Blog 1126: What time is warm up?

This a question asked by a lot of swimmers. The usual answer comes back at what time the actual pool warm up starts. This is the wrong answer, warm up starts from the moment you get up. Make sure you have your kit ready and spare hat and goggles in place along with warm suits and race suits (these need to be tight so as to reduce drag so they should be put on at the last moment). Make sure breakfast is the right foods and you have plenty to drink for the day, afternoon swims are normally slower because of poor hydration and no other factor. Dont arrive on poolside when "warm up starts" this is way too late, you need to be there ready to get in the pool at that time, so arrive at least 15 mins prior to the pool start so you can do a proper blood flow routine in the correct attire and have your hat on in good time so you are ready to start your pool warm up. Follow the warm up procedure given to you by your coach this should be discussed prior to the event so you know what to do when you get there and have one less thing to think about. Even if there is a warm up/down facility open during the gala it is still important to swim in the competitive pool prior to racing to get the feel of it. You can and should do a second warm up if you have been waiting for a while. If there is no pool available then blood flow must be done. When you do all these basic things right you will have a good meet.