Wow, what a couple of days I have enjoyed. I was invited to speak at a conference for approx. 100 chaplains, about my heart transplant and how to effectively minister to donor families. For recipients like myself, we would not be here w/o them. When I share about my medals won swimming at the US Games, I am clear to say they are not just mine, but belong to all who helped me get where I am today. My life is a gift.
Becoming an athlete again is one of the most wonderful blessings I've received since my transplant in July 2005. Swimming is an integral part of my identity. Total Immersion has allowed that part of me to grow and explore new frontiers. Today was a great motivator for me in training for the World Games. How can you not be inspired when meeting a 12 year old girl who received a new heart from a 30 yr old man who died tragically last year? After hearing her mother talk about how she suffered and then received a life-saving transplant, it was hard not to be moved. It was awesome! Not many dry eyes today, including mine.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Why I pushed off w/ only one leg today!!
OK, I'll just be up front about it. I smashed my two small toes on my left foot. They are black and blue, and pointing west, while my other three are facing east. I performed this ingenious move while stretching my legs, which I am trying to do more often to stay loose. So, my toes are taped up, according to the "buddy taping" technique I borrowed from Webmd. Yes, I pushed off the wall today on every flipturn in my 2x500 free set w/ one foot. Good thing I wasn't going for speed.
Reflecting now that it was another confirmation of the efficacy of TI stroke technique, in that the "core" is the primary mode of propulsion, not the pull and kick. It is only logical to view the body as one unit, not two units (top and bottom half). My axis is not impaired when being unable to kick forcefully, b/c a 2-beat kick is the ideal method of kicking for most swimmers. Having less to work w/ still allows me to have proper balance and body position. Therefore, I still had a good swim today, focusing on my stroke rhythm and advanced breathing skills.
Thank you for supporting me in training and traveling to the World Games from Aug 22-30, 2009. Team USA is going for gold on the Gold Coast!
Reflecting now that it was another confirmation of the efficacy of TI stroke technique, in that the "core" is the primary mode of propulsion, not the pull and kick. It is only logical to view the body as one unit, not two units (top and bottom half). My axis is not impaired when being unable to kick forcefully, b/c a 2-beat kick is the ideal method of kicking for most swimmers. Having less to work w/ still allows me to have proper balance and body position. Therefore, I still had a good swim today, focusing on my stroke rhythm and advanced breathing skills.
Thank you for supporting me in training and traveling to the World Games from Aug 22-30, 2009. Team USA is going for gold on the Gold Coast!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Training Update
Well, my coach wants me to increase my yardage for training for the big meet in August. His goal is for me to swim 10,000 yards/week, 2 days focusing on free, and the other on some strokework, back & breast. I have increased my distances and their frequency, though yesterday my legs cramped up big time during my set of 400s.
Being a transplant recipient creates the situation to push your limits to the max, while respecting where they end. Overdoing it requires longer recovery and throws off the training schedule. When that happens, recovery time is longer than non-tx folks, generally. The immunosuppressed system doesn't have the full capacity to get back up to snuff. That is probably what happened yesterday, so I am going to let go of something, maybe some work. It is time to being more focused on being fully prepared to go for the gold on the Gold Coast!
Thank you to those who have contributed so far! I am getting closer to the goal to make the trip!! It is wonderful to have many friends and supporters for this pursuit and opportunity to display the miracle of organ transplantation.
Being a transplant recipient creates the situation to push your limits to the max, while respecting where they end. Overdoing it requires longer recovery and throws off the training schedule. When that happens, recovery time is longer than non-tx folks, generally. The immunosuppressed system doesn't have the full capacity to get back up to snuff. That is probably what happened yesterday, so I am going to let go of something, maybe some work. It is time to being more focused on being fully prepared to go for the gold on the Gold Coast!
Thank you to those who have contributed so far! I am getting closer to the goal to make the trip!! It is wonderful to have many friends and supporters for this pursuit and opportunity to display the miracle of organ transplantation.
Friday, April 24, 2009
WTG pt 2
Things are falling into place for Australia. I have registered, got some paperwork together, made doctor appts, obtained a coach, and chosen my swimming events. At this time, I am signed up for:
400 meter freestyle
100 back
50 breast
50 back
Medley and Free relays
I am allowed 5 individual events and 2 relays. After meeting w/ my coach, Andy Martin, we decided to focus on the above listed events, and drop the 50 fly. I do want to become a flier, though it is not my strongest. Also, it is difficult to choose events that are consecutive, not knowing how close they are to each other, timewise. I may select a 5th event.
I will also be consulting with Terry Laughlin of Total Immersion Swimming, in order to implement TI technique to the maximum degree, specifically focusing on the 400 freestyle. This is no small task for me, since I never swam distance freestyle until last year, upon learning TI. Since TI has opened this door for me, it only makes sense to have the "Master Coach" help me swim to success. And, these Games will include a 50 meter Long Course pool, which is another big adjustment.
Thank you for reading my blog, and your support in spreading the news of the miracle of organ transplantation, and the urgent need for organ donors!
400 meter freestyle
100 back
50 breast
50 back
Medley and Free relays
I am allowed 5 individual events and 2 relays. After meeting w/ my coach, Andy Martin, we decided to focus on the above listed events, and drop the 50 fly. I do want to become a flier, though it is not my strongest. Also, it is difficult to choose events that are consecutive, not knowing how close they are to each other, timewise. I may select a 5th event.
I will also be consulting with Terry Laughlin of Total Immersion Swimming, in order to implement TI technique to the maximum degree, specifically focusing on the 400 freestyle. This is no small task for me, since I never swam distance freestyle until last year, upon learning TI. Since TI has opened this door for me, it only makes sense to have the "Master Coach" help me swim to success. And, these Games will include a 50 meter Long Course pool, which is another big adjustment.
Thank you for reading my blog, and your support in spreading the news of the miracle of organ transplantation, and the urgent need for organ donors!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Supporting Organ Donation World-wide
I am posting a copy of the fundraising letter for my trip to the 2009 World Transplant Games from August 22-30th. Feel free to share with anyone who may wish to join the cause to promote organ donation and help display the miracle of transplantation.
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Heart Transplant Greetings!
I am writing this letter to share with you a fantastic opportunity to promote organ donation and display the success of transplantation across the world! I recently was given the honor of becoming a member of Team USA, joining other American transplant athletes to compete at the 17th World Transplant Games in Australia, from August 22-30, 2009.
The World Transplant Games have been in existence for more than 25 years. The first Transplant Olympics were held in Portsmouth in 1978-an international event with teams from France, Germany, Greece and the United States competing. Since these early beginnings with some 99 competitors, the Games have grown and now attract up to 3000 competitors from up to 70 countries. The World Transplant Games are the single biggest organ donation and transplantation awareness event in the world, and the ideal way of showing the world what a difference organ donation can make!
After receiving a life-saving heart transplant on July 25, 2005, I have been privileged to win seven gold medals and set four American records in swimming, at the 2006 and 2008 U.S. Transplant Games. It is my earnest desire to compete, and be victorious, against the best transplant athletes in the world. My purpose is to display the miracle of organ transplantation, promote the urgent need for everyone to donate life, as well as honor all the donors and donor families in the United States.
I can only accomplish this goal with your support! Would you consider making a contribution to help me “Go for the Gold at the Gold Coast?” If you would like to join this life-giving cause, you can make a non-tax deductible contribution to “Brian Barndt” and write “2009 World Games” in the memo. Details of all expenses will be available upon request. My contact information is listed below, along with the website of the 2009 World Transplant Games.
My heartfelt thanks for your support!
Brian R Barndt
325 Tillamook Drive
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919/757-1230 c
bbarndt@gmail.com
www.worldtransplantgames09.com
-----------
Heart Transplant Greetings!
I am writing this letter to share with you a fantastic opportunity to promote organ donation and display the success of transplantation across the world! I recently was given the honor of becoming a member of Team USA, joining other American transplant athletes to compete at the 17th World Transplant Games in Australia, from August 22-30, 2009.
The World Transplant Games have been in existence for more than 25 years. The first Transplant Olympics were held in Portsmouth in 1978-an international event with teams from France, Germany, Greece and the United States competing. Since these early beginnings with some 99 competitors, the Games have grown and now attract up to 3000 competitors from up to 70 countries. The World Transplant Games are the single biggest organ donation and transplantation awareness event in the world, and the ideal way of showing the world what a difference organ donation can make!
After receiving a life-saving heart transplant on July 25, 2005, I have been privileged to win seven gold medals and set four American records in swimming, at the 2006 and 2008 U.S. Transplant Games. It is my earnest desire to compete, and be victorious, against the best transplant athletes in the world. My purpose is to display the miracle of organ transplantation, promote the urgent need for everyone to donate life, as well as honor all the donors and donor families in the United States.
I can only accomplish this goal with your support! Would you consider making a contribution to help me “Go for the Gold at the Gold Coast?” If you would like to join this life-giving cause, you can make a non-tax deductible contribution to “Brian Barndt” and write “2009 World Games” in the memo. Details of all expenses will be available upon request. My contact information is listed below, along with the website of the 2009 World Transplant Games.
My heartfelt thanks for your support!
Brian R Barndt
325 Tillamook Drive
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919/757-1230 c
bbarndt@gmail.com
www.worldtransplantgames09.com
Sunday, April 5, 2009
500 free w/ a smile :-)
Well, it would seem about time for the results from my 500 free at the Masters meet at Duke. I must admit I had a significant amount of anxiety, so what's new?, about having "success" w/ this event. I tend to add a ton of pressure, and I was right on schedule at the outset of the meet. Since I am swimming for Team USA at the World Transplant Games in August, I "needed" to find another event where I hope to be competing for a medal. In February, I swam the 200 free w/ the same hopes, and it was a disaster (no need for quotes). Freestyle sprinting is out, so maybe I can go for distance.
Using my ever evolving TI technique, distance events are now an option for this transplant recipient. Smart and efficient swim strokes lead to less resistance from the water, less energy used, and greater endurance gained. To my delight, my time was better than I had expected, 6 min 51 sec. I am thrilled to have broken 7 minutes! In addition, I was able to hold pace, and not run out of gas while barfing up a lung at the finish. So, yes, distance will become a new swimming hobby w/ goals, starting w/ medaling in the 400 meter free at the Worlds, long course.
Technique holds true, since one goggle filled w/ water after my start, along w/ the straps moving too far down the back of my head. I just thought to myself, swim your stroke, don't worry about anyone else, whether swimmers in adjoining lanes or Coach Andy cheering me from the deck.
Using my ever evolving TI technique, distance events are now an option for this transplant recipient. Smart and efficient swim strokes lead to less resistance from the water, less energy used, and greater endurance gained. To my delight, my time was better than I had expected, 6 min 51 sec. I am thrilled to have broken 7 minutes! In addition, I was able to hold pace, and not run out of gas while barfing up a lung at the finish. So, yes, distance will become a new swimming hobby w/ goals, starting w/ medaling in the 400 meter free at the Worlds, long course.
Technique holds true, since one goggle filled w/ water after my start, along w/ the straps moving too far down the back of my head. I just thought to myself, swim your stroke, don't worry about anyone else, whether swimmers in adjoining lanes or Coach Andy cheering me from the deck.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Taking a shot at the 500
Well, since the 200 free didn't go as well as hoped, time to move on to the next thing, the 500 free. Not sure why I feel the need to swim this, maybe just for achievement's sake, as well as a having a fuller integration of TI technique into a distance event, enjoying efficiency, endurance and speed. While both of these objectives are true, I mostly hope to be able to identify if the 500 is a good fit for me & Team USA at the 2009 World Transplant Games in Australia this August. There is a 400m event, that may be a good opportunity to be competitive in my age group, 40-49. And, it fits nicely into the 2 day swim schedule.
Anxious, yes, but so tired that it's all good either way. I've been reminded this week of how grateful I am to simply be able to well enough to race in swim meets. 2006 was the first year of competitive swimming in 18 yrs, since my diagnosis of congestive heart failure. I don't want to forget that in the big picture, swimming a personal best is exciting, but certainly not the answer to fulfulling my purpose in the grand scheme of life. God has allowed me to experience new life in the water w/ my new heart, and I plan to swim as long as it is pumping!
Don't forget to be an organ and tissue donor. Thanks for reading.
Anxious, yes, but so tired that it's all good either way. I've been reminded this week of how grateful I am to simply be able to well enough to race in swim meets. 2006 was the first year of competitive swimming in 18 yrs, since my diagnosis of congestive heart failure. I don't want to forget that in the big picture, swimming a personal best is exciting, but certainly not the answer to fulfulling my purpose in the grand scheme of life. God has allowed me to experience new life in the water w/ my new heart, and I plan to swim as long as it is pumping!
Don't forget to be an organ and tissue donor. Thanks for reading.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Meet results
I had a great time swimming at the Frank Clark Masters meet in Greensboro this past Saturday. I swam four individual events, and went 2 for 4. Meaning, I am pleased w/ my 50 backstroke and 50 breastroke swims, not so much the 100 back and 200 free. The 100 back would have been a decent race, since the seeded times in my heat were close to be competitive. Unfortunately, my feet slipped on the wall, resulting in no push off whatsoever from my start!!! Yes, that is about 5 seconds down the toilet. Nice.
The 200 free was a disaster. While my hope was to engage my TI technique into better endurance for this mid-distance event, this was dashed to bits on the rocks below at the 100 yd mark. Though I was thinking wide tracks, arm recovery & relaxed hands, my body was saying, "I don't think it matters, Brian." Muscles were burning something awful and I was totally gassed out, which was a surprise. In hindsight, my heart rate was either not up high enough at the outset, or the issue of deinnervation was too much an obstacle.
Deinnervation means that my transplanted heart cannot be told by my brain to speed up prior to the body's need for more oxygen, such as when beginning up a flight of stairs. This is due to the nerves being severed when my original heart was removed, and their not re-attaching with the new one. Only when the muscles demand more O2, while adrenaline is pumping, does my new heart catch up. It is a strange dynamic to work through, and timing is critical. Not an excuse, just the reality.
