Carleton Masters Swimming Newsletter #122                   Sunday, July 31st, 2005
 
To:  Carleton Coaches (10 addresses)

Bcc: Those Registered for Winter/Spring/Summer 2005 plus "Alumni": 6:30am Earlybirds (43 addresses), 7:30am Earlybirds (51 addresses), 8:30am Earlybirds (23 addresses), 6pm Whitecaps "A" (53 addresses),  6pm Whitecaps "B" (37 addresses), Nightcaps (29 addresses), Masters "Alumni" (36 members).

 
Summer Session Workout Reminders & Civic Holiday Cancellation
Don't forget that for July/August only the Saturday swims are 10am-11am.  Also, there are no 8:30-9:30am MWF workouts until the Fall session.  Finally, on Mon Aug 1st (Civic Holiday) there will be no Masters workouts, but the pool is open for a public swim from 11:45am-3:30pm.
 
 
Fall Session Details and Registration
Full details on the new Membership categories and Fall/Winter Masters Programs are now posted on the Masters (http://carletonmasters.tripod.com) and Carleton (http://www.carleton.ca/athletics) web pages. Registration for Fall starts on Tue Aug 2nd.  Note that some groups will likely fill up, so please register early to avoid disappointment!!  You can register on-line (follow the links from Carleton Athletics above), or by phone or in person at the Customer Service Office (1st floor, 520-4480) 8:30am-4:30pm M-F, excluding holidays.  
Note that the swim only and early bird memberships have been eliminated, but the morning membership has been extended to include weekends, so will work for those who swim only in the mornings (including Saturday).  Due to the membership changes, the Masters prices have decreased for this Fall/Winter.  Staff/students, see the note in the "Reminders" section below on the "bump up" fee required if you want to join the members only Masters programs.  Full details on membership can be found at: http://www.carleton.ca/athletics/membership.html
Here's a summary of the Masters programs for Fall (session runs Tue Sept 13th - Sat Dec 17th, except Mon Oct 10th [Thanksgiving]).  Prices listed are for members (no Gold member discount):
7:30am Earlybirds: 7:30-8:30am MWF + 8-9am OR 9-10am Sat ($120+GST)
8:30am Earlybirds: 8:30-9:30am MWF + 8-9am OR 9-10am Sat ($120+GST)
Whitecaps: 6:00-7:10pm MTuTh + 8-9am OR 9-10am Sat ($120+GST)
Nightcaps: 8:00-9:00pm TuTh + 8-9am OR 9-10am Sat ($86+GST)
Child Safety Supervision: 6:00-7:10pm MTuTh + 9-10am Sat ($87, no GST)
High Intensity I: 6:00-7:30am MWF ($180+GST: Note: price includes Jan/Feb)
High Intensity II: 7:30-9:30am TuTh ($180+GST: Note: price includes Jan/Feb)
High Intensity III: 7:15-9:00pm M; 6:00-7:40pm W; 5:00-7:00pm Sat ($180+GST: Note: price includes Jan/Feb)
(Note the High Intensity groups train with the Varsity team and the slowest lane does 100s free on 1:45 and 100s non-free on 2:00.)
 
 
Masters Swimming Feedback Questionnaire
Here is the final information summary from the recent e-survey.  As noted in the last newsletter, the summer session swimmers have the option of filling in a feedback request form where they can specify their priorities as to feedback and ensure their coach is aware of the areas they are focusing on.  If this works well, we will continue this in the Fall.  Thanks again to Jim Lee (7:30am Earlybirds) for his help with the survey!
Facilities Comments:
Both Change Rooms:
- water pressure in showers is too low (many complaints), and not always enough hot water
- benches are too narrow or too few
- floor is not kept very clean
- no additional space (and fewer lockers) despite larger facility and more users
- change rooms are now maze-like!
Women's Change Room:
- many said that in general, they like the new set up, but there are many complaints / comments
- change rooms are too hot (all year round)
- request for paper towels by sinks was acknowledged but not followed up on
- some do like the private cubicles
- shower curtains have mildew, would be better without them
- preferred the old shower set up (without cubicles) so we could chat - couldn't some have been left that way?
- lighting above toilets is too dim
- hooks by hair dryers for coats would be helpful
- lack of lockers around 6pm weekdays is a problem
- slippery floors are dangerous
- more garbage containers would be helpful
- put back the clock that was in the showers
- taps are still cold in the washrooms
- not enough overhead hair dryers
Men's Change Room:
- facility is cleaner and tidier
- some showers don't work
- taps don't stay on so shaving is difficult
- need a drinking fountain in the change room
- hair dryers and mirror are a nice addition
Pool Equipment:
- where is the shallow end pace clock that is supposedly being replaced
- the Masters pull buoys all fall apart
- the Masters storage box doesn't allow enough air movement and kick boards are getting mouldy
- lane ropes develop sharp edges which hurt when you hit them
- lane ropes don't seem to break quite so often, but still do occasionally
 
