Carleton Masters Swimming Newsletter #173                      Sunday, July 15^th, 2007

 

To:  Carleton Coaches (8 addresses)

 

Bcc: Those Registered for Fall 2006 / Winter/Spring/Summer 2007 and Alumni: 6:30am Earlybirds (26 addresses), 7:30am Earlybirds (47 addresses), 8:30am Earlybirds (28 addresses), 6pm Whitecaps "A" (46 addresses), 6pm Whitecaps "B" (40 addresses), Nightcaps (27 addresses), Masters "Alumni" (34 members).

 

 

"If you first you don't succeed, you're doing about average." – Leonard Louis Levinson

 

 

Summer Session Dates

The summer session started Tue Jul 3^rd / Wed Jul 4^th.  Don’t forget that there are no Saturday workouts in July and August.  Also, there will be no workouts on the August Civic Holiday, Mon Aug 6^th. 

 

 

Upcoming Open Water Swims (Masters Swimming Ontario Registration not required)

For those who enjoy open water swimming, there are quite a few races coming up that are open to all (MSO registration not needed).  Check out the list of competitions later in the newsletter. 

  

 

Swimmer Notes   

 

Book by Masters Swimmer:  Angie Abdou, a Masters swimmer in Fernie, BC, recently published a book, “The Bone Cage”.  The book is about two Olympians (a swimmer and a wrestler) aiming for gold as they near the ends of their careers.  You can read reviews at: http://www.newestpress.com/books/bonecageR.html, and a short summary and order at: http://www.newestpress.com/books/bonecage.html. 

 

The Four Strokes:  This piece is an objective(!) look at the four strokes as seen through the eyes of a breaststroker. The reviews of the strokes themselves are presented in no particular order.

   FREESTYLE: Oh yes, let us begin with the aquatic F-word, freestyle. Truly a dull and unimaginative stroke. Left arm, right arm, left kick, right kick. We detect a pattern here. What kind of person finds intellectual stimulation in this sort of repetition? Clomp, clomp, clomp. Freestyle is an elephant's stroke, all apologies to elephants. It is a stroke for people who stop at yellow lights and excel at algebra. Informal polling has led us to conclude that, to a person, freestylers prefer Windows to Macintosh, Kenny G to Miles Davis and day to night. Coaches wanting to see eyes literally bug out of sockets need only move a freestyler to the breaststroke lane. Yes, Virginia, there is more to life than catch-up drills and flutter kick.  Breaststroker's recommendation: Use this stroke for warm-ups only.

   BACKSTROKE: We have many questions to ask of the world's backstrokers. First, what is the matter with you? That's right, you heard us. What is your problem? Do you not realize that you are upside down? Does light not shine in your sinister eyes? Are you reptiles with a second pair of eyelids, opaque in nature, that protect you from the sun's rays? Speaking of eyes, what about the ones in the backs of your heads, allowing you to spot the wall? Is it true that you can see through Speedos? And what of your start...crouched in front of the blocks as if praying to your "god." Who sent you to Earth? What have you done with Elvis? And why, when you grab at our private parts in practice, do you pretend that it is an accident?  Breaststroker's recommendation: Skip this one altogether; it is wholly unnatural.

   BUTTERFLY: Good Lord. When will this most violent of strokes be committed to an insane asylum? With a recovery that emphasizes arms outstretched and hurling dangerously through the air, we wonder how many more breaststrokers have to be smacked across the face by an errant flier's paw before this experiment gone awry is canceled. Butterfly is a bad seed, borne out of breaststroke and mistakenly given its own place in the medley relay. The loud uncle of swimming, butterfly boorishly hogs the remote control, making all the other strokes watch football on Thanksgiving Day. We can not help but think that witnessing butterfly is like babysitting spoiled child who constantly screams, "look at me!" Enough, butterfliers, enough. It's time to grow up. You are making a scene. You are hereby grounded to your room, where you shall consume copious amounts of Ritalin and think about the turbulent waves your savage dolphin kicking has caused decent, hardworking breaststrokers.  Breaststroker's recommendation: Swim only if you want to scare little kids out of your lane.

   BREASTSTROKE: Breaststroke is all that is noble and good in this cruel world. Many deities, including God, Allah, and John F Kennedy Jr, enjoy the solitude of this most subtle of strokes. Unlike its Neanderthal brethren, breaststroke has refined tastes. It reads the New Yorker and paints abstracts with oil. It hates both Demi Moore movies and the first half and last fourth of the IM. Breaststroke, we suspect, enjoys a martini now and again. (Contrast this with the alcoholic butterfly, which pounds Budweisers from cans, shoplifted from a 7-11). It soothes the inner beast and acts as a gentle tonic on a troubled heart. In fact, whenever we use our upgrade coupons to fly first class, just thinking about breaststroke drowns out the moaning of the rabble back in coach. Breaststroke, you see, is in harmony with the universe; its pull and kick chase one another in playful symmetry. And if that weren't enough, breaststroke also boasts the crown jewel of competitive swimming, the pull-out. Comprised of a long sinewy pull followed by a spry frog kick, the pull-out is a holy moment of shrouded watery silence. Breaststrokers go to chapel during the pull-out (often giving thanks that they are not backstrokers), and break to the surface only when their brave lungs are nearly burst. We have yet to see the dolphin kick or streamline that invokes such spiritual repose. Breaststroke is Yin and Yang, Rum and Coke, and the Captain and Tennille. Man does not go to breaststroke, man waits for breaststroke to come to him. Amen, brothers and sisters.  Breaststroker's recommendation: Join us.

 

Nose Clips for Sale:  Cost $5.  Contact Lynn if you are interested.

 

 

Summer Session Information

Apologies to Nicole Le Saux (7:30am Earlybirds) for accidentally mixing up her last name with her daughters’ (Le Saux-Farmer) in the Spring Session Summary. 

 

Here's the attendance to date for the summer session.

 

6:30am Earlybirds (July 4-13^th; 5 workouts; range: 11-15; avg.: 13.0)

Perfect Attendance: Bruce S

 

7:30am Earlybirds (July 4-13^th; 5 workouts; range: 14-18; avg.: 15.6)

Perfect Attendance: Bruce H, Carmel, Chris H, Colette, Isla

 

Whitecaps (July 3-12^th; 5 workouts; range: 17-27; avg.: 20.6)

Perfect Attendance: Elaine Y, Francois P, George, Gi

 

Masters Swimming Competitions

You must register annually with Masters Swimming Ontario (MSO) if you want to compete in Masters Swimming competitions.  Please give Lynn $26 for your 2007 registration, good until Dec 31^st, 2007.  Contact Lynn for details.  Note that you must register with MSO at least 3 weeks before the due date of your entry for your first competition. 

 

Full details on all Ontario Masters 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 blue). 

    

Here’s a list of upcoming competitions (mostly) in Ontario and Quebec.  Note that meet entries and confirming meet information and entry dates are your responsibility.  More information and web links (if not listed below) should be available shortly, or look at the full schedules as per the above.

 

Sat Jul 21^st Technosport 3k in Meech Lake (MSO registration not required) http://www.technosport.ca

Sat Aug 11^th Technosport 4k in Meech Lake (MSO registration not required) http://www.technosport.ca

Sun Aug 12^th Brockville 750m, 1.5k, 3k swims (MSO registration not required for 750m only)

    http://www.mastersswimmingontario.ca/pdf/1000IslandsOWP27april.pdf

Sun Sept 9^th St Marys 5k Swim (MSO registration is required) http://www.soloswims.com/

Apr 15-25^th 2008 World Masters Aquatic Championships, Perth, Australia http://www.2008finamasters.org/

 

 

Race Results: (Please send in your results!!)

 

Saturday June 30^th Montreal Masters Festival (LCM = 50m pool)

George, Gi and Lynn were Carleton’s three swimmers at this event.  Full results are now available at: https://www.swimdirect.ca/publicresults/prMeetResultsDetail.aspx?season=2006&unit=FNQ&meetpk=5522&meettype=14.  We now have Gi’s placings and George’s exact 50bk time.  Also, I neglected to report last time that there were door prizes during the meal after the meet.  George won a T-shirt.  Lynn won a water bottle, and Gi won a bottle opener in the shape of a motorcycle helmet!

George Tombler (Whitecaps “B”; 80-84): 400fs (9:59.32; 1^st); 50bk (1:10.42; 1^st); 200fs (4:56.71; 1^st); 50br (1:11.37; 1^st)

Gi Wu (Whitecaps “A”; 18-24): 50fl (34.32; 1^st; PB); 100fs (1:09.63; 5^th); 50fs (29.93; 3^rd); 50br (40.30; 2^nd; PB)

Lynn Marshall (Coach; 45-49): 400fs (4:42.52; 1^st; Nat Rec); 100br (1:34.01; 1^st); 200bk (2:48.47; 1^st; Ont Rec); 100fl (1:13.96; 1^st); 50fs (29.95; 1^st)

 

