2008-05-17
Tribal Open Water Swim at Lake Pleasant
For all of you who enjoy open water swimming, DCB Adventures and Tribe Multisports have an event for you! The Tribal Open Water Swim will take place at Lake Pleasant on Saturday June 7, 2008 in conjunction with the triathlon that same day. The open water swim will be 2000M, which will be two loops on a 1000M triangular course. After you are done with your swim, you can watch the triathletes as they complete their event.
This will be a USMS-sanctioned event, so your times will be official. In order to participate you will need to be registered with USMS, which you can do online. If you have any registration-related questions, email our Registrar and he can help you out.
Former Sun Devil Masters coach and current USMS Vice President Mark Gill will be the Race Director for this event. He helped Arizona several successful open water events in the past and will be instrumental in the success of our New and Improved(tm) open water series. Stay tuned for more details on additional upcoming events...
Click here for more details on the event and to register online. Many thanks to DCB Adventures and Tribe Multisports for adding this event to their calendar! See you there.
This will be a USMS-sanctioned event, so your times will be official. In order to participate you will need to be registered with USMS, which you can do online. If you have any registration-related questions, email our Registrar and he can help you out. Former Sun Devil Masters coach and current USMS Vice President Mark Gill will be the Race Director for this event. He helped Arizona several successful open water events in the past and will be instrumental in the success of our New and Improved(tm) open water series. Stay tuned for more details on additional upcoming events...
Click here for more details on the event and to register online. Many thanks to DCB Adventures and Tribe Multisports for adding this event to their calendar! See you there.
2008-05-15
Fab Swimwear Deals!
Arizona Masters Swimming is now offering a special deal in conjunction with Fab Swimwear. Our (female) members get free shipping with their order when the promo code "AZMASTER" is used.You have probably seen the suits, they look like this...
Fabiola Molina is a world-class backstroker from Brazil who is competing in the upcoming Olympic games. Not only is she a top swimmer, she is an apparel designer who uses her wealth of experience to produce unique, functional, and stylish products.
From Fab Swimwear:
Fabiola Molina swim wear is uniquely designed for the swimmer who trains for fitness or swims competitively. The suits come in one piece or two-pieces. Two-piece suits include a drawstring both top and bottom keeping the suit securely in place during any vigorous workout.There are many styles and colors to choose from, so if you want to get a comfortable suit, for a great price, that looks fab, then check out the website.
Also, look for Fab Swimwear at upcoming triathlons and swim meets where her local representative will be on-hand to show you the latest styles and colors. Look for this swim wear to become increasingly popular both here in Arizona and other Sunbelt states.Summer is coming so get your Fab suit today!
2008-05-13
Arizona State Men's Swimming Cut!
I am going to refrain from commenting on this right now, this is just unbelievable.
Read about this, it is important.
Thanks to Paul Cate from Sedona Swordfish who brought this to my attention.
From Swimming World...
Any way you cut it, this is bad news for college swimming. Our sport has lost many mens collegiate teams over the last few years and ASU is just the latest casualty. I encourage anybody who cares about swimming at any level to get involved in helping save men's swimming at ASU.
Read about this, it is important.
Thanks to Paul Cate from Sedona Swordfish who brought this to my attention.
From Swimming World...
From the ASU Athletic Director...
TEMPE, Arizona, May 13. ARIZONA State University has cut men's swimming according to a press release sent out by the University. Men's tennis and wrestling have also both been cut as part of the move. This confirmation comes on the heels of a leak of the unofficial letter that went out to members of the team which was obtained by Swimming World. The letter is attached in this article.
"[Arizona State] will be dropping men's swimming and I knew absolutely nothing about it until 45 minutes ago…I am very surprised," Arizona State head coach Mike Chasson told Swimming World. "That's all I can say."
"This cut is extremely upsetting," College Swimming Coaches Association of America Executive Director Phil Whitten said. "I'd like to know what the economic realities are to which Athletic Director Lisa Love refers. She said the decision was not arrived in a hasty manner, however, there was no consultation with Coach Chasson, no consultation with me and no consultation with the NCAA, which has offered repeatedly to work with colleges so they won't cut Olympic sports. I've left a message with Love asking to meet with her right away. I'm sure she will be responsive, and we will discuss details and alternatives at that time."
"I am really disappointed in the situation," ASU alum Nick Brunelli said. "Hopefully, there is a way out of this and it is not officially cut. If it is funding, we will find a way to keep the program alive. If it is not funding, we really want to know what the reason is. Bottom line, we have recruits coming in next year expecting a program."
Repeated attempts to contact athletics department officials have been unsuccessful. Swimming World will continue to work on this story.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008From ASU...
Dear MEN'S SWIMMING Student-Athlete,
It is with much sadness that we provide you with this message. Your coach may or may not have had an opportunity to speak with you prior to your reading this email, but because of the timing of these events, we had to contact you directly as well.
Due to economic realities the decision has been made to discontinue your sport at ASU. This decision was not arrived at in a hasty manner as there was much deliberation and searching for alternative solutions.
