This post is to share the good news that my mid-year heart transplant appointment went well. My labs were all within normal limits, and my echocardiagram revealed my heart's pumping function remains strong. This being the case, preparing for the World Transplant Games is the plan! I will continue to practice w/ the Masters at Kerr Y on Saturday am's, and begin some competition events at swim meets.
God is good.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
A Beginner's Success
This post includes an excerpt from one of the graduates of the January TI lessons at Kerr YMCA. She came with a very limited swimming background, including a near drowning experience as a child at a water park. Breathing was a significant concern for her at the outset, which is common for many of the adults Bridget and I teach. By the end of our six lessons, she was able to swim a full length of full stroke freestyle, utilizing advanced breathing skills! This stay-at-home mom has inspired me as an instructor, and I know her comments will inspire other swimmers, and those who want to begin swimming.
We observed her swim while we had out lessons this past Wednesday, at approximatley 7:30 pm. Of course, we cheered congrats to her.
"I only heard a little because I had my MP3 player on. The thing is wonderful for doing laps! I didn't stop until 9:00, and I felt great! I never thought I would be able to swim that long. I probably could have kept going, but decided I was getting a little tired. Thanks to you and Bridget for helping me learn a better way of swimming."
PS. "I've dropped 10 lbs so far swimming 2-3 times a week. Yay ME!"
Yay for her, and for Total Immersion!
We observed her swim while we had out lessons this past Wednesday, at approximatley 7:30 pm. Of course, we cheered congrats to her.
"I only heard a little because I had my MP3 player on. The thing is wonderful for doing laps! I didn't stop until 9:00, and I felt great! I never thought I would be able to swim that long. I probably could have kept going, but decided I was getting a little tired. Thanks to you and Bridget for helping me learn a better way of swimming."
PS. "I've dropped 10 lbs so far swimming 2-3 times a week. Yay ME!"
Yay for her, and for Total Immersion!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Pause
We had a very productive lesson #4 this past Saturday at Kerr YMCA. The class reviewed the spearswitch, formerly called underswitch, with a focus on the pause. Where does it occur? In the periphery of the goggles next to face. Why is the pause so important? Because it allows the swimmer to mentally examine their skate position, ensuring they have proper body alignment and balance. For many of the swimmers, it was challenging to wait to spear. Rarely does an athlete naturally take the time to maximize technique by a thoughtful pause. The desire to achieve and perform can be counterproductive, at this point.
In my previous career, I was a regular public speaker. Frequently, I was encouraged to pause between significant points in my speech. Why? To ensure the first comment effectively sunk into the mind of the listener. If there's no rush to quality public speaking, there does not have to be a rush when learning and "practicing" TI focal points. Successful swimming is defined by effortless and efficient technique, and the pause is an essential tool.
In my previous career, I was a regular public speaker. Frequently, I was encouraged to pause between significant points in my speech. Why? To ensure the first comment effectively sunk into the mind of the listener. If there's no rush to quality public speaking, there does not have to be a rush when learning and "practicing" TI focal points. Successful swimming is defined by effortless and efficient technique, and the pause is an essential tool.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Balance balance & more balance
OK, so balance is the word for today. The TI group increased to nine swimmers, due to two more joining after the first lesson. Great session today. Reviewed our relaxed head position and wider tracks, as well as core body position. My goal for today was simple, skate skate skate. With nine students, I wondered if it would be difficult. Thanks to the best assistant anywhere, Bridget, it was no problem.
Skate went well, and we even got to Sweet Spot breathing. Two things really stood out to me today, and it went back to a primary focus in the first session. Laser beam. Two swimmers were struggling w/ keeping a straight bodyline and "sleek vessel," exhibited with the rolling shoulder. After thinking and thinking and thinking, I thought, well, maybe it is a simple issue of balance, so let's go back to relaxed head and laser beam. As is by magic, her shoulder didn't roll, and this swimmer gracefully moved through the water. Not only did it look better, she felt better! Yea, mindfulness is coming w/ proper body position and balance.
Interestingly enough, a student that followed her was showing a similar struggle, and my simple suggestion was "laser beam." What a concept, to use what I know helps swimmers swim efficiently. This is Kaizen Coaching for the new guy. So, while the focal points and drill change, balance remains the same. BTW, this group of students is awesome.
Skate went well, and we even got to Sweet Spot breathing. Two things really stood out to me today, and it went back to a primary focus in the first session. Laser beam. Two swimmers were struggling w/ keeping a straight bodyline and "sleek vessel," exhibited with the rolling shoulder. After thinking and thinking and thinking, I thought, well, maybe it is a simple issue of balance, so let's go back to relaxed head and laser beam. As is by magic, her shoulder didn't roll, and this swimmer gracefully moved through the water. Not only did it look better, she felt better! Yea, mindfulness is coming w/ proper body position and balance.
Interestingly enough, a student that followed her was showing a similar struggle, and my simple suggestion was "laser beam." What a concept, to use what I know helps swimmers swim efficiently. This is Kaizen Coaching for the new guy. So, while the focal points and drill change, balance remains the same. BTW, this group of students is awesome.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lesson #1 - Find balance
Finding perfect balance is not only for gymnasts, but also swimmers. Last night there were 7 swimmers for the 2nd group of TI lessons at Kerr YMCA, ranging in age from 15 to 66 yrs old, at various skill levels. From the beginner to triathlete, all expressed a desire for their swimming to be less "work." Thankfully, they came to the perfect place, TI, in the only Y in NC that offers TI instruction.
We start with how to effectively glide. This may sound unimportant, or even nitpicky, yet it is profoundly significant in achieving balance in the water. The first critical element in proper body alignment is have a relaxed head position. The Superman glide has arms outstretched as extensions of the shoulders, with the head allowing the water to hold it in place. The result, each swimmer learns that water will hold you in place when you cooperate with it, and they find themselves further from the wall than before.
Sounds simple. It is. Anyone reading can try for yourself, by relaxing your head in the water, deactivating any neck muscles, and gently stretch arms straight ahead from your shoulders (head resting b/t them). You'll have the same results as the Y swimmers, balance is found in the water with minimal effort. Balance is the beginning of the end of swimming as "work."
We start with how to effectively glide. This may sound unimportant, or even nitpicky, yet it is profoundly significant in achieving balance in the water. The first critical element in proper body alignment is have a relaxed head position. The Superman glide has arms outstretched as extensions of the shoulders, with the head allowing the water to hold it in place. The result, each swimmer learns that water will hold you in place when you cooperate with it, and they find themselves further from the wall than before.
Sounds simple. It is. Anyone reading can try for yourself, by relaxing your head in the water, deactivating any neck muscles, and gently stretch arms straight ahead from your shoulders (head resting b/t them). You'll have the same results as the Y swimmers, balance is found in the water with minimal effort. Balance is the beginning of the end of swimming as "work."
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Kaizen coaching
Since I have been successfully indoctrinated with Kaizen swimming, which keeps me continuing to learn and improve my swimming experience, it seems fitting to practice Kaizen coaching. After completing my first group of TI lessons at the Kerr YMCA, I am taking an honest appraisal of my work. I first spoke at length with my assistant instructor, Bridget, then consulted with Terry Laughlin. Below are two lessons I have learned.
First, learning TI is only the beginning to a lifetime to efficient and enjoyable swimming. During lesson #6, I found myself frustrated that my students were not easily engaging in full stroke. Part of the reason was my expectations are so high. I seem to forget how long it took me to truly "get it," 4 private lessons, one weekend workshop, many workouts full of focal points & not laps, and a week of training to become certified to coach TI. Since I grasp how much more learning I still have yet to achieve, it seems fair to allow the students adequate time for TI to be the key to their swimming. Therefore, the 6 one-hour lessons serve as the gateway to swimming utopia. My next group starts tomorrow night, with 5 swimmers registered. My goal is to provide both the awakening TI brings, as well as the tools for each swimmer to start new life in the water.
The second lesson is this, there is not substitute for good skate position. I learned this from questioning whether I should have moved through all the drills more quickly, carrying everyone to full-stroke. I shared with Terry that I was concerned I spent too much time on proper skate postion, utilizing good body control and experiencing balance in the water. He affirmed that the skate position is foundational to effective freestlye, and can be improved for years to come. There is no substitute for proper technique.
As I learned when first starting TI as a student, there is no rush. It can be a enjoyable process of learning and growing. Part of why this is such a challenge for me and innumerable swimmers, is we had learned to focus on faster and stronger swimming. Traditional swimming had us focus on the outcome, rather than the process. TI is teaching me that the results will assuredly come, and I am only required to relax, keep it simple, and enjoy the process. What a concept.
First, learning TI is only the beginning to a lifetime to efficient and enjoyable swimming. During lesson #6, I found myself frustrated that my students were not easily engaging in full stroke. Part of the reason was my expectations are so high. I seem to forget how long it took me to truly "get it," 4 private lessons, one weekend workshop, many workouts full of focal points & not laps, and a week of training to become certified to coach TI. Since I grasp how much more learning I still have yet to achieve, it seems fair to allow the students adequate time for TI to be the key to their swimming. Therefore, the 6 one-hour lessons serve as the gateway to swimming utopia. My next group starts tomorrow night, with 5 swimmers registered. My goal is to provide both the awakening TI brings, as well as the tools for each swimmer to start new life in the water.
The second lesson is this, there is not substitute for good skate position. I learned this from questioning whether I should have moved through all the drills more quickly, carrying everyone to full-stroke. I shared with Terry that I was concerned I spent too much time on proper skate postion, utilizing good body control and experiencing balance in the water. He affirmed that the skate position is foundational to effective freestlye, and can be improved for years to come. There is no substitute for proper technique.
As I learned when first starting TI as a student, there is no rush. It can be a enjoyable process of learning and growing. Part of why this is such a challenge for me and innumerable swimmers, is we had learned to focus on faster and stronger swimming. Traditional swimming had us focus on the outcome, rather than the process. TI is teaching me that the results will assuredly come, and I am only required to relax, keep it simple, and enjoy the process. What a concept.
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