So, my fantasy of becoming a 200 freestyler may not be realized in this life, and that is ok. At least, I know what event not to register for at the World Games :-) I am still considering the 400 free and 200 IM, in addition to the 50 and 100 backstroke events, my best chances for a medal.
Had a great time, met some cool people, including the Executive Director of United States Masters Swimming. Back to the drawing board at Masters this Saturday.
The 200 free was a disaster. While my hope was to engage my TI technique into better endurance for this mid-distance event, this was dashed to bits on the rocks below at the 100 yd mark. Though I was thinking wide tracks, arm recovery & relaxed hands, my body was saying, "I don't think it matters, Brian." Muscles were burning something awful and I was totally gassed out, which was a surprise. In hindsight, my heart rate was either not up high enough at the outset, or the issue of deinnervation was too much an obstacle.
Deinnervation means that my transplanted heart cannot be told by my brain to speed up prior to the body's need for more oxygen, such as when beginning up a flight of stairs. This is due to the nerves being severed when my original heart was removed, and their not re-attaching with the new one. Only when the muscles demand more O2, while adrenaline is pumping, does my new heart catch up. It is a strange dynamic to work through, and timing is critical. Not an excuse, just the reality.
So, my fantasy of becoming a 200 freestyler may not be realized in this life, and that is ok. At least, I know what event not to register for at the World Games :-) I am still considering the 400 free and 200 IM, in addition to the 50 and 100 backstroke events, my best chances for a medal.
Had a great time, met some cool people, including the Executive Director of United States Masters Swimming. Back to the drawing board at Masters this Saturday.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
200 Freestyle??
Yes, it's true. I am going to swim the 200 yd free in a Masters meet on Saturday. Not too big a deal for most competitive swimmers, but it is for me. Reason being is I never race freestlye events, except in relays. I've always done better with strokes, particularly backstroke. Because of recent "success" in my Masters swimming utilizing TI technique, time to test the freestyle waters.
I am more excited than anxious about attempting the 200 free, which is notable since the last time I swam it competitively was in my freshman year at Monmouth College. I was the only swimmer for our team, against three beasts from Villanova. Great memories. And, since having more efficiency and less resistance in the water, I don't fear running out of air. Nice.
I am also swimming the 50 & 100 back, and 50 breastroke. We'll see what Saturday brings!
I am more excited than anxious about attempting the 200 free, which is notable since the last time I swam it competitively was in my freshman year at Monmouth College. I was the only swimmer for our team, against three beasts from Villanova. Great memories. And, since having more efficiency and less resistance in the water, I don't fear running out of air. Nice.
I am also swimming the 50 & 100 back, and 50 breastroke. We'll see what Saturday brings!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Arm Recovery and Speed
As I've documented previously, I have been swimming on the Masters team at the Kerr YMCA. It seems I am continously learning how to utilize TI technique into these workouts, which run about 2250 yds. One continuous challenge for me is to maintain good body position, rhythmic breathing, and avoid returning to the old ways of pulling and kicking for propulsion.
Today was focused on freestyle, while last week was IM. Thought last week would have been exciting doing all the strokes, but negative. I attempted to swim in the fast lane and struggled just to make intervals. Today, back to lane 7, where I belong. After some 200s, Coach Andy had us swim some 50s. I really enjoyed these, since it felt like the first time I was able garner some speed utilizing my TI. I was able to lead the lane in several of the sets, and felt a genuine sense of accomplishment.
The focal point that seemed to do the trick was arm recovery, or lifting my elbow out of the water before my arm is full length by my leg. Holding skate and bringin up the elbow and spearing to target before beginning to pull on skate arm, was what enabled me to feel a sense of turnover. w/ TI strokes. I haven't been able to achieve this feeling until now. I was mindful of my SPL, and though they tended to increase when I was sprinting, they often stayed within my range, 11-13.
Good day of swimming. Hello to hip drive.
Today was focused on freestyle, while last week was IM. Thought last week would have been exciting doing all the strokes, but negative. I attempted to swim in the fast lane and struggled just to make intervals. Today, back to lane 7, where I belong. After some 200s, Coach Andy had us swim some 50s. I really enjoyed these, since it felt like the first time I was able garner some speed utilizing my TI. I was able to lead the lane in several of the sets, and felt a genuine sense of accomplishment.
The focal point that seemed to do the trick was arm recovery, or lifting my elbow out of the water before my arm is full length by my leg. Holding skate and bringin up the elbow and spearing to target before beginning to pull on skate arm, was what enabled me to feel a sense of turnover. w/ TI strokes. I haven't been able to achieve this feeling until now. I was mindful of my SPL, and though they tended to increase when I was sprinting, they often stayed within my range, 11-13.
Good day of swimming. Hello to hip drive.
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