Post Christmas Workout

I was lucky. I made it to the pool to workout nearly everyday last week. I tried to not eat too many yummy treats too! I was back in the pool today for my first post Christmas workout. I have some work to do in the next couple of weeks. Our next meet is the Western Kentucky Green Gator meet on January 8th. I've entered the 50 back and the 50 free this time. I have no clue, if we'll do a relay or not this time. Here's my workout from today. It's my teammate Katie's workout tweaked a little.

Warm Up
300 Swim
200 Pull
200 Kick
150 Sw/Dr

Main Set 2X
3 X 50 on 1:00
3 X 50 Back on 1:00
4 x 25 on :30
200 Choice

Cool Down
200 Kick
200 Choice

Total: 2550 meters

Butt Kickin'

Today's totally butt kickin' workout brought to you by teammate Katie, Wave Diva!!

Warm Up:
300 Swim
200 Pull
100 Kick
150 sw/dr


Main Set:
Times 2:
6x50 on 1:00
4x25 on :30
100 Choice
50 Sprint

Post Set:
150 Kick
200 Cool Down

I think I'm ready for a nap!!

Post Thanksgiving Practice

We had our first practice, since Thanksgiving today. I'm really starting to work on my speed. I'm not exactly a fireball in the water, but I do like to try. Anyway, our coach is starting to give me workouts to improve my speed. I really enjoyed having a goal to work to in practice today. Here's today's workout:

Warm Up:
150 x Swim, Kick, Pull, Swim
150 x 3 free/3 backstroke drill

Main Set:
3 x 100 on 2:50
6 x 50 choice R.I. 20 sec.
4 x 25 builds
4 x 25 Underwaters

200 cool down

Can't wait for practice tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the workout! Our next meet is the Red/Green meet on December 11th.

Back In the Pool

Well, I finally got back to the pool yesterday. It was my first day back in, since the big meet in Louisville last weekend. It felt GRRRREAT!! I always miss the water, when I don't get to go. I got quite a bit of yardage in yesterday. I just took my time and took it slow and easy.

I was back in today too. I did a more typical workout today. I also included some underwaters and drills. This is what my workout looked like today.

Warm Up:
150ea x swim, kick, pull, swim
Main Set:
250 Backstroke
250 Kick with fins, alternating dolphin and free
5x50 3 free/3 backstroke drill
4x25 underwaters
5x50 pull choice
300 choice cooldown

Our next meet is on December 11th. It's the Red/Green meet with Music City Masters. I'm really looking forward to it. Can't wait to get back to practice with the team this week!!

The Louisville Invitational

Katie, Erica, and me at the Louisville Invitational.

This past Sunday, the MTSU Masters Swim Club attended the Louisville Invitational Swim Meet in Louisville, KY. This was my first big, sanctioned swim meet through United States Masters Swimming. Four team members attended. It was such great fun! I entered the 100 meter Backstroke, the 50 meter Backstroke, and participated in the 200 meter Freestyle Relay.

I'm glad to say that it was a very low stress meet, and I didn't freak out at all. On the 100 Backstroke, I missed a turn and was disqualified. I was pretty disappointed about that, but that's one reason that I had decided to swim the 100. I figured that would give me enough time to get in the pool, calm down, and figure everything out, since it was my first event. Good thing I did. I was much better in the the 50 meter Backstroke. I actually came in 2nd in my age group. The relay was sooooo much fun. I was really apprehensive about doing it, since I'd only known we were entered a couple of days beforehand. I've never done relays, so I had no idea about relay starts. We ended up doing really well, and I swam a relatively fast 50 free for me. We were the only all female relay team. The other teams were mixed. We ended up taking first place in our age group!! WOOT!!

I'm glad that I've got one behind me now. I'm really looking forward to the next couple of meets!

My 50 meter backstroke. I'm in the far lane at the top.



Our 200 meter freestyle relay. The video will zoom in on us! I'm the second swimmer!

Thinking of Christmas

Even though I have a big meet coming up this weekend, I'm already thinking about Christmas. Shutterfly has some GREAT deals on their Holiday cards this year! They have a HUGE selection too! I've used them the past several years, and their cards are wonderful!! Look at the card my Mom and I just made for her to send out this year!! Time is getting away from us, so hurry on over to Shutterfly and design your card!

Funky Christmas Wishes Christmas 5x7 folded card

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Hysterical

If you need a good laugh, read this article!! Maybe if our team did this, we could run some folks off and have more practice lanes!!

Swimnetwork - A Retired Swimmer's Workout - Mike Gustafson, Senior Analyst Commentary Blog Article

United Way Spooktacular 5K

Last Saturday's race was one of the best ever for me. The weather, even though it started chilly, was perfect race weather! I felt good before, during, and after the run. The finish line seemed to come up quickly, and I didn't feel winded at the end! I ended up with a personal best for the day, 36 minutes!! I was so proud! I feel that I'm definitely ready for the Boro Dash, which is a 4 mile race, on Thanksgiving Day! Here are some race day shots!

