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Our relay will be featured by the title sponsor, PPD, and is called "The Tin Men."

You can read about it on www.beach2battleship.com, www.heart2swim.com, and by joining my new Facebook group, HEART2SWIM!

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http://www.mycarolinatoday.com/2010/06/swimming-for-exercise-the-right-way/

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This is Chuck Holder from the workshop May 29 and 30. I swam yesterday for the first time since the workshop and am excited about the improvements. I have been drilling and working on technique a bit since the class, but no actual swimming until yesterday. I did a 500 in 9:30, which was a best for me.

What’s great though is the ease I used and the way I felt when I finished. I felt like I had not done anything and that I could have continued for a mile. My heart rate was low and so was my breathing. My previous best 500 was about 10 min, but after doing so, I was about to pass out and was completely gassed. To feel like I did yesterday at the finish for my old swimming style would have resulted in about a 12 min. 500.

I am very excited about the future and know that more improvement is to come. I was worried about not swimming since the class and only drilling with a 1500 swim leg of a triathlon coming up this Sunday. I wanted to do some swimming to ensure that I have not lost any fitness. I did about 2000 total and was amazed that I felt better than I have ever felt swimming after close to two weeks with out swimming laps.

Prior to the class, I was looking to TI as a last resort. I had about decided I was stuck where I was as a poor swimmer, and that I was not going to get any better. I now feel like I have the knowledge and tools to go forward.

Thank you for your help, Chuck Holder (Georgia)

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Here are some thoughts post-escape:

1. Wetsuits have limited benefits

Yes, I wore a full wetsuit in this race. TI founder, Terry Laughlin, is known to never wear one, regardless of the temperature. He’s not the only one, a TI swimmer who lives in San Francisco, swims 6 days a week in the Bay w/o a wetsuit. But, for me, when you’re talking 55 degree water…right.

This is the first time I’ve worn a full wetsuit, having donned a sleeveless in lake swims. It is now crystal clear to me that the extra buoyancy that so many triathletes crave from their Blue Seventy, is a significant barrier to feeling the water. I found myself frequently through the 1.5 mile swim not feeling my patient catch out front, leading to difficulty in engaging core drive for propulsion.

TI really emphasizes swimming through the water, not on top of it. What a difference. Neoprene actually inhibits a swimmer’s capacity to swim efficiently. Fish swim through the H2O, not on the surface, why shouldn’t we? A good question.

Therefore, if the water is cold enough, bring me my Vortex LJ. If frigid cold like at Alcatraz, my Nineteen Tsunami will do the trick. Last week, I swam in Falls Lake at 74 degrees w/o a wetsuit, and it was a piece of cake. Hopefully, the cold water experience will enhance my tolerance and ability to swim well in cooler temps.

Ideally, I’ll just take the water and TI. Yet, the wetsuits stay in the closet.

2. Becoming a "finisher" is worth the sacrifice.

Everyone who competed at the Escape received an Alcatraz medal, proudly worn by the 1800 competitors after finishing. Engraved on the back of the medal is the word, "finisher." Awesome word.

I had heard how big an event the Escape was, but could not truly appreciate the gravity of the race til I was there. Triathletes were there from 30 different countries, and no telling how many states. I was fortunate to be invited to swim on a relay, which was sponsored by IMG, the company who owns the race. Many athletes had to wait several years for the privilege to participate, and many people traveled from one of 30 different countries. The financial sacrifice was not minimal.

While times are important for any athlete, whether a personal best or Hunter Kemper’s winning time of sub 2 hrs (sick!), finishing rules the day. For me, I was pleased w/ my time of 31:48, yet take more pride in knowing I achieved the goal. Being the first heart transplant recipient to successfully swim the Escape from Alcatraz really makes all the cost of preparing–open water training and races, anxiety & time away from home–worth it.

What are you planning to "finish" this season? No matter how small the goal, be an achiever and finish strong!

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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.  Works for now. 

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 effectively, and inconsistently 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.

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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!

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 Learn more at www.heart2swim.com

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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

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If you are unable to attend this clinic, but would be interested in future TI classes in the Charlotte area, please email me at bbarndt@gmail.com or call 919.757.1230

Happy laps! 

Brian

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