 
Competitions For All
While most Masters competitions are open only to those registered with Masters Swimming Ontario (MSO), there are some upcoming events open to everyone.  A 4k Meech Lake open water swim open to all swimmers and triathletes (but if you wear a wetsuit you are considered "exhibition"!) on August 20th, and a postal 1500m and 1 hour swim.  Details in the "Masters Swimming Competitions" section below.
 
 
Swimmer Notes  
 
Birth Announcement: Congratulations to Dawn (7:30am Earlybirds) and Rodney Walsh on the birth of baby Nicole at 3:36am Wed Jul 20th (Dawn swam until the day before she went into labour!).  Nicole weighed exactly 7lbs, and you can check out a photo of her and the whole family at: http://carletonmasters.tripod.com/julyphotos/.
 
Wedding Congratulations: Matt Takach (7:30am Earlybirds) and Kelly Zaharko got married on Wed Jul 20th in a small ceremony with their immediate families.
 
Swimming Underwater:  John B (6:30am Earlybirds) was curious about why it's faster pushing off underwater than on the surface so he did some research and found an article that others may be interested in: http://www.coachesinfo.com/article/157/.  Thanks, John!
 
Prescription Goggles:  Gi (Whitecaps "B") reports that he got some Speedo prescription goggles at Sports Experts (Bayshore) for $23.99 + tax.  They had -0.5 to -7.0 dioptres in stock.  Thanks for passing this along, Gi!
 
FINA World Championships: Several Masters swimmers attended some sessions of the Montreal World Championships in various disciplines.  Everyone I talked to (me included!) had a great time and saw some amazing swimming (and diving, and water polo, and synchro)!
 
Wet Suit for Sale:  Used Sleeveless recreational wetsuit for sale: Made by Bare. Small size. Approx. 125-140 lbs. $45.00. Call: 730-0422 (Renee, 8:30am Earlybirds).
 
Nose Clips for Sale:  Cost $5.  Contact Lynn if you are interested.
  
Carleton Swim Suits:  Carleton swim suits (in a range of sizes) will be available in the October time frame.
 
 
Summer Session Information
Here are the attendance statistics for the Summer session.  To date there are 8 swimmers with perfect attendance (many have been enjoying out of town vacations!).
 
6:30am Earlybirds (July 4-29th [12 workouts]; range: 9-20; avg: 13.7)
Perfect Attendance: Darcia, Glenn
Missed 1 Workout: Francois A, Sean K

7:30am Earlybirds (July 4-29th [12 workouts]; range: 14-21; avg: 16.3)
Perfect Attendance: Francois A
Missed 1 Workout: Tom S

Whitecaps "A" (July 4-28th [12 workouts]; range: 17-23; avg: 20.8)
Perfect Attendance: Cam, Don W, Joanie, Joanne D, Veronica
Missed 1 Workout: Isabelle, Lynn
 
Whitecaps "B" (July 4-28th [12 workouts]; range: 12-19; avg: 14.8)
Missed 1 Workout: Francois P, Gi, Kai, Marg E
 
 
Masters Swimming Competitions
You must register annually with Masters Swimming Ontario (MSO) if you want to compete in Masters Swimming competitions.  Contact Lynn for full details (cost is $26 for registration up to Dec 31/05).  
 
Here's a summary of upcoming local, nearby and championship meets.  Details on Ontario competitions can be found at: http://www.mastersswimmingontario.ca/competition/schedule01.htm.  For Quebec competitions see http://www.fnq.qc.ca/calendrier.html (Masters meets are shaded yellow). 
 
Sat Aug 20th Technosport 4k Swim (Meech Lake).  Note this is not a sanctioned event and is open to everyone (MSO registration not required).  Check in / Warm up: 7:30am at Blanchet Beach.  Start: 8am.  Cost $30.  You can pay on the day.  Register on-line at: http://ca.geocities.com/technosport@rogers.com/series/series.htm (also e-mail technosport@rogers.com due to occasional on-line registration glitches) by Wed Aug 10th.
 
Sun Sept 11th  Twentieth Annual Ontario Provincial Masters 5k Swim Championships, St Marys (near Stratford).  Details and entry form at: http://soloswims.com/st-marys.htm.  Entry deadline: Sun Aug 28th.
 
Mon Sept 12th  Deadline to enter postal (actually postal or e-mail) 1500m, 1 hour, and 1 hour relay (4-16 swimmers) swims in association with Latin Caribbean Championships (MSO Registration not required).  Details at: http://www.latycar.org/english/postal.htm.  Swims can be done any time in 2005, up to the deadline.  Note that entry is free, but swims must be done no more than 2 per lane, swimming straight (not in a circle), and split times are needed for each 100m, along with signatures of timer and starter/referee.
 
Oct 10 - 15th Latin Caribbean Championships (open to all North American Swimmers), Sao Paola, Brazil.  Full details at: http://www.latycar.org
 
Aug 4-11th, 2006  XI FINA World Masters Championships, Stanford, California, USA.  Details at: http://www.2006finamasters.org.
 
 
Race Results: (Please send in your results!!)
 
Sat May 7th: Technosport Sprint Meet (Long Course)
George (Whitecaps "B"), Francois A (6:30/7:30am Earlybirds), Margaret K (8:30am Earlybirds), Esther (8:30am Earlybirds), Lynn (Whitecaps "A"), and Danny (Whitecaps "A", swimming for Technosport) competed.  Results are finally available, at: http://ca.geocities.com/technosport@rogers.com/results/may7_05.htm.  Here's how we did:
Esther (8:30am Earlybirds, 25-29): 1st 50br, 50fl (PB), 200IM; 2nd 50fs
Lynn (Whitecaps "A", 40-44): 1st 50fs, 200bk, 200fl (Ont/Nat Rec)
Margaret K (8:30am Earlybirds, 70-74): 1st 50fs, 100fs, 50bk; 2nd 50br
Danny F (Whitecaps "A", 35-39): 1st 200bk, 100br, 100fl, 200fl (Ont/Nat Rec); 2nd 50fl
Francois A (Earlybirds, 45-49): 1st 100fs (PB), 100br
George (Whitecaps "B", 80-84): 1st 50bk, 100bk, 50br, 100br
 
Sat Jun 25th Kluane Chilkat International 245k Bike Race
Leslie H (6:30am Earlybirds) participated in this event.  It's a bike race from Haines Junction, Yukon to Haines, Alaska, that can be done solo, or in teams of 2, 4 or 8.  The website with all the details and results is at: http://www.kcibr.org/.  Leslie's team "Wheel Wonder Women", finished 10th (out of 14 women's teams of 8), but was disqualified due to parking a vehicle illegally in a transition area.  However, they all had a great time.
 
Sat Jul 16th: Technosport 3k Swim, Meech Lake (34 swimmers)
Of the 10 swimmers affiliated with Carleton, all placed in the top 3 in their age group.  We had the first 4 overall (top 2 women and top 2 men), plus first in 8 different age categories!  Congratulations all on your great efforts! 
Rob G (Veronica's husband) 1st overall, 1st in men's 25-29 in 39:38
Jess R (High Intensity) 2nd overall, 1st woman, 1st in women's 35-39 in 39:51
Francois A (Earlybirds) 3rd overall, 2nd man, 1st in men's 45-49 in 40:06
Veronica (Whitecaps "A") 4th overall, 2nd woman, 1st in women's 25-29 in 42:01
Constanza (Whitecaps "B") 14th overall, 3rd in women's 30-34 in 50:08
John B (6:30am Earlybirds) 15th overall, 1st in men's 30-34 in 50:35
Lisa O (Whitecaps "B") 17th overall, 1st in women's 20-24 in 52:27
Francois P (Whitecaps "B") 18th overall, 2nd in men's 35-39 in 53:21
Gi (Whitecaps "B") 24th overall, 1st in men's 20-24 in 59:38
Bozena (Whitecaps "B") 26th overall, 1st in women's 50-54 in 65:28
 
Sat Jul 16th: Alcatraz Sharkfest 1 mile swim, San Francisco, CA (663 wet suit competitors; 124 without wet suits; 8 with assist boats)
Mike Stashin (6:30am Earlybirds and his wife, Karen, participated in the wet suit category of this event.  Thanks to Mike for bringing me back a Sharkfest bathing cap and congratulations to Karen and Mike on their swims:
Mike: 342nd man and 62nd in men's 40-44 in 54:42.4
Karen: 138th woman and 18th in women's 40-44 in 56:24.2
Here is Mike's race report (from TriRudy):
   This year my wife Karen and I decided to include the Alcatraz Sharkfest swim on July 16 as part of our IM training. The course is a 1 mile swim (as the crow flies) from the east side of Alcatraz Island, through the San Francisco Aquatic Park up onto a beach. The Aquatic Park is a .5 km circular cove enclosed by two piers. The entrance to the park is through a gap between the two piers. The tides prevent you from swimming in a straight line from Alcatraz Island to the opening of the Aquatic Park. You have to swim in an arc and aim approximately 200 meters to the east side of the opening and let the tides carry you to the opening to result in a 1.5 mile swim. If not, you are carried westward of the opening and then have to swim directly against the tides.
   There are sharks in the San Francisco bay, but they are small bottom feeders and are not interested in humans. The bigger sharks are west of the San Francisco bay near the Golden Gate Bridge where the water is colder, deeper and less polluted.
   Surprisingly the air temperature in San Francisco was only 20 Deg C. This was a nice change after baking in 30+ Deg C on most of our events earlier this summer. The water temperature was fairly cold at 16 Deg C. I wore a wetsuit, double swim cap, and (except for a numb left hand) got used to the temperature about halfway through the swim. Believe it or not there was a non-wetsuit category.
   The event started with a pre-race meeting where it was announced that since July 16 is an even day of the month, all swimmers must start with the left arm and swim left-right for the whole event instead of right-left (:->).
   The event proceeded with a .5 km parade (i.e., walk) of all (approx. 1000) swimmers from the Aquatic Park to the Ferry Terminal. Two Ferries were used to transport the swimmers to the east side of Alcatraz Island. Everyone jumped from the sides of the ferries into the water for a mass swim start. Despite rumors of a 30 foot jump it is only 6 feet. The course was not marked except for a lead boat with a buoy on top. The swimmers in the front could follow the boat for a perfect tidal path into the Aquatic Park. For the rest of us we had to estimate the best path.
   After a slow start my wife and I eventually got into a good groove. We stuck together across the Bay as we navigated to the east side of the Aquatic Park opening. However, we underestimated the strength of the tides, and in what seemed like no time at all, we were dragged to the west side of the Aquatic Park opening.
   We started the tough swim back to the opening directly against the tide. I knew I was in trouble when I looked up at the pier to see someone above cheering me on, then about 30 seconds later I looked up again to see the same person in the same spot still cheering me on. I felt like I was swimming on a treadmill. At this point my wife and I lost each other; I knew her life insurance payments were up to date so I thought every man/woman for him/herself (:->).
   I never swam so hard in an event as I did to overcome the tides. I was so burnt after entering the Aquatic Park opening I had to recover my strength by breast stroking into the first part of the Aquatic Park.
   I met up with my wife again at the finish line where we were offered bagels, licorice, peanut brittle, and award winning clam chowder. 
   We both had a memorable time and our congratulations to Enviro Sports for putting on such a well organized and fun event.
 