Starting Line


Finish Line








Post Race Sillies!

RIP- Fran Crippen

This is such a tragic loss in the swimming world. Crippen was one of THE best open water swimmers! Condolences to his family, friends, and teammates.

Swimnetwork - Swimming Mourns the Loss of Fran Crippen - USA Swimming Article

I've Got Work to Do!!!

Well, this morning's practice went really well. I'm having less and less trouble with my back, which is encouraging. The workout sets went really well. Then, the ugly truth was seen. It was our first timing session of the season. We only timed today in what we plan to swim for the November meet. I've decided to swim the 100 back and the 50 back. I timed my 100 first. I actually swam my 50 split in the 100 faster!! My 100 time ended up being 1:51.3. Not too bad for never having competed back, but bad for qualifying for Nationals. For Nationals, I need at least a 1:14.03. I need to trim 37 secs off of my time! I did only start from the wall, though. When I do my real start, I'm sure some time will come off. I think, I can't remember exactly, my time for the 50 was :51.8. That was BAD, but it was at the end of practice and I was tired and a little anxious. We'll see how much time I can drop between this week and the first of the month. I'm going to be doing a lot of speed training between now and then. I just don't want to embarrass myself at the meet!!

Inspiration

I was back in the pool all week this week. The first two days, I suffered from really stiff back muscles. So, I kept the yardage low and swam slow. Yesterday, I was back at practice. I got there about 30 minutes early, and put an easy 1000 in to get warmed up. I completed the workout with a couple of substitutions just fine. I ended up with over 2500. I found that the longer I worked, the looser my back muscles became. My back feels great today! I'm glad that I'm finally to the other side of this. Now, hopefully, I can work on training for our first meet, which is November 21st. I plan on swimming the 100 and 50 back.

I got the link for this video this morning. It's just the inspiration I needed for my training.

Swim Club Anyone? Swimnetwork - Keep Yourself Fit

This is a really great article that promotes swimming for college goers. It really helps to promote college swim clubs!!

Swimnetwork - Keep Yourself Fit - Bob Schaller, Ph.D., Senior Writer Commentary Blog Article

Finally!!!

My back has been good all day today. As much as I want to go to the pool, I'm still taking it easy today. This is the first day in a week that I've been without pain. So, I'm trying to make myself behave. I've decided that if I'm still good tomorrow, that I'll hit the pool for a good, slow stretch swim. Hopefully, that won't be a problem. I've been CRAZY being out of the pool for an entire week!! I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.

Still Down In the Back

Two days later, and I'm still having back troubles. I am feeling a lot better, but my work chair is nothing but pure pain!! I'm starting to believe I may have a pinched nerve somewhere in there. I have that pinched, burning, stinging feeling right over my right hip. As much as I would like, I've decided to skip practice for today. There's no practice Saturday or next Tuesday, due to our fall break schedule. Hopefully in a week, I'll be ready to go. I'm going to the pool on Saturday and just float and let my legs hang down to see if it will relieve some of the pain. If it doesn't get better soon, I'll be headed to the doctor's office.

Ouch! My Back!!

With all of the work outs I do you can imagine my frustration at throwing my back out, while vacuuming at home!!! I'm SO FRUSTRATED!! My chair at work is absolute pain today. I've taken Aleve, and I've got a heating pad going. The outlook for practice this afternoon is NOT good!

I think it all started on Saturday. We worked on stroke technique in practice. I worked on my fly, nearly all of practice. My practice consisted of underwater dolphin kick drills, 3, 3, 3, one arm fly drills, and full on laps of fly. I noticed Saturday night that my back was tender and twingy but when I got up on Sunday it was gone. I spent the day doing regular stuff. I had no problems all day yesterday, until I vacuumed. I woke up in the middle of the night in pain. I think it may be time to hit the house and the muscle relaxers and let my back have some much needed rest.

Thursday Workout

Warmup:

100 each:
Swim
Kick
Pull
Swim

Main:
150 Free (RI 10 sec)
150 Choice

4X25 Free & Choice (RI 15 sec)

4X25 IM Kick (free, back, breast, fly) X 2

4X25 IM (back, breast, fly, free) X 2

150 Choice cooldown

Our yardage was a lot shorter, but we worked really hard on stroke technique.

MTSU Swim Club Charity Project

Now through October 29th.

Extreme

Found this posted on the USMS forums today. Totally cool, but TOTALLY extreme!!

Base Jumping sous l'eau - Video humour

PRACTICE UPDATE: I did go and practice yesterday. That seemed to be the remedy for my sore legs. Off to the pool again today!