As you look to the future, I am sure you have many questions. To that end, a meeting has been scheduled for 1:00 pm TODAY in room 35-41 at Wells Fargo Arena. There you will be presented with more information regarding this matter. You can find room 35-41 in the corridor in the lower level of Wells Fargo Arena. Should you not be able to attend, written materials will be sent by overnight mail to your permanent address. You can also contact your coach for this information as well.
Please know that we will do everything we can to assist you through this difficult time.
Respectfully,
Lisa Love
Mr. Jean Boyd
Associate Athletic Director
Student Athlete Development
Arizona State University
In response to economic realities experienced over a long period of time, Arizona State University today announced the discontinuation of three varsity sports programs, effective immediately. The sport programs affected are men's swimming, men's tennis and wrestling. ASU President Michael Crow and Vice President for University Athletics Lisa Love made the announcement. With the budget cuts the University is facing, Intercollegiate Athletics cannot expect the University to make up the difference.
This move reduces the number of varsity sports sponsored by ASU to 20 from 22. The move will not affect men's diving. ASU will continue to fund football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, women's tennis, women's swimming and diving, men's diving, women's volleyball, women's gymnastics and women's water polo.
"Our primary concern for the immediate future is the student-athletes and coaches that are affected," says Love.
The student-athletes in the discontinued sports who decide to transfer to another institution will be provided with full assistance from ASU regarding the transfer process. The student-athletes who chose to remain at ASU will receive the full benefits of their scholarship awards through their senior year.
"With a dedicated effort to a successful 20-sport varsity program in mind," says Love, "these three sports were selected with the following criteria: financial impact, potential competitive success, conference/regional support and gender equity. Our revenue trajectory has been positive, however, our ongoing financial challenges have been well documented by the media. The decision to discontinue sport programs is a last resort, yet necessary."
"These moves are extremely painful," says Love. "We have arrived at the realization that funding a 20 sport program is a better fit for our financial profile and will serve to secure and strengthen our future. It is our responsibility to operate a fiscally prudent varsity athletics program. The costs of doing business are escalating daily and the costs of maintaining excellence even more so."
At 20 varsity sports, ASU is in line with other major institutions around the country. In the Pacific-10 Conference, schools that compare favorably with ASU are UCLA and Washington 23 sports each, USC 21, Arizona 20, Oregon and Oregon State 18 each and Washington State 17. On a national scale, Florida, Georgia and Auburn sponsor 21 varsity sports, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and LSU 20 apiece, and Florida State 19.
"The profile of our operations budget and donation base does not lend itself to the sponsorship of 22 athletic teams," says Love. "While our revenue streams are achieving a positive trajectory they are simply not keeping pace with the current size and scope of the department.
"The decision to discontinue sports has been the most distressing and painful choice this administration has had to make. It is counter-intuitive to our administrative thinking. This decision impacts many people, both on and off our campus. The entire University, the Board of Regents, Sun Devil alumni and other universities will share in the loss of these sports and student-athletes and the contributions they have made to our University and to their sport.
"The action is in no way meant to diminish the dedication, effort or ability of these student-athletes, coaches and alumni. They have contributed greatly to Arizona State University athletics and to the vitality and history of the University," Love says.
As many as 70 student athletes will be affected by the elimination of these sports. Six full-time coaching positions will be eliminated. Head coaches will remain on contract through November, 2008.
The establishment of a 20-team varsity sport program will allow the department to realize a reduction in expenses that will total approximately of $1 million annually.
This is the second time in ASU's athletic history that programs have been eliminated. In 1993 ASU eliminated men's gymnastics, an NCAA-sponsored sport, and two club sports sponsored by ICA -- men's and women's and mixed archery and men's and women's and mixed badminton. Two sports have been added in recent program history, including women's varsity soccer in 1996 and women's water polo in 2002.
Any way you cut it, this is bad news for college swimming. Our sport has lost many mens collegiate teams over the last few years and ASU is just the latest casualty. I encourage anybody who cares about swimming at any level to get involved in helping save men's swimming at ASU.
2008-05-05
Short Course Nationals - WOW!!!
Some of you may be wondering how our National Team did in Austin.
Here are the final results:
In a word, wow! Our swimmers did a fantastic job representing Arizona deep in the Heart of Texas. You can read all about it here.
Great job everybody!
Here are the final results:
1 | | 2228.5 |
| 2 | | 1336.5 |
| 3 | Woodlands Masters Swim Team | 1281 |
| 4 | | 983 |
| 5 | Longhorn Aquatics | 918 |
| 6 | Team | 846 |
| 7 | | 775.5 |
| 8 | | 771 |
| 9 | Southern Methodist Masters | 769.5 |
| 10 | The Olympic Club | 751 |
In a word, wow! Our swimmers did a fantastic job representing Arizona deep in the Heart of Texas. You can read all about it here.
Great job everybody!
2008-04-05
National Team - Austin
This year, Arizona Masters is going to send a large contingent to Short Course Nationals in Austin, TX. It is comprised of forty-nine men and women who will be a part of one of larger teams at the meet.My guess is another top ten result for this team is likely.
In four week's time, these individuals will put their training to the test against over 1800 swimmers from all over the US. If you see any of these people, be sure to wish them good luck in their events.
They will probably have a good time in Austin too...
Here is our 2008 Short Course Nationals Team:
| Hop Bailey |
| Monica M Bailey |
| Ray Bellem |
| A J Bronson |
| Patrick W Brundage |
| Brigid J Bunch |
| Kelly C Busche |
| Rane Clements |
| Jeff P Commings |
| Rick H Cosgrove |
| Grace C Dyck |
| Mel Dyck |
| Peter A Eisenklam |
| F H Ted Haartz |
| Paul A Hafner |
| Brad V Hering |
| Laura L Hernandez |
| W. Thomas Hickcox |
| Mark D Hickman |
| Liz A Hobbs |
| Blake A Holden |
| Tate Holt |
| Al Jaegers |
| Jacqueline E Jenner |
| Charles H Keating |
| Brock Ladewig |
| James T Lavery |
| Jeff G Leid |
| Becki P Major |
| Joanne C Menard |
| Glenn D Mills |
| John J Murphy |
| Bridget A Pranke |
| Stephanie S Rollins |
| Barry Roth |
| Caron L Shake |
| Scott D Shake |
| Lou Silverstein |
| Jason M Sixkiller |
| Casey Smith |
| John C Smith |
| Laura K Smith |
| Paul L Smith |
| Mickey M Stillwell |
| Jim S Stites |
| Nancy J Turman |
| Whitney M Warman |
| Michelle B Worden |
| Dianne L Wygal-Springer |
Good luck to everybody in Austin!
2008-03-22
Take me out to the Ball Game!
Later on this spring, Arizona Masters Swimming is going to have a social event at a Diamondbacks game! This will give us all a chance to watch a game, socialize with fellow swimmers, and enjoy some time together. It will also be the first in a series of social events designed to build camaraderie amongst our membership. The event will be at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix on Friday May 30, 2008. Game starts at 6:40pm against the Washington Nationals so you can swing on by after work. Swimmers, spouses, and supporters are encouraged to attend, however space is limited. We have reserved the Miller Lite Diamond Club for this event, which can hold up to 240 people.
NOTE: Nobody under 21 is allowed in this area.
Does this sound like a good time for you? If you want to be a part of this event, here is what you need to do:
- Go to this link.
- Sign-In ID: SWIMMING
- Password: BASEBALL
- Click Login
- Click on the link for the Event Date
- Click on the radio button for Seat Price
- Click Next
- Enter the number of tickets you wish to purchase
- Select the radio button for Delivery options
- Click Next
- Enter your credit card information
- Click Next
So how did all of this come about? One of our swimmers works in the Diamondback's ticket office! Her name is Ashley Long and she used to swim for UW-Green Bay. Now she lives down here and works for the D-backs. So when you see her at the game, be sure to thank her for helping put this event together. If you have any questions or are interested in purchasing season tickets, group tickets or smaller packages please contact her at 602-462-4230.
See you at the game!
2008-03-07
Sticking With It
As many of you know, US National Team member Nick Brunelli is an Arizona Masters swimmer and coach. He is pursuing his dream of representing the Red White and Blue in Bejing during the upcoming Olympics.
Along the road however, he injured his shoulder at a swim meet. This required some serious rehabilitation at Functional Performance Center in Tempe. One of the training tools they used was an exercise device that was in the prototype phase.
They call it the CoreStick(tm).
He used it to rehabilitate his shoulder and strengthen his core. It appears to be working...
His fiance uses it too!
The CoreStick(tm) is now available to the general public through their online store. If you want an abs-kicking workout, this is the tool for it.
Along the road however, he injured his shoulder at a swim meet. This required some serious rehabilitation at Functional Performance Center in Tempe. One of the training tools they used was an exercise device that was in the prototype phase.
They call it the CoreStick(tm).
He used it to rehabilitate his shoulder and strengthen his core. It appears to be working...
His fiance uses it too!
The CoreStick(tm) is now available to the general public through their online store. If you want an abs-kicking workout, this is the tool for it.
2008-03-02
Short Course State
Don't forget that the 2008 Short Course State Championships are being held at the end of this month down in Tucson.
Ford Aquatics is the host of this meet, which will be held at the Hillenbrand Aquatics Center on the University of Arizona campus. You can click here for the meet flyer.
Meet entries are due on March 18th, which means you have about two weeks to get yours in. If you have any questions, contact Coach Jim Stites.
Good luck!
Ford Aquatics is the host of this meet, which will be held at the Hillenbrand Aquatics Center on the University of Arizona campus. You can click here for the meet flyer.
Meet entries are due on March 18th, which means you have about two weeks to get yours in. If you have any questions, contact Coach Jim Stites.
Good luck!
2008-02-24
2008 Short Course Nationals On Line Entry Information
As you may already know, the 2008 USMS Short Course National Championships will be held May 1-4 at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center at the University of Texas at Austin.If you are going to swim in this meet, you can enter online.
Online entries will be accepted until midnight CDT on April 3. Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 20 or received by March 27.
Be sure to get your entry in early - the entry fee is reduced by $10 for entries received online or postmarked by March 20.
2008-02-16
Recycling Program
One hallmark of our information age is an abundance of tech trash. With so many printers, faxes, and copy machines out there, a bunch of waste is generated. This is especially true of consumable items like toner and inkjet cartridges. But what if you could recycle these items in an environmentally responsible manner AND benefit masters swimming?
Now you can! Arizona Masters Swimming is now a part of the eScrip recycling program. This means swimmers, spouses, and supporters can collect cartridges as well as cell phones, iPods, and notebooks and send them to a collection center. The funds for these items are then sent to our Treasurer where they are recycled into our checking account!
You can start collecting items right now at work, at home, or through friends. Once you get a box full of items, email me (Chairman Doug) and I will send you a pre-paid UPS label via email. Then you take the box to a drop-off location (UPS Store, Office Depot, Staples, PostNet, etc.) and send it in. That's all you have to do!
If you are interested in being a part of this program, let me know and we will get things rolling. DHL has already donated over a dozen LaserJet cartridges, which will be sent in shortly. Your company could be a part of this as well...So start collecting and get hold of me when you have a full box of cartridges, cell phones, iPods, and notebooks. It's good for both the Earth and Arizona Masters.
2008-02-10
Arizona Apparel Available!
Let's say you are going to swim at Nationals, La Jolla, FINA Worlds, or some other meet.Why not wear team gear?
We now have logo apparel available via our online store. All you have to do is go here, select your items, and complete your order. In a few days you will receive your items in the mail.
Of course, you don't have to be a competitive swimmer to wear this gear. Anybody can show their support by wearing these items at work, on the golf course, or anywhere else you are. Doing so helps build awareness in masters swimming and raises our profile in the fitness community.
So get on over to the store and order away. The link will remain on the right-hand side of the blog so you won't have to bookmark it. On the web page, it will be on the left-hand navigation bar.
2008-02-06
Polar Bear Classic XVIII Results
The first meet of 2008 was the Polar Bear Meet in Tucson. You can click on results by going here or by visiting the Ford Aquatics website.No polar bears were sighted.
The next meet on the calendar is the Short Course Yards State Championships. These will be held in Tucson as well, an announcement on that will be posted shortly.
In the meantime, keep training!
2008-02-03
The Road to Austin
My guess is that some of you are going to swim at USMS Short Course Nationals this spring in Austin, TX. This is going to be a very large meet with over 2000 swimmers expected to participate.For those who live and/or compete for Arizona, how are your preparations going for this event?
I know there are a couple of Longhorns that swim with us...what about your plans on going back?
Now is a good time to start talking amongst yourselves, your coaches, and others to make this a fun event. Masters swimming is about more than just competition, its about friendships and good times that we share together. Last year, our members had a great time at Federal Way, Woodlands, and La Jolla. Time to prepare for fun in Austin, which should not be difficult ;-)
2008-01-25
Online Registration!
You may have read that USMS is going to have online registration available to its members. The goal is to allow for members, old and new, to register with USMS via the internet. This has been talked about for several years in fact...The wait is over!
You can now renew your membership or sign-up anew by going to this site. Just enter the information in the fields and pay your fee, it is that easy. This will allow your request to be processed much faster and lessen the administrative burden on our Registrar.
Of course, you can still download the paper form and submit it to Mitch if you prefer. Either way, we have you covered.
2008-01-03
Thump-thump goes my heart
I don't claim to have my finger on the pulse of Masters swimming by any stretch of the imagination. I'm too busy using two fingers to keep track of my own pulse.
In 1996, I became a member of the now-defunct USA Swimming Resident Team. We trained in Colorado Springs and had every available technology at our fingertips. But the most-used technology was our own fingers, to take our pulses during and after every set.
Most swimmers are probably aware of the difference between aerobic and anaerobic training. For those who don't, here's a primer:
-- Anaerobic training gets your heart rate up, with a short number of repeats and lots of rest while swimming at an all-out pace. Your heart rate should be at your max capacity (220 minus your age) and should be at or lower than your aerobic heart rate before the next repeat. My favorite anaerobic set is 6x50 on 2:00.
-- Aerobic training tests your ability to swim at a particular pace for at least 15 minutes with a low but steady heart rate. The typical heart rate is about 80 percent of your max heart rate. A typical aerobic set would be a high number of repeats with between 15 and 25 seconds rest per 100 yards or meters. So a set of 8x200 would require at least 30 seconds rest. The stroke is typically freestyle, though you can swim any stroke, as long as the heart rate is at the same level.
Since getting back in the water in early December, my focus has been on building my aerobic capacity to help me prepare for swimming more endurace-based events this season (i.e. 200 back, 200 IM). When I trained with the Resident Team, my aerobic heart rate was 150 for a set of 100s freestyle, holding 1:25 in a 50-meter pool.
That's my current aerobic pace, and I'm not ashamed of it, even though my teammates try to make me feel guilty that I'm downgrading to a slower lane on certain days. There's a saying from Olympic gold medalist Tom Jager that I think applies here:
In order to swim fast, sometimes you have to swim slow.
You don't have to swim at an all-out pace for an entire workout. I doubt the best swimmers in the world do so. Sometimes, you need to give your body a workout or two to condition itself to handle the fast swimming you do. You don't have to call them "recovery workouts" if you don't want to. If you can maintain your aerobic capacity during an entire set, you will feel a little tired. And it won't be a wasted workout. Plus, your heart, not to mention your other vital organs, can't take that abuse.
Since the mid-1990s, I've been dealing with high blood pressure passed on to me by both parents. Until five years ago, I never attributed my difficulty in workout to hypertension. I always thought I was so out of breath from a medium-level set because I was just getting older, or I wasn't in shape. It was preposterous for me to think I had high blood pressure while still in my 20s.
Now that I'm on blood pressure medication, I am able to handle workouts with very little problem, and I think it's helped me gain a new perspective on the sport, which has translated into some of the fastest swimming I've done in many years. My heart rate can get as high as 190 in workout (in fact, it got there today), but I'm able to get my heart rate down quicker. Before I found out about my high blood pressure, it would take me about two minutes for my heart to calm down. Now, it can take less than a minute for it to drop from 180 beats per minute to 150.
I know people who can hold a 1:10 pace for 10x100 freestyle long course on a 1:30 interval, and not be breathing hard at the end of the set. I also know people who don't want to look like losers, and will do whatever it takes to keep up with the 1:10 pace, even if they are seeing stars at the end of the set. Those are the people that scare me.
After witnessing both of Ron Johnson's most recent heart attacks, I know how important it is to listen to your body and not "swim through the pain." The most important numbers to me these days are not the ones I see on a pace clock, but the ones I hear after putting my fingers on my neck for 10 seconds. If it means moving to the back of the pack and swimming a few seconds slower, so be it.
In 1996, I became a member of the now-defunct USA Swimming Resident Team. We trained in Colorado Springs and had every available technology at our fingertips. But the most-used technology was our own fingers, to take our pulses during and after every set.
Most swimmers are probably aware of the difference between aerobic and anaerobic training. For those who don't, here's a primer:
-- Anaerobic training gets your heart rate up, with a short number of repeats and lots of rest while swimming at an all-out pace. Your heart rate should be at your max capacity (220 minus your age) and should be at or lower than your aerobic heart rate before the next repeat. My favorite anaerobic set is 6x50 on 2:00.
-- Aerobic training tests your ability to swim at a particular pace for at least 15 minutes with a low but steady heart rate. The typical heart rate is about 80 percent of your max heart rate. A typical aerobic set would be a high number of repeats with between 15 and 25 seconds rest per 100 yards or meters. So a set of 8x200 would require at least 30 seconds rest. The stroke is typically freestyle, though you can swim any stroke, as long as the heart rate is at the same level.
Since getting back in the water in early December, my focus has been on building my aerobic capacity to help me prepare for swimming more endurace-based events this season (i.e. 200 back, 200 IM). When I trained with the Resident Team, my aerobic heart rate was 150 for a set of 100s freestyle, holding 1:25 in a 50-meter pool.
That's my current aerobic pace, and I'm not ashamed of it, even though my teammates try to make me feel guilty that I'm downgrading to a slower lane on certain days. There's a saying from Olympic gold medalist Tom Jager that I think applies here:
In order to swim fast, sometimes you have to swim slow.
You don't have to swim at an all-out pace for an entire workout. I doubt the best swimmers in the world do so. Sometimes, you need to give your body a workout or two to condition itself to handle the fast swimming you do. You don't have to call them "recovery workouts" if you don't want to. If you can maintain your aerobic capacity during an entire set, you will feel a little tired. And it won't be a wasted workout. Plus, your heart, not to mention your other vital organs, can't take that abuse.
Since the mid-1990s, I've been dealing with high blood pressure passed on to me by both parents. Until five years ago, I never attributed my difficulty in workout to hypertension. I always thought I was so out of breath from a medium-level set because I was just getting older, or I wasn't in shape. It was preposterous for me to think I had high blood pressure while still in my 20s.
Now that I'm on blood pressure medication, I am able to handle workouts with very little problem, and I think it's helped me gain a new perspective on the sport, which has translated into some of the fastest swimming I've done in many years. My heart rate can get as high as 190 in workout (in fact, it got there today), but I'm able to get my heart rate down quicker. Before I found out about my high blood pressure, it would take me about two minutes for my heart to calm down. Now, it can take less than a minute for it to drop from 180 beats per minute to 150.
I know people who can hold a 1:10 pace for 10x100 freestyle long course on a 1:30 interval, and not be breathing hard at the end of the set. I also know people who don't want to look like losers, and will do whatever it takes to keep up with the 1:10 pace, even if they are seeing stars at the end of the set. Those are the people that scare me.
After witnessing both of Ron Johnson's most recent heart attacks, I know how important it is to listen to your body and not "swim through the pain." The most important numbers to me these days are not the ones I see on a pace clock, but the ones I hear after putting my fingers on my neck for 10 seconds. If it means moving to the back of the pack and swimming a few seconds slower, so be it.
2007-12-18
An answer to my "problem"
It's always great to learn new things about swimming, even at my age.
In my last blog entry, I said I was working on improving my hip flexibility through yoga because my left and right legs weren't kicking the same way. After every kick set my left leg is more sore than my right one. For the past couple of years, I thought the legs were off-kilter because I had long ago had a slightly uneven armstroke, so I believed my legs were off-balance to compensate for my armstroke.
Last night, we got "Swimming Fastest" by Ernest Maglischo in the mail. I was leafing through the breaststroke chapter, and a lot of it reaffirmed my choice to switch to the wave breaststroke, including a section on loss of velocity during the leg recovery:
The flat-style swimmer ... produces a considerable amount of pushing drag during his leg recovery because he pushes his thighs down and forward against the water. Velocity measurements of many flat style breaststrokers have shown that their forward speed decelerates markedly when they recover the legs in this manner. In fact, many come to a dead stop during this phase of the stroke cycle.
The wave style swimmer ... reduces pushing drag by lowering his hips when he recovers his legs and bringing his lower legs forward without pushing his thighs downward. ... Recovering the legs in this way produces less resistive drag than pushing water forward with the larger thighs.
But I found the most interesting thing on page 227:
The final technical feature of these kick patters that I want to comment on is the slight difference between the movements of the right and left legs. Underneath kick patters show that swimmers' right legs have a longer and wider pattern of motion than their left. Asymmetry of ths type is typical of most breaststroke swimmers (Czbanski and Koszczyc, 1979). Just asall swimmers seem to have one arm that is more effective than the other, so do the legs differ in propulsion efficiency. The left leg is usually the inferior limb (Czbanski 1975).
Wow! This was probably the most insightful thing I've learned in a long time. Essentially, I'm not the only one who has these problems, though I've never heard anyone complain about leg strength differences.
This doesn't mean I won't stop trying to make my legs as close to equal strength as possible through yoga and longer kick sets.
If you want to buy a copy of "Swimming Fastest," go to amazon.com.
In my last blog entry, I said I was working on improving my hip flexibility through yoga because my left and right legs weren't kicking the same way. After every kick set my left leg is more sore than my right one. For the past couple of years, I thought the legs were off-kilter because I had long ago had a slightly uneven armstroke, so I believed my legs were off-balance to compensate for my armstroke.
Last night, we got "Swimming Fastest" by Ernest Maglischo in the mail. I was leafing through the breaststroke chapter, and a lot of it reaffirmed my choice to switch to the wave breaststroke, including a section on loss of velocity during the leg recovery:
The flat-style swimmer ... produces a considerable amount of pushing drag during his leg recovery because he pushes his thighs down and forward against the water. Velocity measurements of many flat style breaststrokers have shown that their forward speed decelerates markedly when they recover the legs in this manner. In fact, many come to a dead stop during this phase of the stroke cycle.
The wave style swimmer ... reduces pushing drag by lowering his hips when he recovers his legs and bringing his lower legs forward without pushing his thighs downward. ... Recovering the legs in this way produces less resistive drag than pushing water forward with the larger thighs.
But I found the most interesting thing on page 227:
The final technical feature of these kick patters that I want to comment on is the slight difference between the movements of the right and left legs. Underneath kick patters show that swimmers' right legs have a longer and wider pattern of motion than their left. Asymmetry of ths type is typical of most breaststroke swimmers (Czbanski and Koszczyc, 1979). Just asall swimmers seem to have one arm that is more effective than the other, so do the legs differ in propulsion efficiency. The left leg is usually the inferior limb (Czbanski 1975).
Wow! This was probably the most insightful thing I've learned in a long time. Essentially, I'm not the only one who has these problems, though I've never heard anyone complain about leg strength differences.
This doesn't mean I won't stop trying to make my legs as close to equal strength as possible through yoga and longer kick sets.
If you want to buy a copy of "Swimming Fastest," go to amazon.com.
2007-12-07
Back in the water, and loving it
Today was my first day back in the water since the Ron Johnson Invitational last November, and I was anxious to get back into shape. Wasn't too happy, though, that it was long course. As much as I love long course swimming, it's not fun when you're not in shape.
I've never been so excited about a masters meet as I am for next spring's nationals in Austin, Texas.
That meet is special to me for a number of reasons. First, I was a student-athlete at UT in the 1990s, and this will be the second time I've swum in the pool since I left in 1996. I want to be at my best, especially if my college coach, Eddie Reese, shows up at the meet. I hope he's there to see my backstroke, which he hardly ever let me swim because it was always too close to the breaststroke events. (I did, however, win the 200 back in a dual meet against ASU my senior year -- we all swam off events.)
The second reason why nationals is going to be exciting for me is it will be the last nationals for me in the 30-34 age group. I want to go out in style! I don't know yet what I'll be swimming (here's the event order), but I think I'll do a couple of off events, like I did last spring in Federal Way. It wasn't fun to do the 100 fly, but I loved doing the 100 free, just to get out of my comfort zone. Before any of you ask, one of those "off" events will not -- NOT! -- be the 200 breast.
Today was my first swimming day, but I've been exercising for the past three weeks, taking yoga classes three times a week.
Yes, yoga is exercise.
I first tried yoga in 2002 when I was writing a story for the newspaper. It was fun, but the only problem was my schedule. I've resolved to keep up the practice for at least three months, and so far I think it's really helping me.
My goal in yoga is to increase my flexibility, especially in my hips. Breaststrokers are supposed to have flexible knees and ankles, but no one really thinks about the hips. They help get the kick in formation, and I think one of the reasons why my kick isn't as strong as it could be is my lack of flexibility. Plus, I think one of my hip joints is more flexible than the other. When I'm in yoga poses involving the hips, I find it easier when I'm stretchin my right hip than my left. It explains a lot: When I do kick sets, I find my left hip and leg more sore than my right side.
