Off the Deck

It’s fantastic to be back in the water after being out for a month due to illness. In fact, during the past two practices I swam, “Who cares! I’m in the water!” carried me through the workouts.

But knowing myself like I do, I’m sure the panick-y “I’m deconditioned!!!” thoughts are going to surface real soon.

Over the past weekend, I specifically avoided leading a lane or even looking at the clock (I just counted to five in my head before pushing off behind the swimmer ahead of me, or went when I felt ready while on my own Sunday) because I don’t want to get discouraged about intervals and repeat times yet.

Rationally, I know that since I was out for a month (and it wasn’t like I was on vacation, resting!), it’s going to take at least a month, if not more, to get back to pre-virus level.

Emotions, of course, are an entirely different thing! Honestly, I don’t do well with feeling out of shape, being super tired before I’m even half-way through the first main set of the day, and feeling exiled from my normal lanes/intervals until I am back up to snuff.

I know, I know, “suck it up.” I have bounced back well before, I can do it again.

Yes, maybe I’m a slower learner on this point. But at least I’m starting to understand that my true battle is more with my mind than body. For example, after many, many, many years of disregard, now I totally have the “listen to and obey” the body thing down pat: “Oh hey, my body is saying 3,500 LCM is enough for today, time to get out!”

Next up for sure? Figuring out how to re-program my brain to play only happy, positive messages as my body does what it needs to do while rebuilding…

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

Oh yes. One of the more unsavory swim world elements that nobody really wants to address. Maybe that’s why there always seem to be a continual need for “dialogue.”

Back at my home pool for practice this morning for the first time since being sick, I chose to swim down a lane or so. Kenny Allen recommended this maneuver to me last week: kinder than average intervals allow for the crucial endurance re-build sans relapse.

In any case, there I was in a stange lane with no real sense of anyone else’s pace or “workout personality.” Although there are many types of swim faux pas, in the interest in brevity, I will highlight only the flagrant violations witnessed today:

1) Doing your own thing: Absolutely, if you have the good fortune of having your own lane, go ahead and do whatever the heck you want. Stop at the wall in the middle of repeats. Ignore intervals. Use fins on and off willy-nilly during non-kick sets. Do whatever stroke catches your fancy at any given moment.

But if you are attending a “practice,” well, that implies other people will be working out with you. And that there may be a few common-sense rules in place just to ensure everyone gets in a good workout.

An easy, quick solution? Regroup before every set. It takes just a minute but if everyone waits until the last swimmer is in and then declares what they’re going to do next, (i.e. use paddles or fins, substitute a stroke, do all free, whatever!) you can arrange yourself according to speed.

The one exception to this “rule?” Warmups and cool downs that are “free form,” i.e. “swim until quarter-after.” Under these circumstances, swimmers can do whatever they please as long as they make an effort to stay out of each other’s way.

2) Arriving drastically late: It happens to us all: traffic jam, last-minute request from the boss, can’t find a parking spot, forgot suit in car, etc. It can’t always be avoided — sometimes by the time we finally get out on deck, warm up is over. But almost one-hour late? Even if you follow protocol and go last to allow everyone else to continue at their already established pace, it’s still pretty disruptive. All of sudden you run into someone who wasn’t there just a 50 ago…

3) Not knowing your pace: Heck yeah, every workout is different. Sometimes after warmup you realize you need to jump a lane or two because the main set really plays to your strengths or weakenesses. But after a repeat or two, you should be pretty aware that you are (or are not) in an appropriate-paced lane. For example, if I keep passing you on the breaststroke leg per 200 of an IM set while you’re swimming all free, with fins, you are in the wrong lane.

During practice today I kept looking longlingly at one of my usual lanes. They were so organzied, on interval and more… Oh well, more motivation to get back up to speed, right?

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

It’s only February, but since States information is already posted everywhere, it’s time to think about what I might swim in April.

In the past, entering has been a bit of a no-brainer because I love distance. So, normally I end up with a collection of the longest events offered — 1650/500, 400 IM, etc. with a few relay-50s tossed in to be social. The biggest decisions have usually been along the lines of: “should I go for a brute squad t-shirt?” and “should I hang around and do the 100 fly for kicks or leave right after the distance event du jour?”