Let Cramps, OUCH!!

I'm not used to practice in the mornings. I'm an afternoon and night swimmer. So, I'm guessing that I was dehydrated at our past Saturday morning practice. As I was doing my backstroke sets and pushed off the wall after a flipturn, I got HORRIBLE cramps in my calf muscles. They were so bad that I had to stop and go to the ladder and stand on it. I was able to finish practice without any more problems. I noticed Saturday afternoon, that my legs were a little sore, but nothing too terrible. When I got out of bed on Sunday morning, I nearly fell over on my face. Both of my calves hurt SOOO BAD!! Needless to say, no swimming or running took place on Sunday. It took me forever to get warmed up enough to walk normally!

They were a little better yesterday, but I still took the day off from exercise to rest them. They feel much better today. They still hurt, when I point my toes. I'm debating whether I should go to practice today. I guess I could do the whole workout with a pull bouy. I hope I haven't really hurt them somehow. Stay tuned...

Thursday Practice Workout

Today's workout:

warmup: 100 swim, 100 kick, 100 pull, 100 swim
4x - 50yds switch between freestyle and choice -- Resting Interval (RI): 10 sec.
6x - 25yds (build..start slow and finish in a sprint) switch between freestyle and choice -- RI: 5 sec
200 ladder swim - start freestyle at 50yds then 100, 150, 200 then start choice 200yds then 150, 100, 50 -- RI: 15sec
4x - 25yds underwater swims (try to make it to the other side with one breath)
Cool Down- 200yds freestyle

The Results

Swim practice was actually a lot of fun yesterday. Our new coach, Erica is really great. She's really good about letting everyone work at their own levels and working to their best ability. She really put me at ease, so I didn't have the horrible anxiety. Our next practice is tomorrow afternoon, and I'm really looking forward to it. I actually can't wait to get to practice tomorrow!!

Here was our workout yesterday:

200yd freestyle warm-up
100 ladder- freestyle pull start at 100yd, 75, 50, 25 (take a 15 sec rest between each set), after, choice (any stroke) pull start at 100yd, 75, 50, 25 (again, 15 sec rest)
200 ladder- freestyle swim start at 50yd, 100, 150, 200 (take a 20 sec rest between each set), after, choice swim start at 200yd, 150, 100, 50 (again, 20 sec rest)
100 ladder- freestyle kick start at 25yd, 50, 75, 100 (take a 15 sec rest between each set), after, choice kick start at 100yd, 75, 50, 25 (again, 15 sec rest)
100yd freestyle FAST! (push yourself)
100yd cool down (swim slow, catch your breath, stretch your stroke) or 10 deep water bobs

Fall Swim Practice

Our team practice starts today at 4:30 p.m. I'm already having a case of anxiety. We only have 2 lanes for the whole team, and that makes me nervous. I worry that I won't swim fast enough for the others, and I know with the anxiety today that I'm not EVEN trying the flip turns!! Open turns, here I come!! Anyway it was such short notice, that I may be the only one there. It may not even be an issue today. Our coach, Erica has seen me swim many times, so I should do fine with her. I do have my video camera today to video any teammates' strokes, if they need it. This should be interesting and hopefully fun by the end. Here's to fingers crossed and thinking good thoughts!!

Saturday Dog Show Charity!

Looking for something fun for the whole family this weekend? Well, look no further!! Come on out and join us for the 6th Annual Pet Celebration Dog Show!! Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., and the show starts at 11:00 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association. I'm working the registration table as a rep of the MTSU Masters Swim Club.

Check out the list of events:



Hope to see you there!!

Fins, Fins Everywhere!

Every month, USMS tests different pieces of swim equipment. This month, they tested all kinds of swim fins, both long and short blade. I really enjoyed the article they published in the new issue of SWIMMER magazine, but I really enjoyed the test video they made. I really wish this had been around last year, when I purchased my first pair of fins to carry to all my different workouts.

What Is Masters Swimming?

Fall Team Call Out Meeting

Last night was MTSU Master Swim Club's Fall Call Out Meeting. Considering that it was on a week night and everyone's schedule so crazy with the beginning of the fall semester, we had a pretty good turnout. I think we are going to have an amazing team this year. Even though we didn't know each other, we all got along GREAT!! There was a lot of team feeling, right from the first. I'm really excited for the upcoming season!! Here's some shots from the meeting.

Everything Swim BUT the Swimming!!

These first two weeks of the semester on campus have been INSANE!! The Sports Club schedule for Masters Swim Club has had me on the run. Last week, there were info tables at the Rec Center all week. This week on Tuesday, we had the Organization Fair, and on Wednesday, the Sports Club Fair. I had a long day yesterday, because I hung out at the Rec Center after work for a meeting with the Swim Club advisor, and I also helped EXCEL Swim set up the All American Swim Supply booth. I've been so busy with Swim Club activities, that I haven't actually had the time TO SWIM!!

