Although he doesn't even know this blog exists, I'd like to wish Sebastian good luck at his high school regionals.
Sebastian can sometimes be found at Saturday lane swim. In fact, he may be there regularly, but I am there rarely. His background is waterpolo, he's a strong swimmer, but the finer points of turns and starts are new to him. And he's a very quick study — he would be a dream to coach! Last time we worked on freestyle streamline. He told me he felt it paid off — he was very pleased with his :26.4 50 free, and I'm sure you'll agree rightfully so!!!
Yesterday I was doing my standard watching other people underwater while swimming routine, and saw his breaststroke turns. When I got an opportunity I explained that the recovery from the pull-out is done by sneaking the hands up beneath the body rather than beside beside, and did two demo turns for him. He was thrilled that suddenly he was coming up in motion and ready to swim rather than at a virtual standstill. And so much farther off the wall! I was equally pleased that he could make such an improvement on his first go at it.
I usually keep my helpful comments to myself at lane swims, but I am very glad that in this case I didn't — and I am quite sure he is, too. Go Sebastian!!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Miscellany ...
The more mundane aspects of daily life have been taking a back seat while I try to find that even keel again ... but this week I did manage to pick up doubles of unscented Aveda shampoo and conditioner (because it is being discontinued — aarrrggghhh!!!), send a shoe to be lifted, find a good home for some blazers that no longer fit (in the arms & back), get some read magazines to a clinic that needs some, have a visit with the optometrist and order distance contacts (now if the weather would only cooperate and warm up the local lakes!), catch up with Ann and spend some alone time with Esther and Edgar (followed by a tea party). Otherwise things have been pretty quiet. That has met with The Boarder's approval, at least!
I've done some armchair camera shopping, but it's not easy when you want it all. At least all you can get for not much money. If this camera were a bit less bulky (for dropping into purses) it would be ideal, I expect. This one's a bit smaller (and of course, a bit pricier). There are definitely cheaper waterproof cameras out there, but how deep is deep enough? I'm not sure 10 feet is the answer!
I've done some armchair camera shopping, but it's not easy when you want it all. At least all you can get for not much money. If this camera were a bit less bulky (for dropping into purses) it would be ideal, I expect. This one's a bit smaller (and of course, a bit pricier). There are definitely cheaper waterproof cameras out there, but how deep is deep enough? I'm not sure 10 feet is the answer!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Post-Season Navel Gazing (Part 1)
Event: 100 fly (short course metres)
Seasonal summary in a word: Enigmatic! Definitely enigmatic.
General assessment: Clearly right now the terror of disqualifying a relay team with a bad takeover is key to swimming better. Despite using the same key words, game plan, and going out at similar paces, the tying up happens much more in individual events.
The case: At Provincials in the individual event I went :38.62, 1:30.71, and felt awful the last 15 metres. In the relay (with a flying start) :39.44, 1:26.22, and I felt oh, so much smoother! You might think the key is going out slower, but I don't think that's the ticket. At Nationals individually I was :39.11, 1:26.45 — again the last 15 metres were no fun at all (although that second 50 was faster than my solo event at Provincials it felt almost exactly the same), 1:24.65 in the relay, but I was out in :37.76. And again, the relay felt smooth right to the last couple of strokes. Of course, understand that there is a difference between smooth and easy!
So where's the rub? I may be putting too much emphasis on kick to help power through when I feel like I'm struggling, instead of pushing my chest down or focussing on that end wall. And it could be a mental game. Or a combination of the two. As Nationals next year is long course, if I choose to swim the hundred, I will have a whole new level of terror to push me along ...
In the future: Shortly after I finished the individual hundred at Nationals, I said to a teammate (who swims a 1:14), "I've got a 1:20 in me — in time." When I got to the team bench, Duane, after indicating he was pleased with the effort, said, "You've got a 1:20 in you!" So at least independently we've come to the same conclusion!
Fly is also where, as a 50+ swimmer, I can make the best contribution to the club. There are not that many swimmers clamouring to do fly on relays, and while we have a number of other female swimmers 50-54 who can and will score high points in breaststroke and distance freestyle events next year, we're fairly thin in butterfly.
The upshot: With five 100 short course flys under my belt now, I at least have confidence I can finish the thing — and I can say I'm genuinely pleased with my progress to date. And possibly the nicest comment I got at Nationals was from a teammate who asked (after watching the 4 x 100 medley relay) if I would teach she and her husband how to swim fly, because they watched me and they thought it was "beautiful".
Seasonal summary in a word: Enigmatic! Definitely enigmatic.
General assessment: Clearly right now the terror of disqualifying a relay team with a bad takeover is key to swimming better. Despite using the same key words, game plan, and going out at similar paces, the tying up happens much more in individual events.
The case: At Provincials in the individual event I went :38.62, 1:30.71, and felt awful the last 15 metres. In the relay (with a flying start) :39.44, 1:26.22, and I felt oh, so much smoother! You might think the key is going out slower, but I don't think that's the ticket. At Nationals individually I was :39.11, 1:26.45 — again the last 15 metres were no fun at all (although that second 50 was faster than my solo event at Provincials it felt almost exactly the same), 1:24.65 in the relay, but I was out in :37.76. And again, the relay felt smooth right to the last couple of strokes. Of course, understand that there is a difference between smooth and easy!
So where's the rub? I may be putting too much emphasis on kick to help power through when I feel like I'm struggling, instead of pushing my chest down or focussing on that end wall. And it could be a mental game. Or a combination of the two. As Nationals next year is long course, if I choose to swim the hundred, I will have a whole new level of terror to push me along ...
In the future: Shortly after I finished the individual hundred at Nationals, I said to a teammate (who swims a 1:14), "I've got a 1:20 in me — in time." When I got to the team bench, Duane, after indicating he was pleased with the effort, said, "You've got a 1:20 in you!" So at least independently we've come to the same conclusion!
Fly is also where, as a 50+ swimmer, I can make the best contribution to the club. There are not that many swimmers clamouring to do fly on relays, and while we have a number of other female swimmers 50-54 who can and will score high points in breaststroke and distance freestyle events next year, we're fairly thin in butterfly.
The upshot: With five 100 short course flys under my belt now, I at least have confidence I can finish the thing — and I can say I'm genuinely pleased with my progress to date. And possibly the nicest comment I got at Nationals was from a teammate who asked (after watching the 4 x 100 medley relay) if I would teach she and her husband how to swim fly, because they watched me and they thought it was "beautiful".
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Times Have Changed!
An 1826 German swimming primer!! Jenny initially tipped me off to that blog, and I have been a committed reader ever since.
Over the course of the past pool season, here's what changed for me with respect to official short course metre times:
♦ my 100 free went from 1:17.63 to 1:16.31
♦ my 50 breast from :43.88 to :42.83
♦ my 100 breast remained essentially unchanged (.04 slower this year)
♦ my 50 fly went from :38.12 to :36.56
♦ I finished my first 100 fly as an adult at 1:31.83 in late January, took a second off in mid-March (1:30.71), and finally went 1:26.45 at Nationals
♦ I swam my first competitive 800 free and now have a benchmark at 12:40.75
What didn't change, perhaps not surprisingly, was my 50 free, as I had such a great swim at Nationals in Quebec City. I was consistently a second slower than :33.6 all year, with the exception of one relay at Provincials.
Over the course of the past pool season, here's what changed for me with respect to official short course metre times:
♦ my 100 free went from 1:17.63 to 1:16.31
♦ my 50 breast from :43.88 to :42.83
♦ my 100 breast remained essentially unchanged (.04 slower this year)
♦ my 50 fly went from :38.12 to :36.56
♦ I finished my first 100 fly as an adult at 1:31.83 in late January, took a second off in mid-March (1:30.71), and finally went 1:26.45 at Nationals
♦ I swam my first competitive 800 free and now have a benchmark at 12:40.75
What didn't change, perhaps not surprisingly, was my 50 free, as I had such a great swim at Nationals in Quebec City. I was consistently a second slower than :33.6 all year, with the exception of one relay at Provincials.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday Tidbits!
ME swimmer asked yesterday what's up for the summer. Pond training starts June 6 (Thursday evening and Saturday morning practices move to Meech Lake), and we have a 2K in late June, a 3K in July, and a 4K in August. So that ought to keep me out of trouble for a bit!
Race Weekend 2009 is over, but we got a bonus weekday Sutcliffe out of it! It's hard to believe it was so warm, because it isn't all cut-offs and flip flops out right now! Not that I have actually worn cut-offs for many, many years, but you get the idea.
I forgot to mention that along with the swim cap, I got a nice lapel pin for the 250,000 metre mark — the Canadian Masters Swimming Logo (as on the cap and medals) with a bar showing 250,000m below it.
Race Weekend 2009 is over, but we got a bonus weekday Sutcliffe out of it! It's hard to believe it was so warm, because it isn't all cut-offs and flip flops out right now! Not that I have actually worn cut-offs for many, many years, but you get the idea.
I forgot to mention that along with the swim cap, I got a nice lapel pin for the 250,000 metre mark — the Canadian Masters Swimming Logo (as on the cap and medals) with a bar showing 250,000m below it.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Swim Bits ...
Among the treasures I brought home from Nationals was this:
At this point, since the beginning of September, I am substantially over 300,000 — so the metres are definitely adding up!
Here's a look at the hardware (which truly is prettier in person):
In the coming days I'll do a little seasonal recap, as our pool season is now over. Soon enough (June 6 to be precise) we'll be out at the "pond" training twice weekly. Pool sessions will take on a distinctive distance flavour from here on in! Friday I'll go for my follow-up with the eye fellow so that those distance contacts can be pressed into service! Should you feel like a little swim in the sea yourself, this might be an option!
And, for those on their edge of their seats as to Swimming Canada's official swimsuit policy, you can click here.
At this point, since the beginning of September, I am substantially over 300,000 — so the metres are definitely adding up!
Here's a look at the hardware (which truly is prettier in person):
In the coming days I'll do a little seasonal recap, as our pool season is now over. Soon enough (June 6 to be precise) we'll be out at the "pond" training twice weekly. Pool sessions will take on a distinctive distance flavour from here on in! Friday I'll go for my follow-up with the eye fellow so that those distance contacts can be pressed into service! Should you feel like a little swim in the sea yourself, this might be an option!
And, for those on their edge of their seats as to Swimming Canada's official swimsuit policy, you can click here.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday Snippets
Also in bloom out front right now are various Allium species. As usual, a click will get you closer. And yesterday, to The Boarder's delight, the first catnip was harvested!
It's a beautiful morning for the half and the marathon. For your reading pleasure, here's Mr. Sutcliffe's Race Weekend column — and a report on the 10K.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Fail!
As Cliff mentioned on his blog yesterday, we had a nice chat over coffee last Sunday evening. And I had every intention of providing you with evidence of that. However, the dear little Canon S400 failed. In a fatal kind of a way. Sigh. So at the moment I don't have a little point and shoot to drop in my purse. But I do still have the heftier piece of equipment!
Here at 123 the Camassia is finishing its bloom period, extended some by the cooler weather we've (mostly) been having. Click to get a little closer.
Here at 123 the Camassia is finishing its bloom period, extended some by the cooler weather we've (mostly) been having. Click to get a little closer.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Just A Little Linkage ...
It's spring, so the weather can change on a dime. From dresses and shorts yesterday to long pants and rain gear today. But the forecast still looks good for those running this weekend!
Here's a nice article about elite runners making school visits. However, the precipitation today will make pulling weeds easier tomorrow. Especially if KD fixes me this afternoon!
Just as the water started falling from the sky, I darted out (okay ambled out) and took a picture or two. Well, two actually, but I had focus issues. I'll try again later. So in lieu of a garden photo, I bring you a wee bit of eye candy available at Nordie's and Dooney & Bourke (both will ship to Canada). I am also a fan of the aqua! For a better look, click the Nordstrom's link.
Here's a nice article about elite runners making school visits. However, the precipitation today will make pulling weeds easier tomorrow. Especially if KD fixes me this afternoon!
Just as the water started falling from the sky, I darted out (okay ambled out) and took a picture or two. Well, two actually, but I had focus issues. I'll try again later. So in lieu of a garden photo, I bring you a wee bit of eye candy available at Nordie's and Dooney & Bourke (both will ship to Canada). I am also a fan of the aqua! For a better look, click the Nordstrom's link.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Bits & Bobs!
Race Weekend is looming and the forecast is glorious! There have been a series of articles in the local paper, but as you know, here at OTDE we're a bit behind the eight ball. On the up side, here is today's.
Here, for your appreciation, is a modern interpretation of classic luggage. I am generally not hugely enamoured of the brand, but in this case I'm willing to make an exception!
The Boarder continues to supervise me very closely. Last night from the middle of the bed! Technically, I should take up more room than he does ... but he's testing the theory.
Must weed the garden. However, am not yet ready to do much bending. Maybe tomorrow?
Had a wee swim last night. I may have another this afternoon, but I give you my personal guarantee — there is no question this is a recovery week! Usually I swim the practices I deliver, but I'm not so sure that's going to happen today.
My brain remains on haiatus. We will see how the cookies turn out when the ingredients are mixed in the wrong order. Because after all, baking is chemistry ...
Here, for your appreciation, is a modern interpretation of classic luggage. I am generally not hugely enamoured of the brand, but in this case I'm willing to make an exception!
The Boarder continues to supervise me very closely. Last night from the middle of the bed! Technically, I should take up more room than he does ... but he's testing the theory.
Must weed the garden. However, am not yet ready to do much bending. Maybe tomorrow?
Had a wee swim last night. I may have another this afternoon, but I give you my personal guarantee — there is no question this is a recovery week! Usually I swim the practices I deliver, but I'm not so sure that's going to happen today.
My brain remains on haiatus. We will see how the cookies turn out when the ingredients are mixed in the wrong order. Because after all, baking is chemistry ...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Easing in ...
For the next few days here at OTDE, we're playing catch-up! Here's a nice article that appeared in the Toronto Star during Nationals. It is now the ambition of many to swim in age group 100-104!!
There is more than enough internet coverage of FINA's announcement of legal racing suits for this season (the list will change next year), and the fact that Blue Seventy suits did not make the approved list, so I'll pretty much abstain. Okay, I fibbed. Here's one, but Gooogle at your own risk!
The Boarder reports he was well cared for during my absence, but was overjoyed to see me walk through the front door! And possibly because I arrived home past my bedtime, he was most anxious for us to climb those stairs and hop in! This is particularly noteworthy as he doesn't usually sleep with me!
I'm finally off to see the new Star Trek film today — my reward for getting bags unpacked and laundry done from the weekend. Not that everything is exactly put away just yet, but I'm getting there!
Belated congratulations to Jenny, who enjoyed the Disney 70.3 while I was away slogging in the pool, and is now busy enjoying theme parks! Hey, waitaminnit! Maybe I'm doing this wrong?
There is more than enough internet coverage of FINA's announcement of legal racing suits for this season (the list will change next year), and the fact that Blue Seventy suits did not make the approved list, so I'll pretty much abstain. Okay, I fibbed. Here's one, but Gooogle at your own risk!
The Boarder reports he was well cared for during my absence, but was overjoyed to see me walk through the front door! And possibly because I arrived home past my bedtime, he was most anxious for us to climb those stairs and hop in! This is particularly noteworthy as he doesn't usually sleep with me!
I'm finally off to see the new Star Trek film today — my reward for getting bags unpacked and laundry done from the weekend. Not that everything is exactly put away just yet, but I'm getting there!
Belated congratulations to Jenny, who enjoyed the Disney 70.3 while I was away slogging in the pool, and is now busy enjoying theme parks! Hey, waitaminnit! Maybe I'm doing this wrong?
Meet Report ... Part 4
Day 4 started on a much better note. It was announced before the session got underway that the swimmer who had been in such distress on Sunday would make a full recovery.
♦ 4 x 100 mixed 240-279 medley relay, fly leg (:37.76, 1:24.65), 2nd place
♦ 50 breast, 5th, :43.54
♦ 50 free, 9th, :34.51
♦ 800 free, 4th, 12:40.75
I have time to bore you with a little more analysis this morning than I did in the previous Nationals posts. The 100 fly in the relay felt wonderful and was a good enough swim to get reactions from some other team's coaches, but clearly affected my day. I'm not disappointed by the fifties, because I wasn't feeling 100%, and I didn't hold anything back. I was very pleased with the 800 — I had a suit panic (in the warm-up pool my long zip suit felt like it was shortening my stroke) so quickly changed to an open back kneesuit. I did a push start and used my Seal mask, which was clearly the right choice. There wasn't a part of that swim that felt good, but nevertheless I felt I was swimming strong and for my first go at the distance my pace was pretty even. (For the pacing obsessed, splits can be found below.) I'll do a lessons learned post later.
Technosport won the meet and the banner for large team. The presentation happened while I was sitting on the bench waiting for my 800 heat. I confess, the thought that crossed my mind was, "Hey, we don't need my points. Why exactly I am doing this??"
The best thing about our club is that everyone contributes! We have a wonderful group of people, and it shows. At meet's end, when Fiona and I were cleaning up our team area, the lifeguard looked at us and said, "We LOVE you guys!! Nobody ever stays around and cleans up!"
Coach Duane is taking a well-deserved week off, so I'll be standing on the deck for a few evening practices. But right now I'm going to get my sorry butt into the bathtub!
And here, for the pacing obsessed, my 800 splits:
45.02 1:31.35 2:18.92 3:06.65
3:54.68 4:42.37 5:30.85 6:18.56
7:06.45 7:53.95 8:42.07 9:30.03
10:18.10 11:06.53 11:54.57 12:40.75
♦ 4 x 100 mixed 240-279 medley relay, fly leg (:37.76, 1:24.65), 2nd place
♦ 50 breast, 5th, :43.54
♦ 50 free, 9th, :34.51
♦ 800 free, 4th, 12:40.75
I have time to bore you with a little more analysis this morning than I did in the previous Nationals posts. The 100 fly in the relay felt wonderful and was a good enough swim to get reactions from some other team's coaches, but clearly affected my day. I'm not disappointed by the fifties, because I wasn't feeling 100%, and I didn't hold anything back. I was very pleased with the 800 — I had a suit panic (in the warm-up pool my long zip suit felt like it was shortening my stroke) so quickly changed to an open back kneesuit. I did a push start and used my Seal mask, which was clearly the right choice. There wasn't a part of that swim that felt good, but nevertheless I felt I was swimming strong and for my first go at the distance my pace was pretty even. (For the pacing obsessed, splits can be found below.) I'll do a lessons learned post later.
Technosport won the meet and the banner for large team. The presentation happened while I was sitting on the bench waiting for my 800 heat. I confess, the thought that crossed my mind was, "Hey, we don't need my points. Why exactly I am doing this??"
The best thing about our club is that everyone contributes! We have a wonderful group of people, and it shows. At meet's end, when Fiona and I were cleaning up our team area, the lifeguard looked at us and said, "We LOVE you guys!! Nobody ever stays around and cleans up!"
Coach Duane is taking a well-deserved week off, so I'll be standing on the deck for a few evening practices. But right now I'm going to get my sorry butt into the bathtub!
And here, for the pacing obsessed, my 800 splits:
45.02 1:31.35 2:18.92 3:06.65
3:54.68 4:42.37 5:30.85 6:18.56
7:06.45 7:53.95 8:42.07 9:30.03
10:18.10 11:06.53 11:54.57 12:40.75
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Meet Report ... Part 3
It is a long story, but here is the upshot of the day:
♦ 1:16.31 in the 100 free, improved my placing to 8th from 10th. (Also a PB.)
♦ 1:33.6 hundred breast (.1 away from my GUBT), 5th place, same as seed.
♦ Relays were chaotic!
♦ 4th in 4 x 50 free women (200-239)
♦ 2nd in 4 x 50 medley women (200-239)
♦ 2nd in 4 x 50 free mixed (240-279)
♦ 2nd in 4 x 50 medley mixed (240-279)
♦ 1st in 4 x 100 free mixed (240-279)
Finally we did not finish swimming the mixed 4 x 100 medley relay event because of a medical emergency in the heat two before ours. Our thoughts are certainly with the woman, her family, friends and teammates, and we hope for a speedy and full recovery.
♦ 1:16.31 in the 100 free, improved my placing to 8th from 10th. (Also a PB.)
♦ 1:33.6 hundred breast (.1 away from my GUBT), 5th place, same as seed.
♦ Relays were chaotic!
♦ 4th in 4 x 50 free women (200-239)
♦ 2nd in 4 x 50 medley women (200-239)
♦ 2nd in 4 x 50 free mixed (240-279)
♦ 2nd in 4 x 50 medley mixed (240-279)
♦ 1st in 4 x 100 free mixed (240-279)
Finally we did not finish swimming the mixed 4 x 100 medley relay event because of a medical emergency in the heat two before ours. Our thoughts are certainly with the woman, her family, friends and teammates, and we hope for a speedy and full recovery.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Brief Meet Report ... Part 2
In the team standings it is a neck and neck battle at the moment. Technosport leads the Ducks by 200 points, but there's lots of swimming left this afernoon.
My 50 fly this morning was acceptable — not brilliant and not awful. I went :37.19, six-tenths slower than my Provincials time. (I guess if we tally it with the 4.1 seconds faster in the hundred, I'm still to the good!) Truth be told my back was pretty unhappy, so it was mostly in the start and turn I didn't have it today.
Tomorrow will be the busiest day for me: 100 free, 100 breast, and in all likelihood 6 relays.
This afternoon I'm going to spend some quality time with Rach, and then collapse into a puddle of goo early!
My 50 fly this morning was acceptable — not brilliant and not awful. I went :37.19, six-tenths slower than my Provincials time. (I guess if we tally it with the 4.1 seconds faster in the hundred, I'm still to the good!) Truth be told my back was pretty unhappy, so it was mostly in the start and turn I didn't have it today.
Tomorrow will be the busiest day for me: 100 free, 100 breast, and in all likelihood 6 relays.
This afternoon I'm going to spend some quality time with Rach, and then collapse into a puddle of goo early!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Brief Meet Report ... Part 1
100 metre fly (last 15 metres was no fun), but a fine time for me (1:26.45). Good enough, in fact, for third in my age group.
And now to bed!
And now to bed!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Travel Day!
Lots of masters swimmers will be wending their way to Toronto today and tomorrow. Good times! And no, I've still not finalized how much stuff I can fit into the smallest possible space. But I'm close! You should be able to find real time Nationals results here.
The Boarder is, to some extent, aware of my plans. He has spent most of the day ensconced in my bed, rather than following his usual routine of spending time where I am. However, he has an excellent team of caregivers ready to swoop in and ensure he has food, water and appropriate adoration.
There are some mighty impressive breezes today, so I'm thinking it may be a particularly fun hop!
The Boarder is, to some extent, aware of my plans. He has spent most of the day ensconced in my bed, rather than following his usual routine of spending time where I am. However, he has an excellent team of caregivers ready to swoop in and ensure he has food, water and appropriate adoration.
There are some mighty impressive breezes today, so I'm thinking it may be a particularly fun hop!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday Miscellany ...
Nothin' says fun like two gals heading to practice on a sunny spring evening in a lipstick red BMW convertible! Well, these might be fun, too, but the resultant laundry issues kind of terrify me.
There'll be a last easy swim before Nationals tonight — tomorrow evening I'll be off to the races! Although organizers had said they wouldn't be, heat sheets are semi-available online here. And results will follow! Last night we got some nice sprinty 25's partner race in; somehow I managed a fly time of :17.5 from a slow push start.
Today I'll see about what luggage I'll lug! Or put another way, find out how much I can jam into the smallest suitcase possible ...
There'll be a last easy swim before Nationals tonight — tomorrow evening I'll be off to the races! Although organizers had said they wouldn't be, heat sheets are semi-available online here. And results will follow! Last night we got some nice sprinty 25's partner race in; somehow I managed a fly time of :17.5 from a slow push start.
Today I'll see about what luggage I'll lug! Or put another way, find out how much I can jam into the smallest suitcase possible ...
Finally Feelin' The Taper!
At Plant last night Colin rejoined Chris , Fiona, and myself for a taper workout sent by Duane. I was a bit chatty getting in so skipped two of the assigned eight 50's quarter build. We had the lane to ourselves, which was immeasurably better than Sunday's swim. And I must say have not seen Chris so deliriously happy as he was after finishing the dive start 25's! Taper is fun!
One of the head guards asked me if I'd been busy in the weight room, too. Not at all — my guns are swim induced! And as they are, some of my favorite (and relatively recently purchased) jackets are a bit on the tight side. I was thinking I should by myself this in a size larger than I would usually purchase. It's currently marked down 50%!
Colin asked for info on Nationals — I will be lugging the laptop and blogging from The Centre of the Universe, here's the link to Nationals web site. They will probably have realtime results available there, possibly under meet info.
One of the head guards asked me if I'd been busy in the weight room, too. Not at all — my guns are swim induced! And as they are, some of my favorite (and relatively recently purchased) jackets are a bit on the tight side. I was thinking I should by myself this in a size larger than I would usually purchase. It's currently marked down 50%!
Colin asked for info on Nationals — I will be lugging the laptop and blogging from The Centre of the Universe, here's the link to Nationals web site. They will probably have realtime results available there, possibly under meet info.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Pre-Fall?
In my brain that is astoundingly similar to free fall. We could have used boots or at least scarves yesterday (I had gloves on, and there is frost on cars this morning), it just seems wrong that the pre-fall collections are out before we've really swung into spring! However, I'm willing to get over it long enough to look these over, then head back to slightly put off.
It was opening day for the Farmer's Market at Landsowne Park, and boy, were folks cold! But there were goodies to be had ... tonights' dinner will be a young chicken breast with black olives and chorizo. But only half the serving.
In neighbourhood news, the movers at are my long-time friend Denise's today. Here's hoping her new place is just perfect for her.
It was opening day for the Farmer's Market at Landsowne Park, and boy, were folks cold! But there were goodies to be had ... tonights' dinner will be a young chicken breast with black olives and chorizo. But only half the serving.
In neighbourhood news, the movers at are my long-time friend Denise's today. Here's hoping her new place is just perfect for her.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday Miscellany ...
At The Citizen, Mr. Sutcliffe has put together a fine streak of late. Even if you don't know the key players in this story, I'm sure you will enjoy it!
Coach Duane has decided not to give us our relay assignments until Saturday. I may see if I can wheedle them out of him early, though. Because that's how I roll. Relay day is next Sunday ... I will swim the 100 free and 100 breast as individual events, then barring anything unforseen the ladies 200 free & 200 medley relays, followed by the mixed 200 free and medley relays and the mixed 400 free and medley relays. In that order. Yikes!
Today I have been to the grocery store, am mounting an ongoing assault on Laundry Hill, have managed to get my contacts in (much more quickly than yesterday, I might add!), but now, in a cruel twist of fate, have been offered a lift to the Farmer's Market (so I will have to bring the readers, or have my friend do all the reading for me!). Hopefully there will be goodies aplenty!
Coach Duane has decided not to give us our relay assignments until Saturday. I may see if I can wheedle them out of him early, though. Because that's how I roll. Relay day is next Sunday ... I will swim the 100 free and 100 breast as individual events, then barring anything unforseen the ladies 200 free & 200 medley relays, followed by the mixed 200 free and medley relays and the mixed 400 free and medley relays. In that order. Yikes!
Today I have been to the grocery store, am mounting an ongoing assault on Laundry Hill, have managed to get my contacts in (much more quickly than yesterday, I might add!), but now, in a cruel twist of fate, have been offered a lift to the Farmer's Market (so I will have to bring the readers, or have my friend do all the reading for me!). Hopefully there will be goodies aplenty!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
20/15!