This year however, I’m thinking about a radical (well, for me) approach: maybe a mix of 200s: the IM, back and fly, as well as the 100 breast because I need to start “bench-marking” that particular 400 I.M. leg to track improvement (oh please oh please!) this year pre-LC Nats.

Why the change? Two main reasons: 1) Air quality. It’s been hit or miss during practice for awhile now; during a state meet at full capacity? It’s miserable, as I found out last year during the infamous 1650 heat when everyone stopped due to lack of air. Until they fix it (and there are plans to do so this year) I don’t see the point of gearing up for a PR when I can’t breathe adequately.

And then there’s 2) I’ve been sick for a month. Absolutely, I have nearly nine weeks to get back into shape, and I am sure I will be by States. But as with most years, my focus is not SCY. It’s open water and LC Nats. Therefore, I may start training with those seasons in mind right now and oopps, do a scy meet along the way for the heck of it. So why not do a mess of short events for once?

Of course, how I feel as we approach the deadline will be a strong entry-factor. As will event order. In any case, it’s already been fun right now to think about to doing something a little different this year!

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

Yesterday I swam for the first time in about a month.

To sum: January has not been kind to my body. I was sick, went into a secondary infection, had an allergic reaction to antibitoics, did a round of steroids to shake off lingering illness/newly acquired allergic reaction symptoms, and endured not one, but two early a.m. bouts of throwing up (I suspect that the frozen coconut dessert stuff I just discovered, the very treat which felt so cool and slippery on my ravaged throat, did not agree with the rest of me). Adding to the fun? Weekly allergy shots because I need to reach “maintenance level” again now that my elixir has been reformulated for another year.

All things considered, I wanted a mellow swim re-entry. So, I went to another local team’s practice because: 1) their pool is less than ten minutes from my house, 2) the water is warm (assuming I’d be very creaky, this deterrent might actually be a plus for once!) and 3) the team accent is always upbeat and fun.

Although they had a team stroke clinic scheduled, a few lanes were open for those who prefered to do a posted workout. Perfect! I was able to swim at my own pace and modify if need be. Even better, the workout included a longer than average warm up with multiple short sets. I couldn’t have asked for better first-day conditions.

And I needed all that I could help. Not only did I feel awkard and all gangly-arms-and-legs, but I felt like LEAD. Yep, my stamina/endurance seems to have drained out of me while sick.

I also had to duke it out with myself mentally for the first 30 minutes or so. Tallying meters and clock-watching were not helping, especially as I spent the entire 90-minutes feeling like I had already “hit the wall.”

But perhaps I am making some progress with all of my self-work over the past year as I was able to let that all go in about 20 minutes. I simply reminded myself that it was the first day back, and that it was enough to be in a pool. I started to enjoy just the sensation of swimming, and watching the sunlight play on the water.

I’ve come back from illness before; this time I’m going to allow my body do it’s own thing sans mental thashing.

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evanglist

I’m sure you’ve seen the new Subway commercials by now. Foremost, it’s nice to see Subway sticking with Michael, and during what we can call the “off season” for National/World swimming. But the commercials are a bit odd.

The concept of the “swim to Vancouver” one is cute, and I like how summer Olympic sports get a plug. But the mechanics of Michael’s “stroke” are bizarre. Swimmers immediately recognize that this “windmill-swoop-over-the-head” free is not Michael’s stroke; let’s hope non-swimmers don’t head off to the pool inspired to copy him as seen in this spot.

In the other commercial, Michael is sort of treading water. After asking some unseen person to get him subs, Michael then sort of semi-submerges/treads water again. His face is blocked by water — you can just see his body. I don’t really get what’s going on here, or what Subway wants us to think.

Does he need someone to get a jump on his sub order since he stays behind to train more than anyone else? Or, is he staying in the pool until his subs arrive, then getting right back in after eating them? And what’s with the hidden face? As proven in past promos and interviews, he certainly can string a sentence or two together, so it can’t be because he bungles lines. Fellow swimmer and friend Barkley’s explanation? Subway is capitalizing on what’s most attractive: Michael’s body.

Maybe I should just apply one of my favorite “mom-isms” here: “Some things are not meant to be understood, just enjoyed.” So, according to my mom, I should quit trying to find the storyline in these spots and just be happy to see a swimmer in the T.V. spotlight.

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

Well, it looks like I didn’t dodge the virus-from hell this year. (Wait a second — maybe since I came down with it in 2009 and still am fighting it in 2010, this is it for both years! That would be super nice!)