Here are a few pictures of the week for me:

Dara Torres Has BIG Plans!

This is totally awesome!! Makes me feel a little bit less of a fool, deciding to try competing for the first time in my life, at nearly 40!! I can't wait to watch her!! Thanks for the great article, Swimmers Circle!

Torres Announces on “Regis” That She Is Now Aiming for 2012 Olympics | The Swimmers Circle

Swimnetwork - How a Swimmer Views the World

This is hysterical!

Swimnetwork - How a Swimmer Views the World - Mike Gustafson, Senior Analyst Commentary Blog Article

I Can't Imagine

While I, personally, don't have an interest in open water swimming, you HAVE to admire this. I'll definitely be rooting for her.

Wordless Wednesday

Beaten By the Wall

Yesterday during my workout, I was literally beaten by the wall. I was doing some sets with my short fins. As I came into the wall and my feet went over for the flip, and my left fin slipped. That made me slam the top of my right foot straight into the wall! It's not too bad. It was the kind of smack that I actually had to think about what happened, when I touched the top of my foot and noticed it was sore. The real bummer came during my workout today. I couldn't stand to have my fins on that foot. Shortened my workout a bit, but it's all good. I guess this will just be the first of many.

Recovery Day

I've really been training hard for the past several months. I've been working out six days a week, between walking and running. Today I was feeling a bit tired, so I decided to take a recovery day. After some guilt, I was able to get some much needed rest. Now I feel rested and ready to go at it. I have to decide if I should stick with my rest day, or go running after my dinner settles. Do any of you ever wrestle with this decision? I keep thinking that I should stick to it, so I can have a really great swim workout tomorrow. Decisions...decisions!

HA!!!

Why Do I Love Masters Swimming?

Because when it comes right down to it, US Masters swimming is all about F-U-N! Check out this swimming relay, called the beer relay. I can't wait to swim one of these relays!

Pan Pacs 2010

I've really enjoyed watching the Pan Pacs this year. I've been watching both the prelims and the finals. Thank goodness, Swimnetwork exists now. Everyone used to have to just get results, after it was all over.

I'm so excited for all of my favorite swimmers this year. Team USA is really having a great meet! Congrats to Ryan Lochte, Peter Vanderkay, Nathan Adrian, Michael Phelps, and Aaron Piersol. Piersol pulled off an amazing backstroke win night #1. As a backstroker myself, he's a bit of an idol to me.

I didn't get to watch the prelims yesterday morning, and I missed the swimming upset of the world. Michael Phelps didn't make the finals for the 400 IM! Unbelievable, but not at the same time. He's admitted everyday of the meets, that he's not up to par. So, Ryan Lochte won the event with an amazing time!

http://www.universalsports.com/video/assetid

Can't wait until night 3 finals!

Back In the Pool

I got back in the pool yesterday, after a rest day for my legs. I'm tend to get shin splints when I run, so I try to be very careful to stretch and give myself enough recovery time. I put myself in a taper after last Wednesday, so I could be at my best on race day. After just a few days out of the water, I already felt a little awkward. It did mess a little bit with my newly found routine of backstroke flip turns.

Back in my routine, I was at the pool ready for my workout again this afternoon. Today was a whole different experience. I felt much more comfortable and relaxed today. My backstroke flipturns are still a little off, but much better. My breaststroke felt really good. My glide was much stronger and carried me further. I think it's really interesting, how your workouts and how you feel can vary everyday. I just wonder what tomorrow will feel like.

Cross Training

I run to cross train for swimming. Every year, I sign up for local 5K races, to keep me on track. This morning, I participated in the 7th annual Fenton Payne & Fred 5K. I ran as a part of Team ASK (Athlete's for Special Kids) Special Kids is a Christian based organization that provides skilled nursing, skilled care, and therapy for children, regardless of their ability to pay. Team ASK runners raise funds for this non-profit children's charity.

I had an AWESOME race this morning!! Despite the heat, I felt great all the way through!! This past Thursday, I got to meet my child partner, Reeyan, and his family. That's when it hit me how wonderful it is being part of Team A.S.K (Athlete's for Special Kids). These families are so very appreciative of the support of Special Kids. It was truly a moving experience. I plan to race for Team Ask from here on out!! Here's some shots from this morning's race, the 7th Annual Fenton Payne & Fred 5K.

Pre-race at the Team A.S.K. (Athlete's for Special Kids)



Running for the finish line.




Post race feeling good!


Post race traditional goofy pose!


Post race at the Team A.S.K. booth.

.

I'm Running for Special Kids

Hi everyone!

