As some of you know, I am swimming in a triathon relay in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco, www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com. This is a 1.5 mile swim in mid-50s water, w/ a good chance of some chop, as well. Two-time heart recipient, Bill Wohl, offered me the privilege of leading off World Transplant Team #1. Bill, along w/ Ray Velasco, played a key role in my joining Team USA at the 2009 World Tx Games in Australia last year. The significance of this event cannot be understated, so I am recommitting myself to regular blogging on this race.
While I never stated my goals this year, they include swimming open water rather than competitive pool racing, such as Masters. Last year in OZ, I got a huge dose of sprint racing, and it was awesome, even scary. However, my heart longs to achieve in a new venue, and I believe it relates to my role as a certified coach for TI swimming. I spend so much time training folks for open water, that I feel driven to enter the fray, or pack. It only makes good business sense, too :-)
The first step to completing the Alcatraz swim was to race in the 5280 at Beaverdam yesterday. This one mile swim had 59 participants, racing in 68 degree water rounding buoys in Falls Lake. I am pleased w/ my results, 23rd overall, 3rd in my age group, and feeling stronger in the 2nd half than the first. The last part is thanks to TI. Time of 28 min, 9 sec.
What I am taking from the swim is the belief that I can swim the 1.5 across the SF bay in colder water than I've ever swum in. Yesterday was colder than ever before, so it can be done again! Regarding technique, I often found myself not kicking, instead of effectively utilizing a 2 beat kick. I also need to practice sighting, as I veered to the right a time or two, or five. My arm recovery, head position, and tracks felt right on.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Heart2swim is going to Escape from Alcatraz!
Greetings TI swimmers,
I trust this email finds you well, and ready for the tri season to get in gear. First, I want to share that I have been invited to join a triathlon relay at the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon on May 2, in San Francisco. I will be swimming on one of two World Transplant Teams, which are comprised solely of organ transplant recipients, coordinated by heart recipient, Bill Wohl. You can learn more about his involvement w/ professional athletics and transplantation at http://escape2008logblog.blogspot.com/,
Obviously, this will be a challenging race for me, a 1.5 mile swim in cold water w/ a multitude of swimmers, followed by a run to the first transition. I can say w/o reservation that TI swimming is what is making this possible for me. In addition, I relish the opportunity to display the success of transplantation and share the message that over 100,000 people are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ in the U.S. This July will be my 5th year post-transplant.
I welcome your support, encouragement and tips for a successful race, so please don't hesitate to email or call. If you have interest in providing any practical support, my biggest needs are airfare, a full body wetsuit, and basic travel costs. Our relay entry fee has been donated to the Bill Wohl Foundation. I can offer more details on how to help when you contact me.
This will lead to one significant change, rescheduling the Easy Freestyle Workshop in Charlotte, NC, on May 2. The future date has yet to be determined. You can stay current on all clinics being offerered, both Basic and Advanced, at www.fsseries.com.
Please keep me posted on your swimming progress. Never give up on becoming the best swimmer you can. And remember, TI will get you there!
swimming for life,
I trust this email finds you well, and ready for the tri season to get in gear. First, I want to share that I have been invited to join a triathlon relay at the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon on May 2, in San Francisco. I will be swimming on one of two World Transplant Teams, which are comprised solely of organ transplant recipients, coordinated by heart recipient, Bill Wohl. You can learn more about his involvement w/ professional athletics and transplantation at http://escape2008logblog.blogspot.com/,
Obviously, this will be a challenging race for me, a 1.5 mile swim in cold water w/ a multitude of swimmers, followed by a run to the first transition. I can say w/o reservation that TI swimming is what is making this possible for me. In addition, I relish the opportunity to display the success of transplantation and share the message that over 100,000 people are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ in the U.S. This July will be my 5th year post-transplant.
I welcome your support, encouragement and tips for a successful race, so please don't hesitate to email or call. If you have interest in providing any practical support, my biggest needs are airfare, a full body wetsuit, and basic travel costs. Our relay entry fee has been donated to the Bill Wohl Foundation. I can offer more details on how to help when you contact me.
This will lead to one significant change, rescheduling the Easy Freestyle Workshop in Charlotte, NC, on May 2. The future date has yet to be determined. You can stay current on all clinics being offerered, both Basic and Advanced, at www.fsseries.com.
Please keep me posted on your swimming progress. Never give up on becoming the best swimmer you can. And remember, TI will get you there!
swimming for life,
Monday, February 22, 2010
Feb. 2010 update
Greetings TI enthusiasts!