Saturday June 30^th Technosport 2k, Meech Lake

Many thanks to Melanie Patina and Francois Parent for providing detailed results and a photo.  There were 9 Carleton swimmers participating.  You can view the (most of the) team photo at: http://carletonmasters.tripod.com/07sum/.  Conditions were cool and wavy and the course was actually longer than 2k.  Note that Melanie recommends you not watch “Open Water” the evening before a lake swim (from: http://www.cdnn.info/news/article/a040723.html: “In 1998, Tom and Eileen Lonergan disappeared off the Great Barrier Reef after a diving company accidentally left them behind in shark-infested waters. Their bodies were never found. David Fickling reports on the true story behind a disturbing new film...”).  Here’s how they did:

Steve Kennedy (Whitecaps “A”; 25-29): 2^nd overall and 1^st in age group in 29:44

Melanie Patina (Whitecaps “A”; 25-29): 3^rd overall, 1^st woman, 1^st in age group in 31:07

Jenna Roundell (Whitecaps “A”; 18-24): 10^th overall; 2^nd in age group in 36:33

Jessica Kamps (6:30am Earlybirds; 25-29) 11^th overall; 2^nd in age group in 36:43

Francois Parent (Whitecaps “A”; 40-44) 14^th overall; 1^st in age group in 38:02

Lisa Okun (Whitecaps “A”; 25-29) 15^th overall; 3^rd in age group in 38:32

Jill Patrick (7:30am Earlybirds; 30-34) 20^th overall; 2^nd in age group in 41:05

Jose Vivanco (Whitecaps “A”; 50-54) 22^nd overall; 1^st in age group in 43:08

Suzanne Lalonde (Whitecaps “B”; 25-29): 25^th overall; 5^th in age group in 51:13

 

Saturday, June 30^th Triathlon National Sprint Championships, Brampton (750m/20k/5k)

Congratulations to Jamie Stephenson (6:30am Earlybirds) finished “in the money” (top 5) with a 3^rd place finish (out of 11 elite men) in 1:02:30.  Full results at: http://www.chiptimeresults.com/results/2007/C3triEM.htm. 

 

Monday, July 2^nd Barry’s Bay Triathlon (750m/30k/8k; 97 participants)

A few Carleton swimmers participated.  Full results at: http://www.sportstats.ca.  Here’s how the Carleton swimmers did:

Jamie Stephenson (6:30am Earlybirds; 30-34): 1^st overall in 1:25:55

Bruce Haydon (7:30am Earlybirds; 40-44): 36^th overall and 9^th in age group in 1:47:44

Tamsin Douglas (7:30am Earlybirds; 40-44): 72^nd overall and 3^rd in age group in 2:06:26

 

Saturday, July 7^th St Lambert Triathlon (750m/20k/5k)

Jamie Stephenson (6:30am Earlybirds) again made the top 5 with a 4^th place finish (56:31) in this race that started with a pool swim.  There were 31 elite men.  Full results at: http://www.sportstats.ca. 

Saturday, July 7^th Mike Collingwood Meech Lake Triathlon (1200m/22k/7k; 175 individuals; 35 teams)

Quite a few Carleton swimmers participated – all women in the individual event unless I missed someone!?  Full results at: http://www.sportstats.ca.  Bruce Haydon (7:30am Earlybirds) was one of the key volunteers – thanks, Bruce!!  Here’s how they did:

Sheila Kealey (Whitecaps “A”; 40-44): 24^th overall; 2^nd woman; 1^st in age group in 1:32:23

Sara Domina (6:30am Earlybirds; 25-29): 26^th overall; 4^th woman; 2^nd in age group in 1:33:01

Natalie Aucoin (7:30am Earlybirds; 35-39): 91^st overall; 5^th in age group in 1:47:50

Jenna Roundell (Whitecaps “A”; 24&U): 111^th overall; 2^nd in age group in 1:52:07

Tamsin Douglas (7:30am Earlybirds; 40-44): 118^th overall; 7^th in age group in 1:53:34

Renee Robert (7:30am Earlybirds; 50-54): 136^th overall; 2^nd in age group in 1:58:37

Sandy Lawson (7:30am Earlybirds; 40-44): 138^th overall; 12^th in age group in 1:59:05

Also Ian Lorimer (6:30am Earlybirds) was the swimmer on the mixed team that placed 24^th overall in 1:48:18.

 

Saturday, July 14^th ITU Olympic Distance Triathlon Pan-American Cup, Geneva, NY

Out of 44 elite men, Jamie Stephenson (6:30am Earlybirds) placed 13^th in 1:54:28.  Well done, Jamie!!  The top 20 in ITU races earn points and this was a very deep field.  Full results at: http://www.triathlon.org/zpg/zevt-dtl-prtcpnts_v4.php?call=TVRFdw==&id=MTAwOQ==&keep=sh.  