Plus, yoga can really stretch out those aching muscles. The last time I took yoga I did it after Saturday workout, and it felt soooooo good to devote an hour to getting the lactate out and paying attention to my muscles.
If you're interested in yoga classes and live in Tucson, you might try Tucson Yoga. The classes are nice and the rates are pretty decent.
My first test of this new addition will be at the Polar Bear meet in Tucson. Hope to see you there!
I've never been so excited about a masters meet as I am for next spring's nationals in Austin, Texas.
That meet is special to me for a number of reasons. First, I was a student-athlete at UT in the 1990s, and this will be the second time I've swum in the pool since I left in 1996. I want to be at my best, especially if my college coach, Eddie Reese, shows up at the meet. I hope he's there to see my backstroke, which he hardly ever let me swim because it was always too close to the breaststroke events. (I did, however, win the 200 back in a dual meet against ASU my senior year -- we all swam off events.)
The second reason why nationals is going to be exciting for me is it will be the last nationals for me in the 30-34 age group. I want to go out in style! I don't know yet what I'll be swimming (here's the event order), but I think I'll do a couple of off events, like I did last spring in Federal Way. It wasn't fun to do the 100 fly, but I loved doing the 100 free, just to get out of my comfort zone. Before any of you ask, one of those "off" events will not -- NOT! -- be the 200 breast.
Today was my first swimming day, but I've been exercising for the past three weeks, taking yoga classes three times a week.
Yes, yoga is exercise.
I first tried yoga in 2002 when I was writing a story for the newspaper. It was fun, but the only problem was my schedule. I've resolved to keep up the practice for at least three months, and so far I think it's really helping me.
My goal in yoga is to increase my flexibility, especially in my hips. Breaststrokers are supposed to have flexible knees and ankles, but no one really thinks about the hips. They help get the kick in formation, and I think one of the reasons why my kick isn't as strong as it could be is my lack of flexibility. Plus, I think one of my hip joints is more flexible than the other. When I'm in yoga poses involving the hips, I find it easier when I'm stretchin my right hip than my left. It explains a lot: When I do kick sets, I find my left hip and leg more sore than my right side.
Plus, yoga can really stretch out those aching muscles. The last time I took yoga I did it after Saturday workout, and it felt soooooo good to devote an hour to getting the lactate out and paying attention to my muscles.
If you're interested in yoga classes and live in Tucson, you might try Tucson Yoga. The classes are nice and the rates are pretty decent.
My first test of this new addition will be at the Polar Bear meet in Tucson. Hope to see you there!
2007-11-29
Professor/Writer/Swimmer in the News
Most of you probably don't know that one of our members is a noted author (of this book as well as this one), climate scientist, and speaker. He is well-known in his field, but for those who swim with him he is just another member of the team.Robert Balling is a professor at ASU who studies climate science and has published numerous papers on subjects ranging from desertification to urban heat islands to solar activity. He is an expert in his field and is a sought-after speaker. Recently the Arizona Republic wrote an article about Dr. Balling and his views regarding climate change. While it did not mention his swimming, Bob is a regular with Sun Devil Masters and is a popular member of the team. He is the one who rides his bike home after practice!
Bob is another example of the wide range of people and professions represented within Arizona Masters Swimming.
2007-11-26
2008 Polar Bear Meet
Before too long Christmas and New Years will come and go. 2008 will be upon us, which means we will be starting short course yards again!The first meet of the year is the Polar Bear Meet, which will be held at the Hillenbrand Aquatics Center at the U of A. This is a great meet to start the year with, Ford Aquatics runs a well-organized meet and many top swimmers from around the state show up for this meet.
Of course, you will need to make sure you are registered in order to swim in the meet...
Even though you will not see real Polar Bears or icebergs, it can get a little chilly in the morning. Bring your parkas and warm shoes to this meet.
See you all there!
2007-11-20
That's Entertainment!
We are now selling the 2008 Entertainment Book for a limited time. The funds raised by this program will be used to help Arizona Masters Swimming's marketing efforts.There are $1000s in local savings in every Entertainment Book. To use your Entertainment Book Discounts, just present your coupon to a participating business. Save up to 50% and get 2-for-1 deals at top restaurants, shops, attractions, sporting events and more.
Every Entertainment Book comes with a complimentary membership card. Simply present your card at select fine dine restaurants, hotels, and car rentals to enjoy even more savings!
In addition to Entertainment Book coupons, you'll find members-only online deals and exclusive discounts on Entertainment.com. You can also print coupons right from your computer when you want it!
Click here to go to our group page to order your book. You can choose from over 100 markets, which means you can order a book for friends and relatives in other states!
The Entertainment Book makes a perfect gift for anybody on your shopping list so keep it in mind for the holiday season. But get your order in soon, the 2008 Entertainment Book will only be available for another couple of months.
2007-11-18
There is an Arizona Masters Swimming group on Facebook! One of our members started the group and it has grown rapidly. Not only that, the site gives us access to a social media site with millions of members. Those who are looking for information about our group will find us on Facebook.Check it out sometime by clicking here.
Thanks to Chrissy Guidi Nelson for taking the initiative to create this page!
