Comments on: Zero Cancer Swimming: When the Flesh is Frail; the Mind can be Strong

By: Dave Davenport

Dave Davenport — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:35:00 +0000

Mortal embodiment!
In my 60+ group of friends we call it ‘Old Men’s Niggles’. Of course these niggles vary in impact on daily life from strains and bone fractures to more concerning conditions such ascancers and neurological conditions.
We all have them from time to time and it’s how we cope mentally that is so important, and once again you lead from the front.
Aging has never made you give up your sport, you just refocused on the perfect stroke and off you go again.
Cancer, similarly, has not made you give up your sport, you just refocused on the perfect stroke and off you go again.
Niggle after niggle I too have tried to follow your example. Bad backs, broken toes, aging, long term shoulder pains and others have challenged me over the last 20 years. Each time I’ve thought of TI advice and enthusiasm, got back in the water, adjusted my swim speed to match my niggle and focussed on the perfect stroke.
Crazily, my niggle swimming has always made me come back stronger! It’s slowing everything down in my stroking that has allowed more time to focus and perfect each part of my stroke before gradually building up my speed as either my niggle fades.
I’ve just swum my fastest 1500, 800 and 400m for 9 years in the U.K. Nationals (1 gold & 2 silvers) after many niggles!!
Thank you Terry. AND keep up the good work.

By: Scott Lemley

Scott Lemley — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 12:26:00 +0000

I heard that broadcast, Terry, and was so happy you disagreed with the interviewer! It’s too easy to buy into the stereotype of labeling “athletic movements” by women (or girls for that matter) executed at the highest levels as she “swims like a man”. I coach athletic college women. I’ve also coached athletic college men. I appreciate athleticism. I suggest reframing the experience of watching these high level performances this way: Katie Ledecky swims like Katie Ledecky just as Michael Phelps swims like Michael Phelps. The coaches working with each of these great “athletes” would never confuse the two. Nor do I confuse coaching my :54 female 100 backstroker with my :54 male backstroker.

By: KearneyHimself

KearneyHimself — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 13:08:00 +0000

I make that to be a “Metric Mile” in an Imperial pool, with a few extra strokes to finish the last length. An unusual choice of distance nowadays, so I guess there is a historical explanation?
Lots of us would would be overjoyed to get anywhere near your speed over that distance, but everything is relative and even small personal improvements can be a cause for rejoicing. But swimming is a pleasure in its own right and we can all enjoy the sense of harmony that it brings.
What an wonderful photo! Ledecky makes a perfect streamlined shape in the water, but I was surprised to see that she has quite small hands, not the “shovels” that we normally see in top competitive swimmers. That goes to prove the point that perfect technique is more important than having exactly right physical attributes.

By: John Razi

John Razi — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 23:48:00 +0000

Beautiful courage !!!! Also…honor…your-redefining of ‘workout’ (in a previous piece)…to “your ‘practice’ “. Way to “BE”..so..incredibly ! – jmr

By: Andy77

Andy77 — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 11:47:00 +0000

Hi Terry,
I used to be a mid distance triathlete who landed at mid age (late forties) on tri land and had a glorious stretch in my early fifties.
Now my circumstances of life have changed and my right knee wants none of IT (2 daily training sessions, endless kms biking And running) no more.
It has been beautiful And I consider myself privileged for those 7 beautiful years surrounded by my tri buddies. It was old school sportmanship at its best !
The good days, the many in-between days, the inevitable bad ones : it’s all one sweet memory now.
From my inner sportsman soul: keep doing what you are doing ! One stroke at the time. You are my hero !
A BIG brotherly hug,

Andrea Tufarelli

By: Jean

Jean — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 23:40:00 +0000

Thanks for your insight and inspiration Terry. I have been following TI for several years. I just got back in the pool after 9 months due to Leukemia/Stem cell transplant. Every swim session is a gift. Your openness and resilience has inspired me to continue my efforts despite setbacks. You are in my prayers for continued healing, wellness, and the gift of swimming.

By: Augusto

Augusto — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 22:52:00 +0000

Dear Terry: Your writings and teaching TI have been for
some time an inspiration for me to find the joy of swimming without the struggle. Over time reading about your swimming accomplishments in middle age have inspired me to enjoy my physical abilities within my limitations and enjoy swimming even more than before. This year, as I turned 64, started working with a TI certified coach (Whitney in Minneapolis) and rediscovered the power and joy of swimming. But this time sharing your experiences as you
fight serious illness you are taking TI and your message to a higher level. Facing the adversity of serious illness in my immediate family feels like entering a dark tunnel with uncertainty and fear. You entered your tunnel and found the light. Your latest writings are spreading that light into my tunnel. What started as a swimming program is far more reaching now. Thank you! Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in and out of the pool! (Augusto in Minneapolis).

By: Letty Andrews

Letty Andrews — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 19:04:00 +0000

Terry thank you for your inspirational words of wisdom. You are an incredible person! Keeping you in my prayers for the journey you are currently on and sending healing thoughts and wishes.

By: James Ewart

James Ewart — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 17:17:00 +0000

Terry you are awesome. 23.10 is my new target!