31st October - Hi All, Last pool session this evening and after a mixed skills and drills set the swimmers were split into teams and we had a bit of fun with some relays, Mike even tried to join in, jumping in and racing Matthew Pomford for 15mtrs. after the relays the swimmers made Faye, Julie, Neil and myself an offer we couldn't refuse and we ended up in the pool. No respect. This mornings session was a tough for both sets of swimmers, the older ones where given 15 x 200s holding pace and heart rates and the younger ones had a mixed distance aerobic set again holding pace and heart rates. The swimmer of the day was Holly White who had a fantastic session this morning really working hard and keeping up with Mikes senior swimmers throughout the set.After dinner Mike announced the swimmers of the week and presented them with their prizes. The three swimmers selected are
Matthew Pomford Chloe Quarton Leevi Gumbs
After the presentation everyone gathered in Matthew's Pomford and Johnson's room for a world record attempt on how many people could fit in a room. We managed 36, Julie P has the photographic proof which we will be presenting to the Guinness book of records for verification. Up as normal tomorrow 7.30 breakfast with a 8.30 coach transfer to Palma Airport for a 11.40 flight to Manchester (Jet2 flight number LS832) Due back at Manchester at 1320 local time. Mike and Neil will be staying at the airport for those of you collecting. Julie will be looking after the Wirral swimmers and Faye and I will be returning to Everton Park via pre booked coach estimated arrival time of 1500 but I will make sure your son / daughter contacts you when we are en-route to give you a more accurate time of arrival.
Cheers, Pete 30th October - Ola, Another late night playing cards with cheats (guess who lost). No quote of the day today, I think the swimmers have finally caught on that we are listening to them.
Swimmers of the day for Friday 30th were Emily Spencer Liam Carlin. Both have been working extremely hard all week and fully deserve to be recognised for their efforts. Two more pool sessions today along with some strength and conditioning work with Faye , also some of the older swimmers may be going out for a run, strictly supervised by Julie on a bike, so there will be no easy end to the camp.
Bit of a Halloween party tonight, but not too late, we are up early in the morning for our transfer to the airport, more details later, Buenos Dias, Pete
29th October - Apologies for not filing this report last night, The grown ups are involved in a really serious card school where certain people (Mike) are conveniently forgetting the rules (Cheating) when faced with a winning opportunity and the game (sevens) does tend to go on a bit until someone wins cheat free.
Quote of the day - Leah Morrow '' Can we put our sunglasses on when we do a kick set, It's too sunny.
Back to two pool sessions in a day and we are starting to see some very tired swimmers as we come to the back end of the camp, especially the younger ones who aren't used to morning sessions but get on with it without (too much) complaining. Just to give you an idea of the sets and meterage the younger ones are doing here is a typical set from yesterday
Warm up 3 x 600 - Mix of steady swim - drill work Main 1, 4 x 500 IM as 200 f/c - 150 brs - 100 bk - 50 fly non stop Recovery swim 1 x 300m f/c & bk Main 2, 4 x (1x200 f/c - 1x150 f/c - 1x 100f/c 1x50 f/c) Swim down 1 x 400 choice mix Total 6500 meters
Again there where three swimmers of the day as the team felt all three where worthy of the coveted yellow t-shirt and could not be separated. The swimmers are...
Daniel (the man) Omidi Mattea-Jay Oliver Matthew Johnson
More news later , providing the card school is cheat free. Pete 28th October - Buenas Tardes, As previously reported the Kayaking trip was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Quote of the day today goes to Emily Spencer with the classic '' Has anyone noticed the water in the pool tastes like Eccles Cakes''
This mornings session for both groups was a mixed distance heart rate set then a IM skill set again with fins and snorkels. After the session it was back to the hotel for some room tidying prior to a room inspection after lunch with the occupiers of the messiest room carrying out a forfeit as chosen by their fellow swimmers. It was a close run battle but the girls (Libby, Georgia and Charlotte) just nudged the boys (Sam and Daniel) into second place. The forfeit as chosen by everyone was for the girls to serve drinks at the evening meal. After Lunch it was down to the beach for a few hours as the temperature was only 24 - 25 degrees we thought we would play a few team games to keep the gang from getting cold.
I was involved in what started out as strictly non-contact beach football and ending up as ''Lets kick Pete from one end of the beach to the other'' seriously I am black and blue. Meanwhile Julie was in charge of the Beach volleyball which again ended up with poor Julie coming off a little worse for wear in a challenge with Ethan then got her face in the way of the ball as Matthew (P) was looking to score a point. While all of this was going on the more sensitive of the gang either had a walk around the harbour taking in the gift shops or Neil and Faye took a small party to visit the Towns Aquarium. Anyway back to the swimming
After a tough morning session it was decided that there would be three swimmers of the day as they could not be separated and all three deserved recognition for the tremendous amount of hard work they had put in.