With the distance contacts in at least! The technician told me I was "born to wear contacts", and while I find that a bit of a stretch, I can confirm that while I have some finessing to do, it doesn't bother me to stick things in my eyes. Of course, I really don't see them well, so a magnifying mirror is helpful! So I am supposed to build from 4 hours a day to 8 hours over the next 3 weeks, before we re-check. Of course, yesterday I had a lovely roast beef dinner Chez Fiona & Bruce, and it ended up I wore them 6 hours on day one. Oops! They are not the same, as the not only is the vision quite different in each eye, but my right eye also has astigmatism — finding the markings for the bottom of toric lens is a bit challenging without glasses on!
If the shower conversation after practice this morning was any indicator, "The Turnover Queen" has stuck! And, lest you feel I am failing you in the bag department of late, I bring you this lovely.
If the shower conversation after practice this morning was any indicator, "The Turnover Queen" has stuck! And, lest you feel I am failing you in the bag department of late, I bring you this lovely.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Little Bits ...
In the interest of shoe love, love of chocolate, or more realistically a combination of the two, I bring you these yummies this morning! While I make a nice proteinaceous omelette. Step away from the sugars! Because I'm not quite so far over the edge that we're at the All Chocolate All The Time Stage!
Today there are a few errands on the books, the most interesting of which will be an attempt to put an end to my open water sighting issues. In the Olden Days when I was Much Younger, I could see the shoreline clearly. I could tell the difference, say between a white boathouse on an island and a white cottage on the shore. These days, not so much! So I will see the optometrist (you know, the nice young man who informed me a few years back that "as you age your lenses harden ...") about some single use distance contacts. I don't have full blink in my right eye, so I can't wear 'em all the time, but who knows, if they work out there may be a point in the future when I give the multifocal contacts a shot! Because not long after Nationals, we'll be out swimming in the pond!
Today there are a few errands on the books, the most interesting of which will be an attempt to put an end to my open water sighting issues. In the Olden Days when I was Much Younger, I could see the shoreline clearly. I could tell the difference, say between a white boathouse on an island and a white cottage on the shore. These days, not so much! So I will see the optometrist (you know, the nice young man who informed me a few years back that "as you age your lenses harden ...") about some single use distance contacts. I don't have full blink in my right eye, so I can't wear 'em all the time, but who knows, if they work out there may be a point in the future when I give the multifocal contacts a shot! Because not long after Nationals, we'll be out swimming in the pond!
Thursday, May 07, 2009
The Ecstasy of Rita Joe ...
For AD & I last night wrapped a challenging English Theatre Season at the National Arts Centre, with a restaging of the Ryga play that opened the theatre in 1969. It is a benchmark work of Canadian theatre, and we would be fooling ourselves to believe that the subject matter is not as relevant today as it was when the play first debuted in 1967. A special treat for NAC audiences is the appearance of August Schellenberg, playing the role originated by Chief Dan George. Mr. Schellenberg graced this stage forty years ago in the role of Jamie Paul, and now embodies David Joe. I would be remiss if I didn't note that Lisa C. Ravensbergen does an admirable job as the title character, and the music of Michelle St. John brings a great deal to the production. You can read The Citizen's review here but you would do well, if you can, to see the play in person. Its run continues till May 16th.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Swim Bit!
Aaarrrggghhh!!! I am Still Not Feeling The Taper!!! Do you think it was those 10 x 100 free on 1:50 last night after the sprinty stuff?
Most masters swimmers put in much less distance in regular training than age groupers, so theoretically there should be less need to radically cut mileage, at least until several days before the meet. The majority of Technosport members going to Nationals will also be swimming at least one distance event, another peg in the coffin of substantially reducing yardage.
Effective tapers, though, while they follow a pattern, are individual in nature, and take into account general fatigue levels. Case in point: I swam my best short course 50 free, 50 fly & 50 breast to that point at Nationals last year (and was very close to a PB in the 100 free) after what I considered to be much too little training in the weeks following Worlds. A little backing off what I am doing right now is probably in order!
Speaking of tapers — the very best of luck to the swimmers that will be competing at USMS Nationals this weekend! I do wish that your Nationals and ours weren't so close together!
Most masters swimmers put in much less distance in regular training than age groupers, so theoretically there should be less need to radically cut mileage, at least until several days before the meet. The majority of Technosport members going to Nationals will also be swimming at least one distance event, another peg in the coffin of substantially reducing yardage.
Effective tapers, though, while they follow a pattern, are individual in nature, and take into account general fatigue levels. Case in point: I swam my best short course 50 free, 50 fly & 50 breast to that point at Nationals last year (and was very close to a PB in the 100 free) after what I considered to be much too little training in the weeks following Worlds. A little backing off what I am doing right now is probably in order!
Speaking of tapers — the very best of luck to the swimmers that will be competing at USMS Nationals this weekend! I do wish that your Nationals and ours weren't so close together!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Tuesday Tidbits!
Well, it is to be another lovely day here in Nottalot — it is always nice to be out and about in sunny spring weather. So I'll be doing just that! The number three bus is now rerouted for the summer and fall, so I wandered up to Good Companions on foot yesterday. Note to self: get some new shoes lifted! Today my errands take me down the number two route though, so I'll be riding the bus.