This email is to announce a new Easy Freestyle Clinic that will be offered in Charlotte on Sat, May 1, 12:30-4:30pm, at the Mecklenburg Aquatic Center. Registration will begin soon, and can be done on the FS Series site, www.fsseries.com. I will also be available for private lessons on Sunday from 1-4pm.
The EF Clinics have been going very well. The March 6th workshop is already full, so don't delay if you plan on participating in the clinic on April 3. Two EF: Advanced Clinics are on the calendar, Feb 27 and March 27, at Gypsy Divers in Raleigh. It is a great follow up to an initial exposure to TI, and focuses on advanced TI skills, such as increasing hip drive and forward propulsion, utilizing a 2 beat kick, and achieving greater endurance and SPEED!!
Please visit my website, www.heart2swim.com, which has been redone and is looking good. And, remember you can get 10% off your order from the TI site by using the discount code "coachbrian" The Easy Freestyle DVD is an exceptional resource, and offers valuable training assistance, whether before or after a TI workshop.
Private and semi-private lessons available anytime at Rex Wellness Center in Wakefield. See you at the pool!
This email is to announce a new Easy Freestyle Clinic that will be offered in Charlotte on Sat, May 1, 12:30-4:30pm, at the Mecklenburg Aquatic Center. Registration will begin soon, and can be done on the FS Series site, www.fsseries.com. I will also be available for private lessons on Sunday from 1-4pm.
The EF Clinics have been going very well. The March 6th workshop is already full, so don't delay if you plan on participating in the clinic on April 3. Two EF: Advanced Clinics are on the calendar, Feb 27 and March 27, at Gypsy Divers in Raleigh. It is a great follow up to an initial exposure to TI, and focuses on advanced TI skills, such as increasing hip drive and forward propulsion, utilizing a 2 beat kick, and achieving greater endurance and SPEED!!
Please visit my website, www.heart2swim.com, which has been redone and is looking good. And, remember you can get 10% off your order from the TI site by using the discount code "coachbrian" The Easy Freestyle DVD is an exceptional resource, and offers valuable training assistance, whether before or after a TI workshop.
Private and semi-private lessons available anytime at Rex Wellness Center in Wakefield. See you at the pool!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Helping people with H2O phobias
Hey folks,
This is a nice article on my work w/ swimmers w/ phobias. TI helps those struggling w/ fear of the water, too. Enjoy.
http://www.midtownraleighnews.com/111/story/1896.html
This is a nice article on my work w/ swimmers w/ phobias. TI helps those struggling w/ fear of the water, too. Enjoy.
http://www.midtownraleighnews.com/111/story/1896.html
Thursday, January 7, 2010
TI helps save a life!
Following is a marvelous testimony to the impact TI swimming has on someone's life, in an entirely unexpected way...
__________
Hi,
I haven't been swimming since I went to the Caribbean in early Dec. and plan to start again today...but here is a great swimming lesson story.
In St. Thomas I was snorkeling and my sister was blobbing in the water floating on a "noodle" (she carries them in her suit case when we travel to water places!). A large sail boat anchored near the beach and the captain let the people either swim to shore or ride in the dingy. A couple was swimming to shore when the man realized he couldn't make it and started to go under...his wife screamed, we noticed it and I took off my snorkel gear, grabbed a noodle from my sister and swam (using TI of course) the noodle over to the couple. Everyone's day ended happy!
So, you took an 55 year old woman who didn't like to put her head in the water and didn't know how to swim, to a person who helped save someone's life...in less than 6 months!
Thanks so much! I swam everyday when my sister and I were on vacation...not so much over the holidays. Now I'm looking forward to getting my husband to water so I can show him how easy it is to swim!
Betsi
Raleigh, NC
__________
Hi,
I haven't been swimming since I went to the Caribbean in early Dec. and plan to start again today...but here is a great swimming lesson story.
In St. Thomas I was snorkeling and my sister was blobbing in the water floating on a "noodle" (she carries them in her suit case when we travel to water places!). A large sail boat anchored near the beach and the captain let the people either swim to shore or ride in the dingy. A couple was swimming to shore when the man realized he couldn't make it and started to go under...his wife screamed, we noticed it and I took off my snorkel gear, grabbed a noodle from my sister and swam (using TI of course) the noodle over to the couple. Everyone's day ended happy!
So, you took an 55 year old woman who didn't like to put her head in the water and didn't know how to swim, to a person who helped save someone's life...in less than 6 months!
Thanks so much! I swam everyday when my sister and I were on vacation...not so much over the holidays. Now I'm looking forward to getting my husband to water so I can show him how easy it is to swim!
Betsi
Raleigh, NC
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
TI Update for December
Aquatic Greetings,
I trust you are already back in the pool working off your turkey, ham, green bean casserole & pumpkin pie! I definitely need another week to recover. Here's an update on what's happening with TI and my business, heart2swim.
The FS Series and I recently co-sponsored an Easy Freestyle Workshop at Gypsy Divers Aquatics, and it was a tremendous success. We were maxed out at 10 participants, motivated to learn and attain greater efficiency in their swimming, specifically for improved endurance and results in their triathons. More EF workshops will be scheduled in Raleigh, as well as other venues in other cities. The first clinic in Charlotte is set for Jan. 9th! If you are interested in setting a workshop up in your area, let me know. You can learn more about Easy Freestyle at ww.fsseries.com.
Group lessons will begin again at Rex Wellness in Wakefield starting Jan. 23. There will be two levels of TI classes offered, with the level 2 being for those who have some experience w/ TI technique. Both will last 5 weeks, and take place on Saturday at 8:30 & 9:30am. Lessons are open to members and non-members of Rex. Please call or email w/ any questions, or call Rex directly at 570-1511.
Finally, remember that private and semi-privates are always available, so don't delay in getting started in your training for the 2010 tri season. I am also coaching a Masters group at Rex Wellness, along w/ USA Triathlon Coach Tracy Doherty. Our mission is to provide a team atmosphere where each swimmer can meet their individual goals, while receiving both training and technique. T2 Masters is $10 to drop-in for members and $20 for non-members, & runs from 5:30-6:30pm on Friday. All levels of swimmers are encouraged to participate! Next practice on Friday, Dec. 4th.
Please check out my website at www.heart2swim.com, which is looking sharp w/ my new logo! Special thanks to TI swimmer, Jill Zaremba, for designing this logo, which was in my head but not on paper. Also, I am indebted to RAJE outdoors, http://rajeoutdoors.com/, owned by Robbie and Adrian Jensen, for their help w/ my site and making the video of my swim at the Lake Royale Triathlon. RAJE is a real asset to the triathlon community w/ their presence at many events and very popular "i tri" gear.
Any orders from www.totalimmersion.net using the discount code 'coachbrian' get 10% off your order, just in time for Christmas!
swimmingly,
--
Brian R. Barndt
Teaching Professional
Total Immersion Swimming
Team USA Transplant Olympian
www.totalimmersion.net
www.heart2swim.com
919/757-1230
I trust you are already back in the pool working off your turkey, ham, green bean casserole & pumpkin pie! I definitely need another week to recover. Here's an update on what's happening with TI and my business, heart2swim.
The FS Series and I recently co-sponsored an Easy Freestyle Workshop at Gypsy Divers Aquatics, and it was a tremendous success. We were maxed out at 10 participants, motivated to learn and attain greater efficiency in their swimming, specifically for improved endurance and results in their triathons. More EF workshops will be scheduled in Raleigh, as well as other venues in other cities. The first clinic in Charlotte is set for Jan. 9th! If you are interested in setting a workshop up in your area, let me know. You can learn more about Easy Freestyle at ww.fsseries.com.
Group lessons will begin again at Rex Wellness in Wakefield starting Jan. 23. There will be two levels of TI classes offered, with the level 2 being for those who have some experience w/ TI technique. Both will last 5 weeks, and take place on Saturday at 8:30 & 9:30am. Lessons are open to members and non-members of Rex. Please call or email w/ any questions, or call Rex directly at 570-1511.
Finally, remember that private and semi-privates are always available, so don't delay in getting started in your training for the 2010 tri season. I am also coaching a Masters group at Rex Wellness, along w/ USA Triathlon Coach Tracy Doherty. Our mission is to provide a team atmosphere where each swimmer can meet their individual goals, while receiving both training and technique. T2 Masters is $10 to drop-in for members and $20 for non-members, & runs from 5:30-6:30pm on Friday. All levels of swimmers are encouraged to participate! Next practice on Friday, Dec. 4th.
Please check out my website at www.heart2swim.com, which is looking sharp w/ my new logo! Special thanks to TI swimmer, Jill Zaremba, for designing this logo, which was in my head but not on paper. Also, I am indebted to RAJE outdoors, http://rajeoutdoors.com/, owned by Robbie and Adrian Jensen, for their help w/ my site and making the video of my swim at the Lake Royale Triathlon. RAJE is a real asset to the triathlon community w/ their presence at many events and very popular "i tri" gear.