After nearly four weeks of trudging my way through severe fatigue, congestion, hives and other fun symptoms from an antibiotic allergic reaction, steroid jitter-y-ness, and an early a.m. bout of throwing up (I have no idea if that last one is related — bad food maybe? Body just trying to clear EVERYTHING any way it can?), I feel like I finally may be turning the corner.

Definitely, the asthma/allergies makes it tough for me to shake some viruses off. I’d like to think I’ve learned a bit about “athlete vs virus” over the years though. Here’s the latest round up of wisdom tidbits I’ve dervived from this last go-round with being sick:

Have an exercise back up: As far as I’m concerned, every day is a good day for a swim. So, heck yeah, I miss swimming. But I know from prior experience that getting in too soon is a disaster — it only leads to being sicker and staying out longer. So this time I’ve sucked it up and remained grounded for nearly four weeks. Instead, I’ve been riding my track trainer on a light setting, doing light runs, yoga tapes, etc. Still moving around a bit, and only on days I feel like it. But I think it helped keep my spirits up and keeps me nudging towards sounder sleep.

Stick to the norm in tems of diet as much as possible: Normally when I am wiped out and have had it with being sick, I eat something not so, um, “supportive,” like an entire bag of torilla chips, for dinner. I am super proud to admit then, that this time, for the first time ever, I did not succumb to temptation. Tired or not, I made sure I made something healthy and as close to normal as possible per meal. Even if it was just scrambled eggs with some peas tossed in or a bowl of veggie soup. Again, I think this tactic went a long way towards staving off other undesirable side-effects, such as “sugar crash.”

Trust my body: I am just starting to realize (gasp!) that I have spent a lot of time forcing body through stuff (tail-end lesson from my summer break no doubt). So this time I had an entire new approach: listen and obey my body. Kind of a leap of faith for me, because it meant doing things I normally would not “allow,” like not working out for 3 days in a row, watching 6+ hours straight of ice skating on T.V. on a Saturday, or eating two bananas at once and calling it dinner since that’s what I was craving at the moment.

Of course, the true test will be once I hit the water again — will I be able to get up to speed at an average, slower, or faster rate than in the past?

Stay tune for details; hopefully I will be swimming again next week…

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

The USMS decision to adhere to FINA’s ruling on suits this week meant that I had to order a new racing suit because my current one, a to-the-ankle cut, is now illegal at meets.

Not really a big deal. It was time for a new one in any case, and I found a “2010 FINA-Approved” knee-length Fastskin on sale via my fave swim-merchant, www.SwimOutlet.com.

Despite their price, in some ways it’s good that racing suits don’t last forever, because today I’m wondering how long this current ruling will stick. Will it still be in place before the new Fastskin wears? Or are we headed for another change, and thus another suit for me within a year or two?

I’m also curious about the fate of the now obsolete stash of tech suits — those with neoprene, zippers, etc. What are vendors going to do with them?

Obviously, a first move is to put them on sale now that masters can’t wear them either. But who would cough up $100 to buy one now, and for what purpose? Time trials at practice? Get used to the fit/feel of a tech suit for the first time? The occasional open water race that will allow them? Unsanctioned meets? Halloween costume?

This particular overstock situation must be kind of odd for vendors. After all, it’s not like these suits aren’t moving because they’re no longer the favored style, color or pattern of the day. They are banned.

No, these suits are not likely to end up in the “odd-size/ugly pattern” sale-bin box, merchandise that still moves because it fits someone somewhere who doesn’t care what they look like while training in a $10 suit.

So what is their fate? Recycling? Donation? Dust-rag? I wonder if someone out there will get savvy and find a good use for them…

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

Probably I’ve been watching too much Universal Sports lately (been sick for 3+ and counting now — ugh!). But one of the many cool factoids I’ve picked up recently from “color commentary” was that the top downhill skiers travel with 40-60 different pairs of skis and a tech to prep them.

First of all, do the ski techs have a life? Think about it: preparing 40+ pairs of skis before every race? They must keep odd hours — stay up late waxing until dawn, then remain on-call on race day to supply the perfect pair as conditions shift.

How much do these people get paid? Do they work for entire teams, just one athlete, or do some skiers pair up and share the cost of tech? Are travel fees and hotel costs covered in their salary since they’re always on the move, from race to race?

Sure, I travel with several suits, caps and pairs of googles to be prepared for any race-day condition. But 40+ of each? No way! Not only would that require an entire second suitcase just for gear, but I doubt conditions for swimmers could vary enough to make 40 suits practical packing. (Which of course then makes me wonder; how are the skis transported? They’re not exactly light and compact. Is that the tech’s responsibilty too?)

Nor do I have tech person traveling with me when I compete, but the possibility is intriguing. Maybe a stroke coach? They could watch me during warm up and offer fine-tuning advice before each race. Or pre-scout the field and help me prepare a race plan.

Wait a second! That sounds like a coach! Maybe I just need to pack my own suits and find a team with a coach that travels with their swimmers…oh for the days of age-group swimming!

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

It’s been a hot topic with staunch supporters standing firmly on one side or the other for almost a year now: should USMS follow FINA’s ruling about competitive suits?

Today we learned the answer: yes.

I for one, am very happy about the announcement. Yep, I know that statement will anger many fellow masters swimmers. But, being an American, I plan to exercise my freedom of speech to defend my statement today.

1) I understand the argument that allowing suits such as BlueSeventy would attract new people to the sport. But at the price of losing dedicated swimmers? For every pro-tech suit person I know, I can count an equal number of lifelong competitive swimmers who were not going to race again if the suits were ruled legal.

Absolutely, let’s bring swimming to the masses, (I am the self-proclaimed swim-evangelist afterall!) but can’t we find a way to do this without alienating a good portion of the existing population?

2) I don’t like the extreme level of the “buy yourself some speed” promise of the neoprene suits. It completely negates hard work, finding your own edge, and the ultimate satisfaction of seeing your times improve based on effort, not equipment.

Having a special suit just for racing makes sense. But one that alters your alignment enough (and not equally for all) to drop crazy margins of time? I think not.

3) I’m not crazy about the potential mixed-message kids would recieve if FINA had one rule and USMS had another. Meaning, “you need to work hard and follow rules as a kid, but then all that doesn’t matter once you’re an adult.”

4) On a purely personal level, I didn’t want to have to go there to “stay competitive.” The suits seem really hot and uncomfortable. I don’t like it when my shoulders/arms are restricted.

In fact, I haven’t been excited about 2010 Nationas yet because I knew I might have to make a decision about wearing one or not if tech suits were ruled legal. On the one hand, it would be a big expense, one I don’t know that I could’ve justified on top of travel, hotel, entry fees, etc. On the other hand (and to be completely honest), I know I’d be super annoyed if someone who’s normally not within 30 seconds of me touched me out while wearing a BlueSeventy vs my Fastskin.

The issue is certainly complicated, especially when you throw Fastskins into the mix. What’s the defining line of a “tech suit?” What price is considered to be within the reach of the norm? Must rumminate some more…

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

With all of my recent Universal T.V. viewing (I feel primed for Vancouver), I’ve also seen a lot of commercials. The only one I watch every single time, no matter how many times I’ve seen it, is the one for Endless Pools.

I think it first started airing a few weeks ago. At first I thought it was odd timing, but on second thought it kind of makes sense. Dead of winter, right when everyone’s caught up with their New Year’s Resolution to lose those 40 pounds they gained over twenty+ years since high school in two weeks. And, why not tantalize swimmers and triathletes cooped up during the middle of winter with the possibility of a personal indoor pool?

Of course, I like it because it features swimming — you don’t see a lot of commercials directed to our population (although…the Subway series with Micheal Phelps is starting to get a lot of play. Winding us up for the winter Olympics kick off, now doubt, and playing the New Year’s fitness rush card — clever, I admit).

But the real reason I watch the Endless Pool commercial every time? Yet another chance to be entranced by Rowdy Gaines’ technique. Seriously, it’s mesmerising for me. His head position, his rotation, that long, long, long reach. Simply amazing.

Especially when compared to the company’s choice of “average user” in the spot — a woman sporting a modest suit and heavy duty cap and goggles. Her attire and figure scream “fitness swimmer!” Every time I see her swim I just want to step in there and nudge her head down into alignment. Heck, it hurts my neck just to watch her breathe while swimming in the endless pool.

I know that for the company, it totally makes no sense to film some underwater shots. But it sure would be awesome to see Rowdy’s technique under the water on a regular basis…

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist