Dear Coach: Can you
let swimmers know that a limited range of Speedo prescription goggles are
available at Elgin Sports (Bank st just north of Laurier)? Ellen B
(Whitecaps "B")
Dear Ellen: Done!
Dear Coach: What is
going on with the pool temperature these days? It's been all over the
place since the pool reopened? Puzzled Swimmer
Dear P. Swimmer: Over the shutdown, some new
pool "plumbing" was installed. The Carleton steam room was having
problems regulating the temperature for the first two weeks, but now has it
under control!
Dear Coach: Swimming
sometimes makes my eczema flare up. What do you recommend? Itchy
Swimmer
Dear I. Swimmer: For any new rash, you should
consult a dermatologist to determine exactly what it is. If you have
eczema, your doctor will likely recommend cortisone cream. Recommendations
I was given to avoid eczema and/or reduce the incidence were to shower as soon
as possible after swimming in warm (but not too hot) water. Avoid putting
soap on the skin (as it dries it out), and pat dry with your towel, rather than
rubbing. As soon as your skin is dry apply moisturizer. If your
eczema is flaring up, apply cortisone cream in the affected areas before the
moisturizer. If anyone has any other suggestions, do let me
know.
Dear Coach: What
chemicals are used in the Carleton pool? Curious
Swimmer
Dear C. Swimmer: The Carleton pool chemicals
are: Chlorine gas, Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda), Calcium Hypochlorite,
Muriatic Acid, and Calcium Chloride. The pool readings are kept in the
following ranges:
pH 7.4 - 7.6
FC 1.5 - 3ppm (free chlorine)
TC
1.5 - 3ppm (total chlorine)
TA 80 - 110ppm (total alkalinity)
CH 200 -
250ppm (calcium hardness)
CC 0.4 (combined chlorine)
Dear Coach: I have
trouble getting water out of my ears after swimming. What do you
suggest? Plugged Ears
Dear P. Ears: I recommend a mixture of 90%
rubbing alcohol / 10% vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. More or less the same
content as the ear products you can buy at the pharmacy, but much cheaper!
Put a few drops in each ear after workout and let sit a few seconds. The
rubbing alcohol causes the water to evaporate and the vinegar / peroxide changes
the pH, so that bacteria won't grow (i.e. no infections!).
Dear Coach: Do you
know the course and speed of the participants in the 3k and 4k Meech Lake
Swims? Open Water Newbie
Dear O.W. Newbie: The July 3k is 4 loops from
Blanchet beach and around the small island. The August 4k is a point to
point from Blanchet to O'Brien beaches. There is a huge range of ability
and speed. Anyone who swims with Carleton Masters would do fine in these
races.
Dear Coach: Is a
wetsuit allowed in the 3k and 4k Meech Lake races? A
Triathlete
Dear A. Triathlete: To be considered an
"official" participant you may not wear a wetsuit, but you can compete as an
"exhibition" swimmer in a wetsuit. (Note that drafting is not
permitted.)
Dear Coach: What's the
best way to enter the water in the Early Bird Tri, when you are not allowed to
dive? Another Triathlete
Dear A. Triathlete: From a standing start you
jump in (feet first) leaning slightly forward and raising your arms so that as
you go down your feet end up on the wall about 3-4ft under water and you're
horizontal with your knees bent and arms forward. You then push off just
like you would from the wall on an in water start or a turn. (This should
only be done in deep water to avoid hitting your knees on the bottom!) If
the description doesn't make sense, ask me to show you sometime.
Private and Semi-Private
Masters Swim Lessons