The swimmers were Abigail Towle Athena Clayson James Pettener
In other news, the plague of mosquito's that seem to be following us where ever we go seems to be dying down which is a good thing as there cant be much more insect repellent left in the whole island of Mallorca. I don't think there is a member of the team who hasn't been attacked.
Manana Pete 27th October - Buenas Tardes, As anticipated today's morning session was split into two sections, The younger ones carried out land work then went on a run under the strict supervision of Faye our S&C coach. The older ones meanwhile where given a really tough set of 16 x 50s (timed) absolute maximum effort trying to hold the times given to them by Mike. Both sets of swimmers really done well and rose to the challenge. This afternoon's session was a mix of skill work and some very short speed work with fins and snorkels. After consulting Julie, Faye, Neil and myself Mike announced that it was a unanimous decision and the swimmer of the day award would go to Ethan Ryland. Todays quote of the day is anonymous with a few people laying claim to the line '' Suns Out, Guns Out'' Someone will tell me what that means one day. More sun forecast for tomorrow with one big aerobic session in the morning and Kayaking in the afternoon, Buenas Noches
26th October - Buenas Noches 1st full day in training, 2 big mixed aerobic sessions 6,000 meters in each session. Everyone is working really hard and starting to realise this is no holiday. Here's a couple of quotes off the swimmers that made the team chuckle.
Tobey Ryland... Can I have a lie in today please Mike Leevi Gumbs..... If it rains do we still have to train (25 degrees today) Tom Silk............ The tv here is rubbish, it's all foreign
Swimmers of the day today where Chloe Quarton and Sam Caton, both worked really really hard and were worthy recipients of the Yellow t-shirt.
Adios, Pedro Barton
25th October - Arrived safely, a good flight and a nice soft landing. We've checked in to the hotel and just had lunch, hopefully the swimmers will now be resting, ready for a pool session at 4.00pm (our time). More news later
Support Team Changes 2015
The Head Coach of the City of Liverpool has made some changes to the Support Team that will travel on the Swim Camp in 2015. Originally there were two female chaperones, a female gym coach and two male coaches but due to the build up of the attending squad it was accepted and agreed by the committee that this should be amended to a single female and single male chaperone to be based at the swim camp hotel. This provides support to all of our squad swimmers in terms of gender. This has been communicated and agreed by all involved for the benefit of the COLSC swimmers.
Training Camp 2015
There will be a meeting to discuss the Training Camp for 2015 on Tuesday 13th January. The meting will be at Picton at 7pm and will be a chance for those who have shown interest to learn a little more about the event this year.
Majorca 2013 final day Hi all, Final update, finished off with two very good sessions in the pool. Mike even joined in the last 15 minutes of the race pace set, literally.
Swimmers of the week were awarded to a male and female swimmer who have shown consistent strong performances, (some exceptional) in the pool and a good attitude towards the code of conduct. Emma Grayson and Tom Barton were therefore given the awards.
We will see you all tomorrow at the airport or drop off points.
Regards, Camp staff
Majorca 2013 day 7 Hi all, This mornings session was tech and recovery aerobic on No 1. stroke and a hard aerobic set this evening. Several swimmers managed to get quicker throughout whilst all others maintained and where consistent. Swimmer of the day went to Hannah Kelsall. The evening was finished off by another quiz, the winning team consisting of Hannah Caton and Hannah Platt with a bit of help from Pete and Meg.
Yesterday's trip to the beach was followed by a trip to the local market. We saw some entertaining haggling! The evening's entertainment was team games in our onesies which went down well. If you havent already seen the group photo, there is one attached. Needless to say it was ridiculously warm!
Last two sessions tomorrow with swimmers of the week (male and female) being announced.
Last update tomorrow,
Regards Camp Staff
Majorca 2013 day 5 Hi all, Apologies in the delay, poor wifi this evening. Mostly skill and speed in sessions today, some good sets both am and pm. Swimmer of the day was awarded to Liam Carlin for consistent effort across both sessions. This evening we had a quiz, in which 'team birdseed' won (an inside joke so I'm told) consisting of Cole, Connor, Phoebe and Poppy.
Tough HR set tomorrow morning followed by the afternoon off. Then it's onesie night and team games. Will send a team onesie photo in the next update.
Regards, Camp staff
Majorca 2013 - Day 4 Hi all, Hope you are all well. Swimmers doing well today, skill set this morning on specific BK, BRS and FLY work. This evening was a tough HR set where a lot of swimmers kept to their targets with some managing to get quicker throughout.
For exceptional sets Elliot Jones and Bob Hilton earned themselves swimmer(s) of the day. We have celebrated Pete Barton's birthday with a few after eight chocs!
