Breakthrough TI Swim

I'm very excited about the workout I enjoyed this am at Kerr Y Masters. It was a long set of 2000 yds. I joined the faster half of the group, in the slower of those two lanes. The set was 5x100s, then 4x125s, 2x250s, & 1x500 yds. I swam last of the four swimmers, maintained TI technique and balance, counted my SPL, and wasn't overly concerned with fast times. Yet, I did not fall behind, nor gas out.

By the end of the 125s, the other gents were huffing a little, yet I felt good. I swam second in the first 250, then led the second 250. It was awesome for me to lead the lane, and not be compromising my balance whatsoever, in order to maintain the pace. I continued to think over and over how fortunate I am to have just some level of mastery in TI technique, which guarantees efficiency, and produces endurance. Arm recovery, wide tracks, hip drive...and many other focal points echoing in my head.

The final part of the set was the 500, and it was the most enjoyable 500 I've swum in over 20 years! TI provides yet another breakthrough.

WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES 2009!!

I am excited to share that I have become a member of Team USA, that will compete at the World Transplant Games in Australia. The Games are August 22nd through 29th, and the team will fly out of Los Angeles on Aug. 19th, and return on Aug. 30th. I am more than thrilled to compete on an international level, and especially represent our country.

My events will be in swimming, of course, and include individuals and relays. The
50m and 100m backstroke will likely be my best events, though I may also swim butterfly, breastroke, and the IM. My hope is to also participate on the men's medley and freestlye relays.

I will need lots of support, and will have information available soon on how you can help me and Team USA compete at this elite level. Our heart's desire is to magnify the message that "Organ Transplantation Works!" There are approximately 100,000 people on transplant waiting lists nationwide, and multitudes will never make it to transplant, unless people choose to become organ and tissue donors. Those of us blessed to be given new life, desire to maximize our gifts through athletic achievement, show the urgent need for organ donation, and to honor all those who gave the precious gift of life!

Integrating TI into Masters, II

During the masters workouts in which I've participated, the key has been not reverting back to traditional swim methods, when everyone else utilizes them. What has helped is the coach, Shannon York, is into TI and understands why I am not using kickboards and pull buoys. During the kick set, I got in skate position and kicked, trying not to negatively affect my balanced position.

I also do not use paddles or buoys, since they are based on a stroke cycle emphasizing pulling w/ arm strength, and not hip drive. Why not? To maintain balance and body position. The TI stroke cycle does not begin with an arm pull, rather the hip drive. Not engaging the arm muscles to pull saves energy and oxygen, while providing more efficient propulsion.

Thankfully, the coach gives me the space to continue to learn and practice TI in a Masters atmoshpere. Admittedly, it is somewhat awkwad, but a good way to engage other competitive swimmers. Several observers have commented how I make it look easy compared to other, and faster, swimmers. One comment is for every stroke I take, they take one and 1/2 strokes.

Each new step I take with TI, only serves to renew my faith in its methodolgy and practice. Thanks for reading.

Integrating TI into Masters

Finally, a blog post. I will blame the holidays, like everyone else. Quickly, the second TI group finished up Dec. 20th. It was a great group, and close to max capacity. Bridget and I learned a great deal about working with such high level swimmers/triathletes. We received a fair amount of feedback, mostly positive, and will implement what we learned to make future groups at Kerr Y even more productive.

Now, the present. Today was a significant day for me, and maybe TI Raleigh. I swam with the Masters team at Kerr Y today at 7:30 am. This group consists of many swimmers from the triathlon club. I had some anxiety about getting into sets and intervals, hoping not to take away from the progress I've made using TI principles and focal point drills. I was delighted how well things integrated together, swimming close to 2000 yds. Truth be told, I fell down my icy front steps immediately after walking out the front door, and had to lighten up. Ouch. Then my car wouldn't start. Grrr. Took my wife's minivan, determined to swim. Glad I did.

I was pleased with several things. First, my workout wasn't about speed, rather using good stroke technique, and learning how to hold pace during the
6x100s, then 4x200s. My pace, not everyone else's. I swam in the C lane, slower than A or B, of course, yet was able to stay close to the B's. Now I know my ABC's. OK, not funny.

It was also rewarding to feel refreshed in the second half of our practice. This is not to say I didn't exert myself, because I did, but swimming efficiently pays huge dividends. Maintaining the same SPL was the name of the game, and I stayed right around 12. I wasn't huffing and puffing, and gasping for air. Rather, a good sense of satisfaction after knowing my body got a really nice workout.

Finally, to hear from a lifeguard that my TI stroke looks so easy and natural, is so confirming. The whole point of beginning TI swimming, before TI coaching, was to swim gracefully, smarter, and faster. And for me, as a heart transplant recipient (2005), endurance is not easily attainable. Yet, TI is making it real, and I am pumped!