I swam against a 10 year old?

Well, I swam in another masters meet, a tiring but rewarding experience. Tiring due to the many hours spent working on my butterfly technique in the days leading up to the meet. Swimming fly was more about reaching a new goal, and increasing my ability in a weaker stroke. Normally, I would relish swimming the 50 & 100 backstroke, and place better, too. But, it's not all about winning.

The facility was exceptional, and the participants were as numerous as the sand on the seashore. Kids and adults of all ages were there, representing many local and out of town swim teams. The old folks, like me, were mixed in w/ everyone else. What a sight to see me on the starting blocks with 7 other boys, ranging in ages from 10 to 15. Not sure what place I came in the 100 fly, but got 4th in my heat for the 50. I'll find out later how I did in my age group.

I also met some great people, including many masters swimmers. One even swims at the same Y as I do. Of course, I shared about my new journey with Total Immersion with anyone willing to listen. You didn't think I went there just to swim, did you?

100 Butterfly

It is always important to practice what you preach, wouldn't you say? I agree, so I am swimming the 50 and 100 yd butterfly this Saturday in a Masters swim meet at the TAC. Raleigh Swimming Association is hosting the "Sprint Shootout" meet, which begins at 11:00 am. Since I learned butterfly TI style at my teacher training, it only makes sense to try it out. Truth is, I was encouraged by others who saw me train in NY, to participate in fly events, something I've never done. So, I can say with all truth that Total Immersion has opened doors for me that were previously closed. A heart transplant patient swimming a 100 fly? Miracles exist.

Latest news on Total Immersion Raleigh

Well, starting a business if a full-time job, for sure. It has been exciting exploring all the opportunities for teaching TI. I have a meeting with the owner of Inside Out Sports this week, to discuss the possibility of providing programming for his Endless Pool. This would be a terrific place to instruct triathletes, through private, semi-private & group lessons. "Easy Freestlye" workshops on Saturdays would be a big hit!

I also have an appt with the aquatics director of the Triangle Aquatics Complex (TAC) in Cary, and have plans to discuss options with Rex Wellness. These are where potential lies, but the YMCA is a sure thing. Lessons begin mid-October, and members & non-members can sign up. Kerr YMCA at 562-9622.

TI is how I roll

So, here's the deal. I am set to begin as a Teaching Professional for TI Swimming. Jacked up about it? Yes! Three areas brewing at the moment:

First, the YMCA, where TI lessons will begin in October. Three week courses with two 1 hour lessons/week. One Saturday/month will include a two hour "TI taster." The taster can introduce the key principles and swimming focal points for an athlete to feel the initial benefit of TI, as well as discern if they wish to pursue futher instruction and/or workshops. The plan is to host weekend workshops at the Kerr YMCA beginning in the spring.

Secondly, I will be meeting with the owner of a local triathlete store that has an Endless Pool. We are submitting a proposal to offer programming in this unique learning environment. This is a very exciting opportunity, so will keep you all posted.

Third is private lessons. My first lesson is this Saturday with another swimmer committed to them, also. Thanks for reading.

Training Days 5-6

I hope my days are right. My clock is all mixed up. Day 5 included instruction in butterfly and breastroke for me and Georgina. I felt better than ever in fly! Couldn't believe the difference in how the focal point drills let to a smoother, efficient and graceful stroke. Got lots of kudos for how it looked, and was encouraged to enter 100 & 200 yd fly races in swim meets. I have hope that may actually happen! I gave private lessons to advanced and beginning swimmers, as well as observed Terry giving them to a long-time student.

Saturday was an "Easy Freestlye Workshop." It lasts 6 hours and takes someone through the process to developing an efficient stroke. We were assistant instructors, providing a significant amount of teaching, along with the supervision of senior coaches. It was so rewarding to see the students get it, and leave with the tools and enthusiasm to pursue their passion for swimming. Things clicked for me, also, so my confidence is high in serving as an effective TI instructor.

My first private lesson is already scheduled for next Saturday in Raleigh, and I will be assisting in a weekend workshop at the end of the month. Word.

Training Day 4

Whew, feels like day 34. I am dog tired. While I am mentally energized, body batteries are low. Today was a big step toward "learning on the job." Translated, I gave 3 private lessons with 3 different swimmers, in addtion to working on my focal point for the day, breathing. The students swimmers ranged from beginning skills to somewhat advanced. One was an avid kayaker and mountain runner, and another a chiropractor. I believe I learned more from them than they did from me. TI is coming to Raleigh!

Training Days 2 & 3

OK, so I missed a day. So far, the training has been fantastic! We use the Total Immersion Studio, which includes 2 Endless Pools. EP generate a current that simulates open water, such as the ocean. You can adjust it from creeping along to wicked fast. When swimming full-stroke freestlye, the ideal is to set the speed which allows you to remain in place. I realize it is not only an ideal learning environment, but an exceptional place to train.

The number of intructor candidates is few, which has provided significant personal training from Total Immersion Founder and CEO (Chief Excecutive Optimist), Terry Laughlin. The most interesting person I have met is an Ironman Triathlete from South Africa, who resides in Capetown. She will oversee TI for the the entire territory of SA, after completion of training.

My excitement to begin instructing Total Immersion in NC increases each pool session!

Training Day 1

Well, tomorrow is my first official day in the Total Immersion pool, but I did exercise today. In the senior community where my dad lives in the competitive game of "picke-ball." Yes, pickle-ball. It is actually my dad's baby here, since he pioneered the game's beginning in the neighborhood. PB uses about half of a tennis court, and is a combo of badmitton, table tennis, tennis, whiffleball, and a KMart blue light special. It was a grueling three games, with a total combined age of 467 yrs b/t the 4 of us. Well, that may be an exaggeration, it wasn't too grueling :-)

I visited my hometown of Haddon Heights, NJ, visiting the legendary John's Friendly Market. Nostalgia was in the air with a tavern ham, sharp cheese & lebanon bologna on an Italian roll with the works. And yes, a Philadelphia soft pretzel to go with it, and Pepsi to drink. It's not swimming, I know, but it did my heart well. But, please don't tell my cardiologist about the sandwich.

Training Day's Eve

No, not at all like the movie Training Day, but maybe close. Not really. Tomorrow I fly to Philly to spend 2 nights w/ my dad and his wife, Anne, in Deptford, NJ. Then Tuesday am I'll drive to New Paltz, NY, for my TI Instructors Training. New Paltz is near Poughkeepsie, NY. Like I know where that is, either.

The days will be full of teaching in the classroom and in the pool. We will also do workshops with students under supervision. I expect to learn a lot, and be completely waterlogged by the end of the week, maybe earlier.

The good news is that I will likely assist in a TI workshop in Raleigh, NC, during the last weekend of the month. I look forward to getting the experience, as well as meeting potential students/clients in this area. Not sure which sounds more appropo. Hopefully, I can find a computer to blog on while I'm there. Thx for reading.