Kind Regards, Camp Staff
Majorca 2013 - Day 3 Hi all, Two hard sessions today, mixed stroke groups this morning and a tough Individual Medley (IM) set this evening. Notably a lot of swimmers worked really hard this evening. We could only narrow down swimmer of the day to 2, Grace Houghton and Tom Barton. Both got quicker on each of the IM reps, with Grace shouting to her whole lane each time 'Guys I just got another PB!' :)
Down time has been introduced from 2pm for swimmers to rest before the evening sessions. Some swimmers look like a rest would be beneficial after looking a bit tired in the water this evening. There has been a good all round effort today however.
As some of your children's schools contributed towards the camp and have asked for a photo to be able to thank the school, please find attached a photo of the team in their kit at the pool.
Kind Regards, Camp Staff
Majorca 2013 - Day 2 Hi all, Another short update from today. Swimmers had quite an early and tough session this morning followed by lunch and a day relaxing by the hotel's pool. The evening session was quite a hard kick set.
Very good sessions from lots of people, Jake Connor was swimmer of the day. Swimmer of the day is based on all round behaviour and not just performance in the pool.
Swimmers have a little longer in bed tomorrow as our morning sessions are 9-11 for the rest of the week.
Those parents who received these updates last year may remember Mike took to the scooters used by the Norwegian swim team. This year he has his own, please see attached!
Hopefully all swimmers have now contacted home.
Many thanks, Camp Staff
Majorca 2013 - Day 1 Hi all, We have all arrived safely in Majorca and are settled into the accommodation, rooms are great and the food in the hotel is very good. The hotel is situated very close to the pool which is handy for quick journeys to and from.
We had one session this afternoon from 2-4pm with basic aerobic and skill, all swam well considering it was a very early start. Poppy Yip earned herself swimmer of the day, with several other swimmers putting in a fantastic effort.
Sessions tomorrow are 7-9 am (our usual slot will be 9-11am) and evening session 4-6pm.
We have encouraged all swimmers to make contact with home, if they haven't please let me know and we will chase up. Everyone however is safe and well!
Thanks Camp Staff
2013 October Camp
Committee Statement for all swimming members
Please find attached a statement from the committee in relation to Swim Camp selection for 2013.
Thursday saw two tough sessions with a good stretching set inbetween. By today some where starting to look a little tired in the water but a fantastic effort has been made by the group. All staff have been extremely pleased by the swimmers and hopefully everyone has taken the camp as a valuable experience.
Swimmer of the day for Thursday went to Lydia Paris-Davis who really did work hard. Other prizes and commendations went to Emma Grayson and Ellis Le'gall who even though they were extremely tired they continued to show effort.
Swimmer of the day for today was female, Hannah Caton and male, Cole Charnock. Special prizes for a great day went to Emma Grayson, Connor Lewis, James Pout and Ross Rutherford.
Male swimmer of the week went to Bob Hilton an female swimmer of the week went to Jade Le'gall.
A reminder of our flight back home, we are due to land at 12.55pm (terminal two) flight number ZB 533. Any probelms please give me a call on .... Thanks and see you all soon. Kind regards, Team staff
Day 5
Hi all,
Once again great session from all in the pool this AM. Pool session was a recovery session with some stretching after.
Swimmers enjoyed their afternoon off at the beach for a couple of hours before returning back for some more free time at the hotel pool.
Hoping all swimmers have contacted home by now.
Kind regards
Team staff
Day 4
Hi all,
Yet again great effort from all the swimmers in the pool. They enjoyed some free time by the pool which proved entertaining for some of the holiday makers.
Today it was very hard to pick swimmer of the day. Due to this we had to pick three, Ethan Clarke being the main Swimmer of the day for consistent swims over the last couple of days and for setting a great example durng land work. Hannah Caton and Connor Lewis also received special mentions for skill and effort.
All parents can be reassured that everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, if they havent contacted home yet please let us know and we can arrange them to call.
Thanks,
Emma
Day 2 & 3
Hi all,
Weather has picked up alot over the last 2 days, temperature reached 30 today, Some good tans emerging, no one is burnt either fortunately.
There has been some great training over both Sunday and Monday, coaches have commented that the atmosphere during training has been great and all swimmers are swimming well.
Some have been running after the morning session, some have been in the gym.
Swimmer of the day yesterday went to Bob Hilton for consistent effort, looked tired in the afternoon but still gave everything.
Swimmer of the day today was awarded to Jade Le'gall for massive effort and pushing herself and the rest of her lane during speed and kick work.
There are too many swimmers to name that have put in two good sessions per day, this will all add up to swimmer of the week!
You may enjoy the attached video of Mike's new coaching style
Emma
2012 COLSC Winter training Camp - Daily Updates
As I'm sure most of you have all heard we arrives safely in majorca and at our hotel. All settled well into rooms and enjoyed a bit of free time this afternoon before the afternoon session.
Great skills set in the pool from ALL with Hannah Robb and Cole Charnock earning swimmer of the day for great consistency.
Weather has been a little overcast which developed into a thunder storm and rain which will hopefully stop before tomorrow mornings session!
Behaviour from all has been great so far, maybe a little noisy, nothing new there!