 

 

Ask the Coach

 

Dear Coach:  I have a friend who is interested in Masters.  Can she try a workout free of charge?  Masters Recruiter

 

Dear M. Recruiter:  Certainly!  Just ask me for a free pass.

 

Dear Coach:  I’m going to be moving to Kingston for part of next year.  I’d like to swim there as well as with Carleton when I’m back in town.  Is this possible?  Commuting Swimmer

 

Dear C. Swimmer:  If you’ll be in Ottawa for only part of a Masters term, you can ask the Customer Service office to see if a pro-rated price is available.  As for teams in Kingston, there are three, check out: http://www.mastersswimmingontario.ca/clubs/eastern.htm. 

 

Dear Coach:  Why am I no longer allowed to wear a latex cap at workout?  6:30am Swimmer

 

Dear S. Swimmer:  One of the 6:30am swimmers, Sarah C, has a severe latex allergy.  Thus if the coach asks you to change your cap, goggles, paddles, etc., please cooperate!  Many thanks.

 

Dear Coach:  I know that many people have allergies to chemicals, including those used to add fragrances to many products.  Where can I buy safe environmentally friendly non-scented products?  Want-to-be Fragrance Free Swimmer

 

Dear W-t-b.F.F. Swimmer:  As Sean K (6:30am Earlybirds) has many chemical allergies, I figured he could answer this one, and he’s provided a very helpful and detailed answer – thanks, Sean!  Here it is:

   “Rainbow Foods on Richmond Road (just East of Pinecrest) has the broadest selection of home care products that I am aware of.  They also carry a great selection of safe personal care products including make-up and hair care products (hair colour, hairspray, etc.). 
   Most health food or natural food stores carry some non-toxic products; as does Arbour on Bank (between 3rd and 4th avenues).  You will find some products at stores like Wal-Mart, Shopper's Drug Mart and Loblaws – we use President's Choice Ultra Laundry Detergent (perfume-free, dye-free, phosphate-free).  However not all President's Choice products are safe.  Three product lines (among many others) to look for are Nature Clean, Seventh Generation and Simply Clean.
   There is no such thing as a safe fabric softener (e.g., Fleecy, Downie, Bounce) but there are green alternatives.  We use Dryer Balls in the dryer (speed drying, soften clothes and reduce static), and line dry when the weather cooperates. You can also buy Static Eliminator reusable dryer sheets; they are supposed to be good for 200-300 uses.
   Caveat: some products labelled "unscented" may actually have a chemical masking agent that can be worse than the synthetic fragrances themselves.  Generally, "fragrance-free" and "scent-free" are safe but there are no regulations or standard definitions for these terms.  I always read the list of ingredients.
   A pretty good reference for safe products is the Guide to Less Toxic Products, produced by the Nova Scotia Environmental Health Association.”

 

 

Private and Semi-Private Masters Swim Lessons

Summer Schedule:

July:

Wed 6-7pm (all booked)

August:

Mon/Tue/Thu 7:15-8:15pm

Wed 6-7pm & 7-8pm

 

2006-2007 Prices:
Private: $50 per hour, plus GST.
Semi-Private (2-3 swimmers; per swimmer): $32 per hour, plus GST.
Contact Lynn for bookings.

 

 

Reminders

 

Summer Session:

Full details on the Spring/Summer programs are posted on our web site: http://carletonmasters.tripod.com and are also available at: http://www.carleton.ca/athletics.  You can register by calling 613-520-4480 8:30am-4:30pm M-F or on-line (programs only) at:

https://secure.e-registernow.com/cgi-bin/mkpayment.cgi?state=920 (or follow the links from the Carleton Athletics web page listed above). 

   Here’s a summary of what is offered for Summer:

6:30am Earlybirds, 7:30am Earlybirds, 6pm Whitecaps, Child Supervision

Costs: Earlybirds: $70; Whitecaps: $72; Child Supervision: $62

   - a few points of note:

            1. no Saturday workouts in July/August

            2. Whitecaps workouts will be half-pool only in July/August (one coach)

            3. the Summer session will run until Sat Sept 8^th (September workouts TBC)

 

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: all year)

- Thursday Drinks (after Nightcaps workout: Sept-Apr)

- Saturday Brunch (after 9-10am workout: Sept-Jun)

Meet by the Control Desk after workout.

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

General Information: Program information, photos, old newsletters and the Carleton Masters records, among other things, 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!

Lynn

lynnmarshall@sympatico.ca (or for quicker response: lynnmar@sce.carleton.ca)

Club website: http://carletonmasters.tripod.com