Sun Jul 17th: Graham Beasley Triathlon, Carleton Place
Results are posted at: http://www.sportstats.ca.  Congratulations to the Carleton swimmers who participated!
Olympic Distance (1.5k/40k/10k; 86 individual competitors and 5 teams):
James Y (6:30am Earlybirds): 6th overall, 6th man and 2nd in men's 40-44 in 2:21:36
Susanne R (6:30am Earlybirds): 7th overall, 1st woman and 1st in women's 25-29 in 2:14:20
Sheila K (Whitecaps "A"): 11th overall, 2nd woman and 1st in women's 40-44 in 2:17:40
Susan N-Y (8:30am Earlybirds): 91st overall, 29th woman and 5th in women's 40-44 in 2:53:54
Team Pecagu (Pete L [Whitecaps "A"], Carol S, Gunther K): 1st overall in 2:33:45
Sprint Distance (500m/20k/5k; 211 competitors):
Andy J (6:30am Earlybirds): 3rd overall, 3rd man and 1st in Clydesdales in 1:04:26
Chris C (Varsity): 7th overall, 6th man and 1st in men's 20-24 in 1:08:17
John B (6:30am Earlybirds): 10th overall, 9th man and 3rd in men's 30-34 in 1:09:35
Tracey B-B (6:30am Earlybirds): 90th overall, 36th woman and 5th in women's 30-34 in 1:22:43
Louise R (6:30am Earlybirds): 207th overall, 107th woman and 1st in women's 55-59 in 1:56:48
 
Sun Jul 17th: St Lambert Tri, QC (750m/20k/5k; 378 competitors)
Results are posted at: http://www.sportstats.ca.  Congrats to Jamie on another great race!
Jamie S (High Intensity): 2nd overall and 2nd elite male in 55:49
 
Sun Jul 24th Memphremagog Team Olympic Tri, QC
Results are posted at: http://www.sportstats.ca.  Congratulations to Meghann S (7:30am Earlybirds and her team):  Their team finished 17th in 2:58:17 (Meghann did the swim).
 
Sat Jul 30th National Capital Triathlon, Ottawa
Results are posted at: http://www.sportstats.ca.  Congratulations to the Carleton swimmers who participated!
Olympic Distance (1.5k/36k/10k; 86 competitors):
Chad C (7:30am Earlybirds): 11th overall, 11th man and 3rd in men's 35-39 in 2:19:58
Pat B (Whitecaps "A"): 14th overall, 14th man and 3rd in men's 40-44 in 2:21:49
Glenn C (6:30am Earlybirds): 60th overall, 48th man and 3rd in men's 45-49 in 2:44:32
Darcia (6:30am Earlybirds): 71st overall, 18th woman and 1st in women's 53-39 in 2:55:38
Sprint Distance (500m/24k/5k; 169 competitors):
Sheila K (Whitecaps "A"): 2nd overall, 1st woman and 1st in women's 40-44 in 1:11:24
Lily (Whitecaps "A"): 45th overall, 11th woman and 4th in women's 30-34 in 1:24:03
 
 
Ask the Coach
 
Dear Coach:  I can't do fly properly.  Is it ok to do freestyle instead during IM sets?  Curious Swimmer
 
Dear C. Swimmer:  Well, that depends!  For a beginner swimmer who hasn't yet learned butterfly, doing freestyle instead is ok, as there is already a steep learning curve.  However, for more experienced swimmers who cannot do butterfly due to back problems, injury, etc., it is more fair to your lane-mates to do something slower or similar in speed to fly, i.e. you shouldn't get a benefit from being unable to do a stroke in IM, it is more fair to fall behind!  Thus better options for freestyle for fly are 1-arm fly, breast or back.  The same principle applies if there is another stroke you can't do.
 
Dear Coach:  I'm a little faster than my lane-mates on IM days.  Can I move up a lane just on those days?  Fast IMer
 
Dear F. IMer:  Every swimmer is welcome to join the lane that suits him/her best given the "theme of the day".  The option to move around is always available, space permitting.
 
Dear Coach:  I saw you do a flip turn from back to free the other day.  Is that allowed?  Another Curious Swimmer
 
Dear A.C. Swimmer:  When turning from back to back, a flip turn is allowed.  When turning from back to breast in IM, a flip is not allowed (i.e. you must touch the wall on your back, as it is considered a backstroke finish).  As there is no recognized swimming race that involves going from back to free, there isn't a FINA rule on this, but if there was, it would likely require touching the wall on your back, and thus you could say that I was cheating!
 
Dear Coach:  Why don't you like me to use a board on backstroke kick?  A Kicker
 
Dear A. Kicker:  Backstroke kick should be done in a streamlined position, either with your arms above your head -- hands together with elbows locked straight, or with your hands at your sides.  Most swimmers cannot hold a kick board and maintain a streamlined position.  The only way to do that is with the kickboard completely out of the water.  As for a demo if this isn't clear...
 
