It was just E and me today, so you can imagine my delight when Bill gave us a "custom" set just for our lane. My first thought was "cool! I love 200s and wasn't it nice of Bill to give us this special set?" What I didn't know at the time, but know now, was that Bill had something else in mind for the workout and was thinking "if I don't give these ladies a set they like it could be trouble". Hrumph. Okay, a slight bit of truth to that as 10 x 200 free is a lot more fun than 10 x 200IM. Point taken, coach.
WU 300
5 x 50 free
2 x 100 drill, stroke, free, no breath
400 pull front quad
Main:
10 x 200 free
1-4 on 2:50
5-7 pull on 3:00
8 on 2:40
9 easy on 3:40
10 fastest one of the day
6 x 50s random front quad, swimming through sewer pipe, rolling
Loved this set but arms were a little heavy today. Last one was 2:29, falling short of the goal of 2:25. Bill was really into the strange drills today, esp. the "front quad swimming" which is really just another way of saying catch up drill. Everyone else did 200IMs and I take my hat off to all of you.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Meet recap
A great job by MIT Masters swimmers, who as a team placed 8th in the medium team division this weekend at the SCY Championship meet. This was, according to the meet director, the second largest masters swim meet in the U.S. with over 850 participants. I can't possibly recap all of the amazing swims, but wanted to offer a few highlights.
1.The Geary v. Geary showdown was great - Bill had an amazing swim, and with a 5 second handicap "beat" Caitlin. Truth is, she won the race by 3 seconds. Both did awesome.
2.The highlight of the meet was Caitlin's 500 free. It was Phelpsian in it's drama. She was in the final heat, swimming neck and neck with her nemesis. At around 300, her opponent started to pull away - first a quarter body length, then a full body length by the 400 flip. Did that worry Caitlin? Nope. At the 425, it was down to a half body length, at the 450, a quarter of a body length. At the final flip they were neck in neck, and Caitlin touched her out by .08. Just take a look at the splits! The crowd went nuts. Suffice to say, she won the whole event.
3.I didn't get the memo about the half price sale on the Blue Seventy suits. Oh, wait, there was no sale, so that is why most of us could not afford the $375 suits. But they were everywhere, and records were dropping faster than I get dropped on a sprint set. Apparently, these are going to be banned at masters meets in about 3 months! They may have to offer counseling to those who purchased them and can no longer use them.
4. As I was walking in on Saturday afternoon, Dr. Bob and his family were walking out. Dr. Bob had this look on his face like he was a 10 year old kid and just got a bike for his birthday. The good news? He broke a minute for his 100 free - awesome!! Congrats - that new suit and new attitude paid off. :)
5. I did the 200IM for the first and last time. It was hard and painful and not that enjoyable. I had a solid 500 free with a PR by a second or so, finishing at 6:08:49.
6. Bill Paine is our hero. He was there all weekend, giving all of us feedback and splits and being his easygoing, supportive self. Most of us had our best swims ever - I don't think this is a coincidence so keep it up, Coach Bill!
It was fun to meet the night swimmers - they are nice just like the morning swimmers. I am going to encourage more of my lane three mates to do a meet soon - even if we pick one day and a few events. The a.m. was well represented by Bill, Joel, Caitlin, Nic, Dr. Bob, and me.
1.The Geary v. Geary showdown was great - Bill had an amazing swim, and with a 5 second handicap "beat" Caitlin. Truth is, she won the race by 3 seconds. Both did awesome.
2.The highlight of the meet was Caitlin's 500 free. It was Phelpsian in it's drama. She was in the final heat, swimming neck and neck with her nemesis. At around 300, her opponent started to pull away - first a quarter body length, then a full body length by the 400 flip. Did that worry Caitlin? Nope. At the 425, it was down to a half body length, at the 450, a quarter of a body length. At the final flip they were neck in neck, and Caitlin touched her out by .08. Just take a look at the splits! The crowd went nuts. Suffice to say, she won the whole event.
3.I didn't get the memo about the half price sale on the Blue Seventy suits. Oh, wait, there was no sale, so that is why most of us could not afford the $375 suits. But they were everywhere, and records were dropping faster than I get dropped on a sprint set. Apparently, these are going to be banned at masters meets in about 3 months! They may have to offer counseling to those who purchased them and can no longer use them.
4. As I was walking in on Saturday afternoon, Dr. Bob and his family were walking out. Dr. Bob had this look on his face like he was a 10 year old kid and just got a bike for his birthday. The good news? He broke a minute for his 100 free - awesome!! Congrats - that new suit and new attitude paid off. :)
5. I did the 200IM for the first and last time. It was hard and painful and not that enjoyable. I had a solid 500 free with a PR by a second or so, finishing at 6:08:49.
6. Bill Paine is our hero. He was there all weekend, giving all of us feedback and splits and being his easygoing, supportive self. Most of us had our best swims ever - I don't think this is a coincidence so keep it up, Coach Bill!
It was fun to meet the night swimmers - they are nice just like the morning swimmers. I am going to encourage more of my lane three mates to do a meet soon - even if we pick one day and a few events. The a.m. was well represented by Bill, Joel, Caitlin, Nic, Dr. Bob, and me.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Out of Context
There are things in life that when taken out of context seem strange, like a beautiful flower blooming during a snowstorm, Ronald McDonald eating at Burger King, or coach Bill swimming masters practice. This morning was one of those times for me. As I entered the Z Center this morning, I saw three or four men in speedos walking through the lobby, and it just wasn't right. What seems perfectly normal poolside is mildly disturbing away from the pool, and even our friend at the front desk was struggling with the parade of men in speedos. BB admitted that he probably would have received fewer glances if he went au natural rather than wear the brightly colored number he had on earlier in the week. Thankfully for all involved, the men's locker room will be re-opened next week.
Ok then! It was a relief to get into the pool.
200 WU
100 25 free, drill, kick, swim
2 x 50 breast
100 same as above
2 x 50 descend
6 x 75 random stroke and free
Main:
Twice thru:
400 free moderate pace on 6:00
200 IM on 3:20
4 x 100 keep it strong on 1:45
Great job, fun workout. And good luck to all who are doing the meet this weekend!
Ok then! It was a relief to get into the pool.
200 WU
100 25 free, drill, kick, swim
2 x 50 breast
100 same as above
2 x 50 descend
6 x 75 random stroke and free
Main:
Twice thru:
400 free moderate pace on 6:00
200 IM on 3:20
4 x 100 keep it strong on 1:45
Great job, fun workout. And good luck to all who are doing the meet this weekend!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Today's workout
Good morning! I must be blissfully brief as either the folks in IT are playing a early April Fools joke on me by overloading my email inbox or it's going to be a long day. My job really gets in the way of blogging. The nerve!
Here we go:
200 WU
4 x 50 free count strokes
4 x 50 stroke
Main:
11 x 150
1-5 on 2:10
6-9 on 2:20
10 easy on 3:10
11 hard (faster than 1:54:23)
3 x thru:
2 x 50 stroke sprint on :25
50 easy
2 x 50 free on :20
50 easy
Great job today - BB and Dr. Bob crushed the last one. Hey, if you see someone with a pretty red suit with black and yellow flowers on it let me know. Mine is gone from my locker (second one in as many months). Bummer.
Here we go:
200 WU
4 x 50 free count strokes
4 x 50 stroke
Main:
11 x 150
1-5 on 2:10
6-9 on 2:20
10 easy on 3:10
11 hard (faster than 1:54:23)
3 x thru:
2 x 50 stroke sprint on :25
50 easy
2 x 50 free on :20
50 easy
Great job today - BB and Dr. Bob crushed the last one. Hey, if you see someone with a pretty red suit with black and yellow flowers on it let me know. Mine is gone from my locker (second one in as many months). Bummer.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Wake up, sleepyheads!
All of us were a bit groggy this chilly Monday morning, but we could not stay sleepy for long with this workout. It was a pretty full pool today, too. Here goes:
200 WU
6 x 100 50 drill, 25 fast, 25 choice on :20r
3 x 100 50 stroke, 50 choice on :20
Main:
5 x 75 on :60
1 x 75 on 1:25
4 x 75 on :60
2 x 75 on 1:20
3 x 75 on :55
3 x 75 on 1:15
2 x 75 on :55
4 x 75 on 1:10
1 x 75 on :55
5 x 75 on 1:05
Not sure what else - got out early.
Our superhero/rock star lane mate today was leader BB, who kept it together until the end after doing his long marathon training run yesterday. Nice work. And Dr. Bob had a new suit, purchased after his daughter told him he looked "so 90s" with his regular speedo (I paraphrase here, but you get the picture).
Happy Monday!
200 WU
6 x 100 50 drill, 25 fast, 25 choice on :20r
3 x 100 50 stroke, 50 choice on :20
Main:
5 x 75 on :60
1 x 75 on 1:25
4 x 75 on :60
2 x 75 on 1:20
3 x 75 on :55
3 x 75 on 1:15
2 x 75 on :55
4 x 75 on 1:10
1 x 75 on :55
5 x 75 on 1:05
Not sure what else - got out early.
Our superhero/rock star lane mate today was leader BB, who kept it together until the end after doing his long marathon training run yesterday. Nice work. And Dr. Bob had a new suit, purchased after his daughter told him he looked "so 90s" with his regular speedo (I paraphrase here, but you get the picture).
Happy Monday!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Meet recap: Distance Day
For MIT Masters, distance day was a good day. While we were small in numbers, we were big on results. Everyone who swam came up big and scored points for the team, with many first and second places. Congrats to Emily, Judith, Ted, Barry, Patrick, John, Bill, and of course our own lane three-er, