I had an entire list of fun swimming-related toys, books, paraphernalia to text at you for my 2009 Christmas wish list, such as…
a lap counter Hello! I've been known to lose count after 3 laps.
a copy of “Swimming Anatomy” by Ian McLeod. USMS Marin Pirates swim coach, Cokie Lepinski, recommended this incredible book to me – but I couldn’t wait. My copy is sitting right here on my desk.
a gift certificate to my favorite online swim store, SwimOutlet.com
But, I’ve changed my mind. All I really want for Christmas is world peace and for my torn biceps tendon ...
Tags: USMS
Posted by tracyb under
Swimming Miscellanea
We’ve established I’ve had some annoying health ‘issues’ and spent more time on a pool deck than normal this past year. Consequently, I took a lot of photos at USMS swim meets, practices, open swims, etc. In one of my far-too-frequent philanthropic moods, I offered to create a calendar for Tuolumne County Aquatics Masters (TCAM). I figured it was the least I could do: my teammates have been pretty kind about allowing me to point a camera in their direction. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to an as yet undetermined local worthy cause. (No, not my camera gear fund!) I asked Coach Patti to decide, and I certainly trust her opinion in ...
Tags: TCAM, Tuolumne County Aquatics Masters, U.S. Masters Swimmer, USMS
Somewhere between the pickles and Parmesan, a woman asked, “Are you an athlete? You’re a swimmer aren’t you? She said I “looked athletic and had a glow” about me. My hair was dry by the time I stopped in the market after my Masters swimming workout, so that couldn’t have tipped her off.
(And here I thought I had an essence of pout due to my seriously aching shoulder.)
One of the countless benefits of being a U.S. Masters Swimmer – strangers stopping you to comment on your healthy glow!
Tags: U.S. Masters Swimmer
Between a massive project with an impending deadline and an extremely sore shoulder, I’ve been to the pool to swim exactly once in 10 days. (Not to mention the neglect I’ve shown my blog!) That I even considered attending a workout is due in large part to a wonderful chiropractor in Sausalito, California - Dr. Lance Lesneski.
Lance utilizes the Koren Specific Technique (KST) as well as more traditional chiropractic methods. I had never heard of KST before, and I honestly didn’t care what he did as long as he helped me gain use of my left arm/side/shoulder again.
A KST chiropractor treats misalignments ...
On Friday, a group of approximately 30 protesters took occupation of the Sedgemoor Splash Pool in the UK, armed with banners and swimming costumes.
One of the protesters commented, "Our council decided to ignore the views of 90 per cent of people and close our swimming pool. We think they want to demolish it straight away to make way for a supermarket. This is an occupation until such time the council backs off. This pool is the only amenity that this town has left, we don't need another supermarket."
On Saturday morning, only eight remained after a total of 13 spent the night inside the building. The remaining protesters were told that council had an injunction, ...
Posted by tracyb under
Swimming Miscellanea
When I tell people I am a U.S. Masters Swimmer, they bow down and say, “WOW! or Holy Cow! You’re an animal! or I’m not worthy!” After a few minutes of worship, I help them back up to their feet and am then promptly put back in my place when they ask, “What is a Masters Swimmer?”
For all of you out there who would like to know, I’ve lifted the description directly from the USMS website and included it below. Please feel free though, to continue to think I am really much more athletic and hip than I really am.
United States Masters Swimming (USMS) is a national organization that provides organized workouts, competitions, ...
Posted by tracyb under
Swimming Miscellanea
I can't help myself. I tweet daily – do you? (http://twitter.com/MastersSwimmers or @MastersSwimmers).
Seriously, I love Twitter. For one, it’s easy. It’s not like programming a VCR. (Those still exist, right?) Hanging in Twitter is a bit like being at a really cool party and eavesdropping on interesting conversations, or joining in. It’s easy to move on from the folks who are intent on telling you what they’re up to every given moment in a day. (Do I really need to know you just drank a glass of OJ or you had one too many chili fries?) Listen, you just keep scrolling – or better yet, stop “following” folks who tweet ceaselessly about absolutely nothing. ...
Posted by tracyb under
Swimming Miscellanea
I had the opportunity a couple weeks ago to swim with the U.S. Masters Swimmers at the Penobscot (Pen-Bay) YMCA in Rockport, Maine. I believe they refer to themselves as the Maine Masters Swim Club, though I’m not entirely sure. The group meets only twice a week for 1½ hours each session. Maybe that’s why the workout was so ridiculous – they had to make up for lost time? I'd like to thank them for welcoming me - and for the massive workout.
I have available to me at my Northern California home pool, on average, seven 1-hour swim workouts every day, Monday through Friday, one organized workout on Saturdays and one open swim on Sundays. ...
Posted by tracyb under
Swimming Miscellanea
Now, I'm sure this guy isn't a U.S. Masters Swimmer (we wouldn't do such things, right?!)... but you have to wonder what was up with the Speedo... spotted in today's news:
A burglary suspect wearing only a Speedo-style swimsuit has been arrested in Connecticut after a police dog tracked him down and bit him on the leg. Police say they spotted the suspect in East Hartford on Thursday wearing the bathing suit and holding a toolbox that had been stolen from a truck. They say he tried to steal several vehicles and also took items from them.
Police say he tried to run from them, but a police dog found him hiding behind a car. He was being held after ...
After my first attempt at a triathlon a couple of years ago, I realized I could use a little help with my swimming skills. I found the nearest swimming pool and signed up for a Masters Swimming 101 course. I was fortunate enough to have found great coaches at the Tuolumne County Aquatics Center. My 101 coach - Dave Fairfield - has an infectious and genuine enthusiasm, a good-hearted nature, and he is one very big reason I signed up to become a U.S. Masters Swimmer. He continues to teach at the pool and is never too busy to offer support, instruction and encouragement to new swimmers and long-time athletes alike. I ran into him at the pool today and snapped ...