For you runners out enjoying the day, don't forget to look after your hips!
A little swim bit: the water has been deliciously cool at Plant over the past week or so, but the temperature is on the rise. This is popular with the aquafit gals but not the lane swimmers. Last night I used a pool jet instead of having a dunk in the hot tub! I was also wearing a lycra suit — their lifespan is vastly reduced if you dunk them in the hot chlorinated water.
For you runners out enjoying the day, don't forget to look after your hips!
A little swim bit: the water has been deliciously cool at Plant over the past week or so, but the temperature is on the rise. This is popular with the aquafit gals but not the lane swimmers. Last night I used a pool jet instead of having a dunk in the hot tub! I was also wearing a lycra suit — their lifespan is vastly reduced if you dunk them in the hot chlorinated water.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Blackmail!
Spring is here. And once again I am being blackmailed by a tree rat. Okay, by a melanistic Eastern Gray Squirrel. If I leave out peanuts, the carnage stops! Unfortunately, I have none on hand today, but will certainly make it a priority to pick some up tomorrow ...
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Sunday Snippets!
There's another very nice story from Mr. Sutcliffe in today's paper.
It is a beautiful spring day today, so naturally, I've been puttering about indoors. The muffin batter is done, next up a load of towels (in some future world we will have a drying device at pools that make towels obsolete!), and then I'll see if there's time to squeeze in a bit of weeding before grocery shopping. If not, the weeds will certainly be there tomorrow!
In swimming news, the new Ontario short course metres relay records are posted here. There's also a table with just the times here — a good tool to see what to shoot for at Nationals! Coach Duane hasn't yet advised us of our relay roles — so that is something to look forward to in the coming days!
It is a beautiful spring day today, so naturally, I've been puttering about indoors. The muffin batter is done, next up a load of towels (in some future world we will have a drying device at pools that make towels obsolete!), and then I'll see if there's time to squeeze in a bit of weeding before grocery shopping. If not, the weeds will certainly be there tomorrow!
In swimming news, the new Ontario short course metres relay records are posted here. There's also a table with just the times here — a good tool to see what to shoot for at Nationals! Coach Duane hasn't yet advised us of our relay roles — so that is something to look forward to in the coming days!
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Technically ...
The taper has begun. Effectively, though, I'm not feelin' it yet! I told Fiona in the car this morning that I thought practice was going to be an hour and a half warm-up! But really, I started to feel stronger in the water after the first 1000. So that was something ...
In the spirit of the season, I bring you a couple of cycling stories today. First, a note for those enjoying Gatineau Park. Secondly, a bit from the Globe.
I'm afraid in other news, I've got pretty much nothing! Although I did get the jacket I posted about yesterday. I'll pick it up next week — after they take 7¼ inches off the sleeves. Sigh. And people wonder why I have a fast turnover. In fact, I got a new nickname from Duane this morning. Apparently I'm the Turnover Queen! And it has nothing whatsoever to do with pastry ...
In the spirit of the season, I bring you a couple of cycling stories today. First, a note for those enjoying Gatineau Park. Secondly, a bit from the Globe.
I'm afraid in other news, I've got pretty much nothing! Although I did get the jacket I posted about yesterday. I'll pick it up next week — after they take 7¼ inches off the sleeves. Sigh. And people wonder why I have a fast turnover. In fact, I got a new nickname from Duane this morning. Apparently I'm the Turnover Queen! And it has nothing whatsoever to do with pastry ...
Friday, May 01, 2009
More Bobs & Bits ...
Well, here are the key numbers to report for last month. Can you believe it is May already?!? Note to self: buy bus pass today!
Since September 1: 273,572 metres
April: 44,350 metres (5,225 fly)
That puts April as the second highest mileage month since I got back in the water — last July I hit 45,350 metres as I plugged away in zone 2 preparing for the August 4K swim. I say again, Bring On The Taper!
On the shopping front, I am currently attracted to this jacket. Perhaps I will wander downtown after I buy that bus pass, and see if there's one at the Rideau store ... the rain is over, the skies are clearing, and it's a sunny weekend ahead! Cats will be installed in windows for much of it, I'm sure.
Since September 1: 273,572 metres
April: 44,350 metres (5,225 fly)
That puts April as the second highest mileage month since I got back in the water — last July I hit 45,350 metres as I plugged away in zone 2 preparing for the August 4K swim. I say again, Bring On The Taper!
On the shopping front, I am currently attracted to this jacket. Perhaps I will wander downtown after I buy that bus pass, and see if there's one at the Rideau store ... the rain is over, the skies are clearing, and it's a sunny weekend ahead! Cats will be installed in windows for much of it, I'm sure.
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