Any orders from www.totalimmersion.net using the discount code 'coachbrian' get 10% off your order, just in time for Christmas!
swimmingly,
--
Brian R. Barndt
Teaching Professional
Total Immersion Swimming
Team USA Transplant Olympian
www.totalimmersion.net
www.heart2swim.com
919/757-1230
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A Soldier's Swimming Story
Enjoy this well-detailed account from Matt, an Army soldier faithfully serving our country.
___________________________
I'm a soldier on Fort Bragg and I recently was given some motivation to improve my ability to swim. I found out about Total Immersion swimming, liked what I heard, and called up Brian Barndt in Raleigh, to get a couple of lessons. I convinced one of my buddies to go with me. We had two lessons from Brian last week and then this week I swam about 5 hours, 4 of them just working completely on TI drills that he taught us. I definitely made some progress and developed some competence in the first few drills but I started getting frustrated as I tried to progress to switches and other drills that lead to a full stroke. Things just weren't coming together right. So I decided to forget the drills for a while and just swim.
While I was swimming, at least tried to incorporate some of the things I had been practicing and Brian had taught us like keeping my head down, being relaxed, and swimming with my arms on a wider track. I know my form is still somewhat awful, but I was surprised to find that I did around 500m with only a 1-2 breath break in between each length. Prior to studying with Brian I would swim a lap, take a 5-10 second break on the wall and then continue. I think the furthest I had swam freestyle was about 300m. So I took a 5 min break and decided to try to swim 10 laps again. This time I placed my watch right on the edge of the pool so I could keep track of my split times. When I finished my 10 laps, the results surprised me. From the first lap to the 10th, there was not more than a 6 second difference! These were my split times: 1:26, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:27, 1:31, 1:29, 1:29, 1:27, 1:31.
So, bottom line, even though I'm only in the beginning stages of TI, my form is not yet great, and am truly a novice swimmer, I was able to swim 10 laps freestyle at a relaxed pace with only 1 to 2 breaths between each length (of course I'm breathing while I'm swimming as well) with barely a time difference between the 1st and the 10th lap. That was encouraging. Thanks, Brian!
___________________________
I'm a soldier on Fort Bragg and I recently was given some motivation to improve my ability to swim. I found out about Total Immersion swimming, liked what I heard, and called up Brian Barndt in Raleigh, to get a couple of lessons. I convinced one of my buddies to go with me. We had two lessons from Brian last week and then this week I swam about 5 hours, 4 of them just working completely on TI drills that he taught us. I definitely made some progress and developed some competence in the first few drills but I started getting frustrated as I tried to progress to switches and other drills that lead to a full stroke. Things just weren't coming together right. So I decided to forget the drills for a while and just swim.
While I was swimming, at least tried to incorporate some of the things I had been practicing and Brian had taught us like keeping my head down, being relaxed, and swimming with my arms on a wider track. I know my form is still somewhat awful, but I was surprised to find that I did around 500m with only a 1-2 breath break in between each length. Prior to studying with Brian I would swim a lap, take a 5-10 second break on the wall and then continue. I think the furthest I had swam freestyle was about 300m. So I took a 5 min break and decided to try to swim 10 laps again. This time I placed my watch right on the edge of the pool so I could keep track of my split times. When I finished my 10 laps, the results surprised me. From the first lap to the 10th, there was not more than a 6 second difference! These were my split times: 1:26, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:27, 1:31, 1:29, 1:29, 1:27, 1:31.
So, bottom line, even though I'm only in the beginning stages of TI, my form is not yet great, and am truly a novice swimmer, I was able to swim 10 laps freestyle at a relaxed pace with only 1 to 2 breaths between each length (of course I'm breathing while I'm swimming as well) with barely a time difference between the 1st and the 10th lap. That was encouraging. Thanks, Brian!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Mid-October update
Just a few things to share with you about TI swimming. For the next week, any online orders over $50 from TI at www.totalimmersion.net, will have free shipping. It may give you a good opportunity to pick up some DVD's for yourself, or a fellow swimmer for the Christmas season. Always remember to use my discount code, coachbrian, for 10% off your order!
The upcoming Easy Freestyle clinic is scheduled for Sat, Nov 21st, at Gypsy Divers in Raleigh. This 4 hr workshop will give the novice or advanced swimmer a fantastic beginning to moving w/ grace and efficiency through the water. Read more and register at www.fsseries.com
On November 6, a new Masters swim program will begin at Rex Wellness, T2 Masters. I will be coaching alongside Tracy Doherty, who is a very accomplished pool and open water swimmer, personal trainer, and USA Triathlon Coach. We have named it T2, representing "Training and Technique." It is frequently said that Masters programs offer great training, yet provide little focus on good technique. Tracy and I are committed to combing the two, making an ideal aquatic environment for training and learning! It will be a one hour practice, weekly on Fridays from 5:30-6:30pm. Details on cost will be forthcoming, but members and non-members of Rex Wellness will be able to participate. If you are interested, please notify me via email asap, which will help us w/ planning.
I recently swam in the Lake Royale triathlon at Louisburg, NC, and posted a video of my swim on Youtube. Please check it out and share w/ anyone who may be interested in what TI swimming looks like, and can accomplish. I was able to come out 2nd in my wave of 30+ swimmers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo6tDhQDnNQn
Finally, there has been significant interest from swimmers in the Charlotte area. If you, or someone you know, may also be interested in a TI clinic in Charlotte, please let me know. Hopefully, we will have one before the end of year.
Just keep swimming!
--
Brian R. Barndt
Teaching Professional
Total Immersion Swimming
Team USA Transplant Olympian
The upcoming Easy Freestyle clinic is scheduled for Sat, Nov 21st, at Gypsy Divers in Raleigh. This 4 hr workshop will give the novice or advanced swimmer a fantastic beginning to moving w/ grace and efficiency through the water. Read more and register at www.fsseries.com
On November 6, a new Masters swim program will begin at Rex Wellness, T2 Masters. I will be coaching alongside Tracy Doherty, who is a very accomplished pool and open water swimmer, personal trainer, and USA Triathlon Coach. We have named it T2, representing "Training and Technique." It is frequently said that Masters programs offer great training, yet provide little focus on good technique. Tracy and I are committed to combing the two, making an ideal aquatic environment for training and learning! It will be a one hour practice, weekly on Fridays from 5:30-6:30pm. Details on cost will be forthcoming, but members and non-members of Rex Wellness will be able to participate. If you are interested, please notify me via email asap, which will help us w/ planning.
I recently swam in the Lake Royale triathlon at Louisburg, NC, and posted a video of my swim on Youtube. Please check it out and share w/ anyone who may be interested in what TI swimming looks like, and can accomplish. I was able to come out 2nd in my wave of 30+ swimmers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo6tDhQDnNQn
Finally, there has been significant interest from swimmers in the Charlotte area. If you, or someone you know, may also be interested in a TI clinic in Charlotte, please let me know. Hopefully, we will have one before the end of year.
Just keep swimming!
--
Brian R. Barndt
Teaching Professional
Total Immersion Swimming
Team USA Transplant Olympian
Friday, October 9, 2009
Men's Medley Relay Grabs Silver
Here's a link to the youtube clip of Team USA's A Relay at the World Tx Games. Team UK blazes to a gold, and we firmly get silver. I am leading off in the backstroke leg, wearing a navy legskin suit and red cap.
Special thanks to Bill Wohl for providing this clip! Enjoy.
Brian
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zo6N1H2r3Q
Special thanks to Bill Wohl for providing this clip! Enjoy.
Brian
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zo6N1H2r3Q
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Youtube clip from Lake Royale Swim
Here is a clip you can view on Youtube from my Lake Royale Triathlon,
Brian Barndt Open Water Total Immersion Swimming
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo6tDhQDnNQ
Please remember that TI group lessons begin at Rex Health Ctr in Wakefield next Saturday, October 10 from 8:30-9:30am. There are a few spots still available, so don't delay if you'd like to participate! And, the Easy Freestyle workshop, co--sponsored by the Finish Strong Series, is set for Saturday, Nov 21, from 1-5pm at Gypsy Divers Aquatics in Raleigh. Learn more at www.fsseries.com
Happy laps!
Brian Barndt Open Water Total Immersion Swimming
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo6tDhQDnNQ
Please remember that TI group lessons begin at Rex Health Ctr in Wakefield next Saturday, October 10 from 8:30-9:30am. There are a few spots still available, so don't delay if you'd like to participate! And, the Easy Freestyle workshop, co--sponsored by the Finish Strong Series, is set for Saturday, Nov 21, from 1-5pm at Gypsy Divers Aquatics in Raleigh. Learn more at www.fsseries.com
Happy laps!
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