Dear Coach:  I like to take off my goggles when I swim easy backstroke, but you said that's a bad idea.  Why?  A Backstroker
 
Dear A. Backstroker:  The only way to keep your hips near the surface on backstroke, it by sinking your head into the water deeply enough for there to be water splashing into your face.  Most swimmers who do backstroke without goggles try to keep their faces dry, which means that their hips are somewhere near the bottom of the pool ;-) !
 
 
Private and Semi-Private Masters Swim Lessons
The following day/time is available for an August swim lesson:
Wed Aug 10th 6-7pm
 
Fall availability and prices will be announced soon.
 
Prices for private lessons for Carleton Members are $36.75 for 1 hour, $68.25 for 2, $94.50 for 3, $117.60 for 4 and $138.60 for 5 hours, all plus GST.  Private lessons are also available to non-Members at a higher cost ($52.50, $89.25, $120.75, $149.10 and $170.10, all plus GST, for 1-5 hours, respectively).

For those who want to take semi-private lessons (2-3 students), the cost per student for Carleton Members is $22.05 for 1 hour, $40.95 for 2, $56.70 for 3, $70.56 for 4, and $83.16 for 5 hours, all plus GST.  Semi-private lessons for non-Members cost (per person) $31.50 for 1 hour, $53.55 for 2, $72.45 for 3, $89.46 for 4, and $102.06 for 5 hours, all plus GST. 

Contact Lynn for availability and bookings.

 
Reminders
 
Spring/Summer Sessions
The Summer Masters sessions started on Mon Jul 4th.  Details and prices are on the Masters web site: http://carletonmasters.tripod.com, and on the Carleton Athletics web site: http://www.carleton.ca/athleticsNote that we have separated registration for May/June and July/August this year so that you can more easily join Masters for just May/June, just July/August, or switch groups between May-June and July-August.  Please note the new Saturday morning time for July/August is 10-11am only.  You can register on-line for the programs (http://www.carleton.ca/athletics), but memberships must be purchased through the Athletics office, now on the main floor (520-4480 8:30am-4:30pm M-F), next to the new Control Centre. 
 
Faculty/Staff/Students Please Note September Membership Change
As announced in the July 11th "Today @ Carleton" (see: http://www.carleton.ca/newsnet/), faculty, staff and students will not be considered Full Athletics Members starting in September, 2005.  While faculty, staff and students will continue to be admitted free of charge to public swims and the weight room upon showing their staff/student card, they must pay full price (the non-member rate) for all programs unless they pay a "bump up" fee of $50/term for a "Gold Membership" which will give a 25% discount on most programs, and access to members only programs.  As the Masters programs are members only programs, any faculty, staff or students who wish to swim with Masters must pay this "bump up" fee of $50/term.  The Gold Membership will also give access to the cardio room.  Faculty, staff and students who do not want to purchase a Gold Membership can get a cardio room pass for $25/term. 
 
Newsletter: An e-newsletter (like this one) is sent out about every two weeks.  If you have new lane-mates, please mention to them that they should give their e-mail address to their coach if they'd like to receive it.
 
Suggestions for Workouts or Interested in Making up a Workout or a Set?: If you have suggestions for the workouts (something you like that we never do, or something you dislike that we do too much!), or if you'd like to try making up a workout or a set in a workout, just talk to your coach. 

Interested in Copies of the Workouts?: Are you interested in getting copies of Lynn's workouts ahead of time?  Let me know.  I usually e-mail out two week’s worth of workouts on alternate Sundays.  (Note that these are only the workouts that Lynn coaches.  If Lynn is not your coach, the workouts will be different from the workouts your coach gives you!)

Weekly Social Events: All swimmers are invited to join us for:
Thursday Dinner (after Whitecaps workout): Meet by the Tuck Shop around 7:45pm
Saturday Brunch (after 10-11am workout): Meet by the Tuck Shop around 11:30am

Triathletes: Check out Rudy Hollywood’s website: http://www.trirudy.com and subscribe to the daily tri-news e-mail.

General Information: Program information, old newsletters and the Carleton Masters records can be viewed at: http://carletonmasters.tripod.com.

Your input to this newsletter is most welcome, especially for the Swimmer Notes, Race Results and Ask the Coach sections!  To be added to or removed from the receiver list, just let me know (lynnmarshall@sympatico.ca).

Happy lengths!