Hi,
We are planning an article on the "winter blues" for the Nov. / Dec. issue of SWIMMER. I've got some ideas for a way to take a fresh look at the subject, but I'd love to hear from our member swimmers who may have issues with the low light and cold temperatures of winter.
Does it affect your training? Have you found a way to beat it? (Florida and So.Cal folks, I realize this is less than applicable to you, but friends in Nebraska and New York and Alaska, or any other state with seasons, please weigh in!)
Thanks for your time and insights. Please feel free to message me privately.
Sincerely,
Laura
I don't really think the Winter Blues or "SAD" are simply due to the lack of sunshine - but I have found that by adding 5000 u of Vitamin D to my daily diet, my mood improves tremendously. Studies have shown that when Vitamin D levels get close to 10 nl/mg, especially in those 60 yo & older, depression can be a big factor. Not a good thing, if you suffer from mild depression anyways! But anyways, the thing that gets me "SAD" isn't just the lack of sunshine - I train at 5:30am all year long - it's the darn COLD WEATHER! It is extremely hard for me to walk basically naked on a literally frozen pool deck (in the dark) with icy winds blowing at me - and going back to the locker room isn't any easier! I definitely agree that swimming indoors with bright lights, and a more tolerable temperature make it a lot easier to get out of bed and over to the pool in the winter time.
Oh, and I live in Florida. :)
I don't really think the Winter Blues or "SAD" are simply due to the lack of sunshine - but I have found that by adding 5000 u of Vitamin D to my daily diet, my mood improves tremendously. Studies have shown that when Vitamin D levels get close to 10 nl/mg, especially in those 60 yo & older, depression can be a big factor. Not a good thing, if you suffer from mild depression anyways! But anyways, the thing that gets me "SAD" isn't just the lack of sunshine - I train at 5:30am all year long - it's the darn COLD WEATHER! It is extremely hard for me to walk basically naked on a literally frozen pool deck (in the dark) with icy winds blowing at me - and going back to the locker room isn't any easier! I definitely agree that swimming indoors with bright lights, and a more tolerable temperature make it a lot easier to get out of bed and over to the pool in the winter time.
Oh, and I live in Florida. :)