I am a member of Team A.S.K. (Athletes for Special Kids)! Team ASK is a Christian endurance training program developed to help adults and children achieve their athletic goals while changing lives for children receiving services at Special Kids. Special Kids provides skilled nursing care, therapy, and assistance to children regardless of their ability to pay.

My 5K race, (The Fenton Payne & Fred 5K) is this coming Saturday. I'm am racing personally for a child named Reeyan, who receives services from Special Kids.



My fundraising goal has been set and I am hoping that you will support my efforts by making a donation. I know that times are tight, but even just a dollar would help!

To make a donation, you can either:

Click this link http://teamask.org/athlete/cheryl-richardson and donate online using your credit card, or

or

Write a check payable to "Team A.S.K.", referencing my Athlete Number 641 and mailing it to: Team A.S.K., 202 Arnette Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130.

All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Team A.S.K. will use the money raised to fund:

* Establishing new programs for the children at Special Kids of Tennessee.
* Continued services for its 350+ children

Thank you,
Cheryl Richardson

Wordless Wednesday

Loving Backstroke!!

I've just been plugging along working on technique for the different strokes. It feels so nice, for a change, to have more confidence in the water. I feel much stronger too! I love the habit that I've gotten into lately too. I've been averaging a swim six times a week.

Last week, I did work on my fly drills and full laps of fly. I wore my Speedo Biofuse fins to give me some extra kick out of the water. I really did well, and I started getting a rhythm. I was doing really well...UNTIL..I managed to strain my calf muscle. So this week, I've really had to calm it down a lot. I've kept the fins off and just concentrated on free, back, and working with the pull buoy.

Last week, our swim club received an invitation to a meet in October at UT Knoxville. I really want to swim at this meet. I've decided that I want to swim the 50 and 100 back. So today, I started putting together the whole thing: starts, strokes, and flips. I swam back for probably 30 minutes flipping and flipping. I finally had to stop, because I got dizzy and tired, but I'm really pleased with the progress. I'm hoping to talk one of the guards into timing my splits this week. I'm really looking forward to the meet!!

7 Days!

I can't believe that it has been 7 days, since my last post! I am managing to get my drills worked in. I have tried a few laps of fly, but I have a long, long, long way to go. I'm just trying to make sure that I've got my timing right. I hate unlearning something and relearning it the correct way, so I'm trying to be really careful and go slowly.

This week's weather has been a bit more hospitable than last week's. We've been lucky enough to get some rain showers, and the outdoor pool water has cooled down to 88 degrees! This morning's swim was the most pleasant that I've had in the outdoor pool in a while! I had forgotten how good it felt to glide through cool water.

Had a nice chat with one of the guards comparing waterproof mp3 players. He found a waterproof pouch for your regular iPod and waterproof earplugs for about $50.00. He's going to shoot me the link, when he gets a chance. I could live with that for $50.00. I have a 2G iPod that my husband and I just pass back and forth, so it wouldn't be a great loss, if the case leaked. My real wish is for these: http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-SwiMP3-Waterproof-MP3-Player/dp/B001GQ2BI6, since they use the bone conduction and not headphones. I heard the sound is a little better than headphones. OR, I'd like to have these:http://www.h2oaudio.com/store/waterproof-cases/interval-waterproof-headphone-system.html

Has anyone tried a waterproof mp3 player? If so, which one do you prefer?

Happy As A "Steamed" Clam

Today is officially the hottest day of the year, according to the weather records (98 degrees with a heat index of 104). I made the terrible decision to swim after work yesterday, and I nearly overheated. I stuck to my plan to go early this morning. I was in the pool by 10:30. Luckily the water was a bit cooler, and the guards were adding fresh, cool water, when I got there. I decided to work on drills today. No speed work at all. The water is just too warm for that. I did a lot of paddle work today. I intentionally left my zoomers in my bag, so I wouldn't be tempted. Did my best to really work on this drill today:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=832106714345

Tomorrow, I'm really going to concentrate on my fly. It should be easier, since I'll be swimming at the indoor pool in my hometown. The water should be just right...much cooler! I'm going to start with this drill. It's one of my favorites, and it really loosens up any stiffness in my back.





I'm going to work on the 3-3-3 drill. Since I'm still strengthening my dophin kick, I'm going to use my fins for some extra propulsion.

Butterfly - 3-3-3 from Glenn Mills on Vimeo.

I'm just going to call my day tomorrow, The Sunday Fly!!!

Girls Pool Day Shots

LaKeithea, Cheryl, and Amber.


Cheryl and Amber.


LaKeithea and Amber.

Work and Play

Had a great, long day at the pool. I got there around 1 p.m. I got in a 2000 meter workout. My flipturns are really coming along now. For some reason, last week I got a new case of wall fear. I started having trouble judging my distance. I'm happy to report that I've gotten over that.

