather was mixed, this did not dampen anyone’s spirits. Competitions took place on the water slides and Richard was named as “king of the slides”. This was a super team event with every swimmer and coach taking part.
The week flew in and on the last morning the crowds gathered at the Olympic pool for the “big race”. It was between Raymond (in fins), Johnny (wearing a drag parachute) and Nick (swimming breast stroke). The swimmers, parents and coaches watched excitedly as Johnny closed the gap between himself and Raymond. Unfortunately he just could not close the gap enough and Raymond was declared winner by ½ metre.
Last minute packing was then completed and rooms were vacated. The coach collected our party and we headed for the airport for our return flight to Belfast.
The trip was a total success but could not have taken place without the help of a number of people. A big thank-you must be paid to Sharon Logan who was the driving force behind the trip, booking flights, accommodation, pool lanes and collecting money.
Also thanks to the parents who accompanied the squad and who assisted with supervision during the week: - Richard, Gary and Karen, Alan and Pauline, June Rainey, Angela, June and David Traill, Dermot and Sheelagh, Raymond and Edith.
Special thanks to Raymond who made the weeks training varied, challenging but always enjoyable. To the coaches who assisted Raymond; persuaded, pushed and jollied the swimmers through the tough sessions (Richard, Gary, June Traill and Alan) – a big thank-you! - And to Richard for his diplomatic manner when acting as Team Manager.
Finally a big thank-you to all of the swimmers without whom we could not have had a training camp. Your determination, commitment, perseverance and hard work shone throughout the week. The behaviour was excellent and every swimmer was a credit to themselves and Larne Swimming Club.
Good luck for the rest of the season!!
Check-in passed uneventfully, the plane journey was boring for some but spirits were high when we landed in Arrecife. It was not long before we reached La Santa and after unpacking, a quick dip was had in the fun pool, followed by the first session of training. This was a particularly hard set especially after such an early start to the day.
The swimmers completed two training sessions per day, each lasting 2 hours, the first 9am – 11am and the other 5pm – 7pm. The distant swimmers completed 73,000m – 80,000m and the sprinters 53,000 – 60,000m during the week. This was an excellent achievement with the swimmers giving their best at all times.
As a treat the swimmers were given one afternoon off (Monday) which was very welcomed. A trip was organised to the water park in Costa Teguise and although the weather was mixed, this did not dampen anyone’s spirits. Competitions took place on the water slides and Richard was named as “king of the slides”. This was a super team event with every swimmer and coach taking part.
The week flew in and on the last morning the crowds gathered at the Olympic pool for the “big race”. It was between Raymond (in fins), Johnny (wearing a drag parachute) and Nick (swimming breast stroke). The swimmers, parents and coaches watched excitedly as Johnny closed the gap between himself and Raymond. Unfortunately he just could not close the gap enough and Raymond was declared winner by ½ metre.
Last minute packing was then completed and rooms were vacated. The coach collected our party and we headed for the airport for our return flight to Belfast.
The trip was a total success but could not have taken place without the help of a number of people. A big thank-you must be paid to Sharon Logan who was the driving force behind the trip, booking flights, accommodation, pool lanes and collecting money.
Also thanks to the parents who accompanied the squad and who assisted with supervision during the week: - Richard, Gary and Karen, Alan and Pauline, June Rainey, Angela, June and David Traill, Dermot and Sheelagh, Raymond and Edith.
Special thanks to Raymond who made the weeks training varied, challenging but always enjoyable. To the coaches who assisted Raymond; persuaded, pushed and jollied the swimmers through the tough sessions (Richard, Gary, June Traill and Alan) – a big thank-you! - And to Richard for his diplomatic manner when acting as Team Manager.
Finally a big thank-you to all of the swimmers without whom we could not have had a training camp. Your determination, commitment, perseverance and hard work shone throughout the week. The behaviour was excellent and every swimmer was a credit to themselves and Larne Swimming Club.
Good luck for the rest of the season!!
posted by Gary @ 9:09 pm
<< Home