No pool, no problem - Competitive swimmers adapt and train in a lake
Members of the Halifax Trojan Aquatic Club had to adapt their training regimen from a pool to a lake.
Competitive swimmers typically train by looking down and following a black line in an indoor pool. But there's nothing typical about 2020.
When covid-19 restrictions were first put in place, members of the Halifax Trojan Aquatic Club were stuck in their living rooms doing virtual workouts for two months.
When outdoor parks began reopening, Head coach Mark McGrann decided to test out the waters at Long Lake Provincial Park in Halifax, and he hasn't looked back since.
The coaches are on kayaks and there's no edge for the swimmers to dive in from, the simply hop over the rocks and walk in.
McGrann says at first, it was a bit unnerving. "They have to lift their head every few strokes to see are they headed in the right direction, are they leaning off course."
In a pool, the water is much calmer, but McGrann says he's never seen swimmers show up to practice so consistently, and they're smiling ear to ear.
There are challenges like visibility, waves, and of course, the wind, but weather this Summer has been ideal with very few rainy days and lots of sunshine.
With restrictions now easing, practices are beginning to move back inside The swimmer's enthusiasm is making Mcgrann rethink his curriculum even when it's not a matter of public health.
He says at first, he wanted to get the swimmers back together again because he thought they were missing the social engagement. They've had to follow the regulations and framework set up by Swim Nova Scotia and the lake allowed them to spread out without the restrictions of being inside a building.
You can see the team in action in the video above.