After the workout, I went to the outdoor pool. Two friends, Amber and LaKeithea, met me there. We hung out until nearly 6 tonight. We had a GREAT afternoon just hanging at the pool. It's such a treat to just have an afternoon at the pool with friends. I'm usually at the pool to workout and practice. I hope to have a girl pool day again soon!

Girls Day at the pool!

Hard Boiled

When I left for the pool yesterday, the heat index was 108! It was a balmy swim, to say the least. Luckily we've had some rain, and the guards have been adding cool water, so the water isn't unbearable. A few weeks ago, the outdoor pool water had reached around 92 and 93 degrees. Those were some of the slowest workouts I've ever done! I know it's not good for you, but I just can't resist the outdoor pool. It shuts down in about 3 weeks, so I'm taking advantage of it, while I can. I managed to get 2,000 yds in, and called it a day. I didn't want to overheat. The humidity has been so bad that it takes me an hour to feel dry, after I've gotten out of the pool and cleaned up.

The weather doesn't look promising today. There's already a thick layer of clouds with the threat of rain and storms. If I swim at all today, it will probably be in the indoor pool.

Quick Trip, Including Swimming!

My husband and I took a quick, overnight getaway to Atlanta last night. We went to see a concert by one of our favorite bands, The Scorpions. One of the best parts of the trip was getting to relax at the hotel, before the concert. They had a fairly decent sized pool, for a hotel. It wasn't big enough to do full laps, but I was able to practice strokes. I even attempted the butterfly stroke, just to see what I had to work with. I definitely need help at the start, but once I get going, at least I have something to work with. Here's some quick snapshots of pool time.

Cross Training Day

I've practically had to sit on my hands all day today. I've been trying to NOT go to the pool today, because I REALLY need to cross train. I NEED to go running tonight. My problem is that I LOVE the pool so much, I have a hard time staying out of it to cross train. I always sign up for 5Ks to keep myself in check. My next 5k The Fenton Payne & Fred is in a month, so I need to step it up! This is the 3rd year that I've done this race. I'm hoping for my time to break under 30 minutes this year. I've come SOOO close. I'm not extrememly fast, but I still enjoy it. I plan to finish up afterwards by a session of yoga to stretch out. That is...if I can stay out of the pool!

A MUST Read

Earlier today, I came across an interesting link over on Facebook. The title of the article was, "Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning". Since I read just about everything concerning swimming and water, I clicked to have a look. This article was a sobering shock for me. Some of the information I knew, and some I didn't. Either way, it was good to be reminded and also to have new information. If you swim anywhere, you should read and be aware of this article: Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning.

Awesome Race!!

Still Storming

No swimming again today. I guess that it's just as well, though. I was extremely tired all day today, so it was nice to take a little break. I did spend most of the afternoon watching the LA Grand Prix on Swimnetwork. It was a full afternoon of prelims. I just heard that Kate Ziegler won the 800m Free and broke the meet record. She went in 8:25! So super fast! Some of the finals are tonight. Just log into Swimnetwork to watch the live feed!

I can't wait to get back in the pool tomorrow. I sure hope the weather is nice!

Storm, Storm, Go Away!

I got stormed out of the second half of my workout today. I knew it was coming, but I still tried. I didn't even attempt to make it out to the outdoor pool. My gamble paid off. I did manage to get about 1500 meters in. I worked really hard on my breast stroke today. I did a lot of Breastroke Separation Drills. They really do teach you how to "ride the glide" effectively. Check it out:



My short swim today was just like a teaser! Now, I can't wait to get back into the pool tomorrow!

Support Swim Blogs United!

I'm proud to announce that I'm a member of a very unique bloggers', network. It's called Swim Blogs United. The purpose of this group is to support and help save college swimming programs. Many colleges, due to funding cuts, have closed their swimming athletic programs. Often times when the budget ax falls on college and university athletic departments, swimming programs are the first cut. Swimming programs often do not produce the revenue that football or basketball teams generate, so they are easy targets on the line by line budgets. These programs are vital to producing champion athletes. Almost every Olympic swimmer participated in a college swimming program.

As the President of the Middle Tennessee State University Masters Swim Club, one of our long time goals is to, hopefully, provide support for a collegiate swim team on our campus. Some of the ways we plan on doing this is by providing scoreboards, touch pads, timing equipment, and a location to a collegiate team. By signing up my blog as a member of Swim Blogs United, I can do my part to personally help this cause. You can also do your part. Join the Go For 5 initiative.



You can do this by going to the Go For 5 site and donating. These funds are distributed by grants through the organization to collegiate swimming programs.