2007-11-15
Fast Florencia
One young lady achieved a trifecta at the Ron Johnson Invitational last weekend. Florencia Szigeti of Sun Devil Masters broke the state records in the 50, 100 and 200 meter free with her FINA Masters ranked times of 27.38, 59.22 and 2:10.54.
If her name sounds familiar, it could be from her days as a swimmer at ASU.
...or perhaps you remember her representing Argentina in the Olympics.
Either way, she had some memorable performances. Well done Florencia!
2007-11-11
Thanks Vets!
There is a lot to blog about over the next few days. Before we do that though, let's take a moment to remember our veterans that allow us to live in a free country.
We enjoy the fruits of liberty because of their service. Let's honor their service and remember how precious the gift of freedom is.
We enjoy the fruits of liberty because of their service. Let's honor their service and remember how precious the gift of freedom is.
2007-11-09
Olympic Flame still Burns for Champion Janet Evans
For Janet, the most memorable moment as an Olympian had nothing to do with bringing home four golds and a silver; it was having the honor of carrying that torch in
2007-11-01
2008 Registration Begins
It's November 1, which means you can now register with USMS for 2008.All you have to do is go here and download the form. You can send it in to our Registrar, who will enter you into the USMS database. A few weeks after you send your information in, you will get a card that will allow you to compete at any USMS-sanctioned event. You will also receive USMS Swimmer and be insured when you workout.
You will notice that our rates have not changed for this year! We have kept the overall cost the same, even thought USMS has increased their fee to $25. Our organization is in good financial health and can absorb this cost for this year.
So when you have a chance, get your 2008 registration completed and sent in so you will remain covered and eligible to compete.
NOTE: In a few weeks, swimmers will be able to register online and pay with their credit card. When this is ready, an update will be posted on both the blog and the website.
2007-10-27
Happy Halloween
While you are out celebrating Halloween, just remember to enjoy in moderation.
Otherwise, you will end up one sick pumpkin...
Happy Halloween everybody!
Otherwise, you will end up one sick pumpkin...
Happy Halloween everybody!
2007-10-16
USMS Coaching Support at the 2008 World Masters Championships
Tracy Grilli from the USMS National Office just sent this out today. If you are interested in swimming at FINA World Masters in Perth, AU next year, keep on reading.
The purpose of this program is to provide USMS swimmers with the best possible coaching support as they strive for excellence at the World Championships in Australia, 2008. We know that many of you do not have coaches or whose coaches will not be traveling with them to Perth-we're here for you! The coaching staff will be available before and during the meet to provide these services to USMS swimmers at the meet:
- Schedule and hold a pre-meet meeting for USMS swimmers on the day before the meet.
- Designate an USMS "team area" and hang the USMS banner. Please sit with us.
- Offer guidance & splits during warm-up to those who desire it.
- Offer pre-race guidance & post-race comments throughout the meet to those who desire it.
- Assist videotaping if possible.
- Offer encouragement as needed.
- Serve as advocate for USMS swimmers regarding protests & administrative problems.
- Arrange for team picture(s).
- Perform other coaching tasks as needed.
The USMS Coaches Committee has named four Masters Coaches to assist USMS swimmers planning to compete at this spring's FINA World Masters Swimming Championships in Perth, Australia April 15-25, 2008.
- Head Coach - Mark Moore, Mission Viejo Masters
- Assistant Coach - Michael Collins, Irvine Novaquatics
- Assistant Coach - Tiffany Forbes, Boulder Aquatic Masters
- Assistant Coach - John Grzeszczak, Florida Gold Coast Masters
2007-10-15
Membership Dues for 2008
The big news about 2008 membership dues is...Nothing has changed!
This is actually fairly significant because USMS raised their yearly fee from $20 to $25. The result will be less income from registrations next year. However, the LMSC Board decided that our finances are in good enough shape that this rate increase will not adversely affect our reserves. The end result is that 2008 dues will remain $38, just as it has been for the last few years.
We are working on ways to add value to your membership. In the coming months, new programs will be announced that will give registered swimmers discounts and special offers. You will recoup your financial investment in masters swimming quickly, which will be yet another benefit of swimming.
2007-10-08
Subscription Service Available
Great news everybody!No, I did not save a bunch of money by switching my car insurance...
Our new website got even better.
How so?
Now anybody can subscribe to Swim Arizona and receive an electronic copy (in PDF format) of it.
That means former members all across the world can get the same newsletter that current members get. It does not cost anything and is lightning quick.
All you have to do is go here and fill-out the information. When a new edition comes out, you will receive an email with a link to the newsletter. From there, you just download it to your computer and read at your leisure.
Kinda cool huh...
2007-10-07
Meet Bounty?
Word 'round the campfire is that Meet Director Liz Hobbs is posting a cash bounty for the team that sends the most swimmers to the upcoming SCM meet in Flagstaff.
You heard right my friends! If you were thinking about swimming in this meet, you may be able to bring more home to your team than bragging rights.
Round up your posse and ride on up to Flagstaff! If you have any questions give Liz a shout.
You heard right my friends! If you were thinking about swimming in this meet, you may be able to bring more home to your team than bragging rights.
Round up your posse and ride on up to Flagstaff! If you have any questions give Liz a shout.
