To: Carleton Coaches
Bcc: Those Registered for Fall/Winter 2002/2003: 6:30am Earlybirds (26 addresses), 7:30am Earlybirds (39 addresses), 8:30am Earlybirds (26 addresses), 6pm Whitecaps (63 addresses), Nightcaps (29 addresses), Varsity registered with Masters (6 addresses), Masters "Alumni" (27 members)
Dear Coach: The note on doing breaststroke without arching the back prompts me to ask if there is any literature on minimizing harmful effects to one's back while swimming. One Vulnerable Back
Dear O. V. Back:
Generally swimming is good for those with bad backs. You should ensure
that you're keeping your abs tight in all strokes so as not to over arch your
back. However, I don't know of any definitive literature on the subject,
as there is a wide range of backs and back problems (we're all
different!). If a particular stroke or drill aggravates your back
(or any other body part!), ask your coach to ensure your technique is
appropriate. If the discomfort persists, seek professional medical advice,
and avoid the stroke(s) that cause the aggravation.
Here's a quote from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/backchat/prevention.shtml:
Gentle
exercise can build strong back and stomach muscles to support your spine and
maintain flexibility. Walking or cycling are easy to incorporate into your daily
lifestyle. Swimming is particularly good for backs, because it strengthens your
muscles while supporting your body with water - but some strokes may not suit
you, so try and get professional advice.
Dear Coach: Why is breaststroke before butterfly in a medley relay? Just Wondering
Dear J. Wondering: Just to review, for those who don't compete regularly, while IM (Individual Medley) is swum fly-back-breast-free, a MR (Medley Relay) is swum back-breast-fly-free. The backstroke goes first, as that's the only stroke where you must start in the water. If a medley relay was done in IM order, it would be both difficult for the backstroker to judge when to start and dangerous as he/she wouldn't be able to see the butterflyer. However, as to why it's breaststroke that's second and not butterfly, I don't know! Perhaps one of our the coaches knows the reason? Stay tuned!
Private and Semi-Private Masters Lessons
For those who want to take semi-private lessons (2-3 students), the cost per student for Carleton Members is $21 for 1 hour, $39 for 2, $54 for 3, $67.20 for 4, and $79.20 for 5 hours, all plus GST. Semi-private lessons for non-Members cost (per student) $30 for 1 hour, $51 for 2, $69 for 3, $85.20 for 4, and $97.20 for 5 hours, all plus GST.
Here are the private lesson times for May/June. All are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. If you are interested, send an e-mail with your preferred times and I'll do my best to accommodate. I'll finalize the schedule the week before the pool opens, so you won't hear back from me right away.
Contact Lynn to book your lessons.
RemindersInterested in Copies of the Workouts?: Are you interested in getting copies of the Earlybird Masters workouts ahead of time? Let me know. I usually e-mail out the week’s workouts (Wednesday through Monday) on Sunday.
Triathletes: Check out Rudy Hollywood’s (Earlybirds/Whitecaps) website: http://www.trirudy.com and subscribe to the daily tri-news e-mail.
Your input to this newsletter is most welcome, especially for the Swimmer Notes, Race Results and Ask the Coach sections! To be added or removed from the receiver list, just let me know (lynnmarshall@sympatico.ca).
See you at the pool!