Long Holiday Weekend

I hope that everyone had a great 4th of July weekend! I was really lucky that the local Rec Center in my hometown was open ALL weekend, including July 4th. I bascially spent nearly all of my free time at the pool during my 3 days off. I've felt REALLY good in the water the past 4 days too! I can tell that I'm definitely swimming stronger! My lung power feels like it's increasing too. Over the last 4 days, I'm starting to finally see improvement. I've finally decided to start flipturning again. I desparately need to up my lung power, and that's the only way I know how to do it effectively. Besides, Coach Chris will be yelling at me come fall, if I don't.

I worked today on speed drills, along with my flipturns too. I've noticed that I'm coming into the walls with a lot more speed, and I'm coming out harder and faster too! Why oh why couldn't I do this early this spring? I'm not sure what's happened in the last 2 months, but I'm awfully glad it finally clicked. I may actually be up to a meet this fall!

Swimming With Just Me

Today, I decided to do a more race pace workout. I didn't use any equipment, except a kickboard and pull bouy. I had a GREAT workout today, and I felt really strong in the water. I LOVE days like this!! Anyway, here's my workout for today.

Warmup:
5 X 50 Easy Kick

Main Set:
5 X 50 Free

5 X 50 Breast

5 X 50 Back

5 X 50 Pull

Cool Down:
5 X 50 Easy Free

5 X 50 Easy Breast

5 X 50 Easy Dophin kick

Goggle Cleaner Review

Last week, I posted a review on the TriSwim products. The same company, SBR, Inc. makes the Foggle goggle cleaner towelettes.



The Foggle product is made not only for de-fog and antifogging purposes. It also cleans your goggles. I've used a few antifog products and have only had temporary results with them. I used the Foggle towelette last Saturday, I've put in nearly 9,000 yards, so far this week. I'm happy to report, there's no sign of foggy lenses. That's saying something since, I've been swimming in the outdoor pool and the goggles have gone from the air temperature of 98 degrees with a heat index of 105 to the water temp of 90. As far a clean goes, it left my goggles VERY clean. There were no spots left from the evaporation of the cleaner either. Spots on my goggles ANNOY me to the Nth degree!!! In fact they left my goggles so clean, that I used the same towelette to clean my sunglasses too! The towelettes are good for around 6-8 uses, which makes them super economical too! It seems you just can't loose with Foggles!!

Again, another big plus is that SBR does not do animal testing, which makes me even happier with their products!! So, if you're swimming and looking through those foggy lenses, visit the SBR, Inc. website and pick up some Foggles. Foggles come in packs of 6 for $6.89 or in giant boxes of 48 for $34.56.

Sunny Day Swim

Well, I'm feeling so much better today. I'm back on my normal schedule. I don't know about you guys, but I get fidgety, when I'm knocked out of my workout routine. We had a little cold front with some cold rain come through last night, which made the outdoor pool water more tolerable than last week's 92 degree water. It was so nice, that I really didn't want to leave. I managed to get in a 2500 yd. workout, while I was there. I had to hurry, because Casey had to be at work early tonight, and I had to swap cars with him. I know that I could have put in many more quality yards today, but it wasn't to be. Here's my workout for today.

Warmup:
10x25 Kick
4x25 Breast Kick

Main Set:
10x25 Free Race Pace
10x25 Pull easy
10x25 Pull with paddles
10x25 Kick with fins
10x25 Free with fins
10x25 Paddles with fins

Cool Down:
10x25 Dolphin drills slow and easy
10x25 Breast easy

10 minute stretch

I'm feeling good now relaxing and enjoying my cherry slush. My order came from Swimoutlet.com, so I'm about to get my shower with all my new TriSwim stuff. Life is good!!

The Last on Paddles

Here's a great video review of the different paddles on the market.

Slacking

I totaly slacked on my swimming today. After having a terrific workout yesterday of 2500 meters, I woke up with a blinding migraine today. I ended up fighting it for most of the day and finally giving up and going to bed. The thought of putting goggles on my face with that headache was horrible. I finally woke around 5:30 this afternoon. I felt well enough to do an hour session of yoga. I still have the headache, but it's down to a dull roar now. I'll just have to get after it tomorrow.

Paddles: Pt. 3

Well, I had a great workout at the pool today. I absolutely adore swimming laps outside. I'm always much more motivated in the summer to swim. I can't get enough of the outdoor pool. I know that there's always the indoor pool on rainy days, but it's just not the same for me. Anyway I was off from work today, so I got there in the early afternoon. I went prepared with all of my gear: kickboard, short fins, pull bouy, and paddles. I took the advice of the Master's swimmers about my floating paddles. I used my index and middle finger in the catches this time. I had A LOT more success today. I also did work on my stroke technique. After a couple of laps, I settled into an easy pace. Once I got the hang of it, I loved it. I can't wait to use those drills that I posted yesterday! Can't wait to get to the pool tomorrow!!

Paddle Problems: Pt. 2

I stayed puzzled on this issue for most of the night. I learned that most Masters' swimmers use only the one finger tubing, with the wrist catch removed. I posted this question on the United States Masters Swimming forum, which automatically comes with the Masters Swimming membership. There's such a nice bunch of swimmers over there, and they're always glad to help out fellow swimmers, especially novice swimmers like me. Many pointed out that I may be twisting my wrist on entry and recovery, so I may need to keep refining my stroke technique. Another member there, posted some GREAT paddle drills for me to use:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=832106714345
http://p.castfire.com/castfire_v3.sw....1.56&rev=5755

So, I'll be out there in the lanes tomorrow working those drills. Hopefully, my paddles won't float away too badly.

Paddle Problems

Today, for the first time ever, I decided to use paddles for my workout. I've always heard to be very careful with paddles, because you can injure your shoulders easily with them. It seemed simple enough. I've watched the age groupers and other masters swimmers. I grabbed a pair, put my fingers through the catches and started on my way. It seemed to be fairly easy to use them The first few laps seemed quite easy. Then about halfway through, the paddles started to float off of my hands. I kept stopping to secure them between sets, but it just kept happening. Everytime I would get into a rythym, they would loosen and start floating off. I was using these paddles.



I did notice that there was only tubing in place for the finger catch, not the wrist catch. Could this have been the problem?? Was it incorrect technique that was causing them to float away from my hands? Other than the floating problem, they worked really well. I found them really useful for my cool down too. If anyone has suggestions, please comment.

Product Review

Over the past several years, I've heard a lot of hype about specialty swim shampoos/conditioners/body washes/lotions etc. I've read several reviews. Some people didn't feel like they cleaned well, some didn't think they had enough suds, some didn't like the smell. So, I've been satisfied to stick with my usual hair care and body products. Lately, I've been swimming 5-6 times a week. I've noticed that my hair was REALLY dull, and my skin was REALLY dry! Nothing I had on hand, seemed to help ANY!! So, I was excited when the new issue of Swimmer Magazine had an ad from the SBR Company that makes the Tri Swim products. In their ad, they mentioned that you could get free samples by e-mailing them. Off I went to the computer to enter my information. Within 3 days, I had a big envelope full of samples from their Tri Swim line. They included: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion. They also threw in one of their Foggle towelettes to clean my goggles!!



To say the least, I was very skeptical. As soon as I had my first opportunity, I tried them out!



The shampoo got rid of the slimy, chlorine feel of my hair after my swims! It made it squeaky!! The smell was a very nice citrus smell. It made me think of grapefruit. When my hair dried, it was very shiny and the dullness was gone. I was also pleased with the conditioner! It got the tangles out (I have long, curly, fine hair, so this is an issue for me)and moisturized, without making my hair feel weighed down or greasy.



The body wash and lotion were excellent as well. Both had that same citrus smell as the shampoo and conditioner. I found out rather quickly that a little bit of both go a long way! I'm used to using moisturizing body wash, so the Tri Swim body wash had a very different feel. My skin felt REALLY clean and squeaky, while I was in the shower. After I was out and dried off, my skin felt smooth and moisturized. The lotion absorbed quickly and left my skin just feeling and looking soft, instead of slippery and greasy.

All of the above products contain gentle, natural ingredients to help repair the damage that chlorine leaves behind. From the Tri Swim website:

The ingredients in TRISWIM work to neutralize Chlorine and Chlorine odor on skin and in hair. TRISWIM has up to 5 sequestering agents which assist in attacking the chlorine, grabbing a hold of it, and washing the chemical down the drain. Not only does TRISWIM detoxify, but with our innovative formula, it also hydrates and nourishes with ingredients such as Organic Aloe Vera, Vitamin A and E, and ProVitamin B5.

Best of all, Tri Swim is a product that animals lovers can feel confident in using.

NO ANIMAL TESTING : :
At SBR SPORTS,INC, we use the finest ingredients known to us in the formulation of our innovative brands. SBR SPORTS, does not test, nor have we ever tested or believe in testing our products on animals.

All of their products are VERY affordable, whether you get them from the Tri Swim website or other swim retailers. Prices range from $8.95 per tube to $13.20 per tube.

For your free sample, log onto the Tri Swim website for info.

Well, Hello There!

Welcome to the first post on my swimming blog! I have several other blogs, but I tend to wear those readers out with all of my swimming shenanigans. So, I decided to start a swimming blog. Part of my decision was influenced by my election as President of my local masters swimming club, The Middle Tennessee Masters Swim Club. It's a HUGE honor to serve my club as president, and I want to do the very best I can by them.

So, I cordially invite you to share my journey. Not only my journey as president of MTMS, but also my journey to become a better swimmer.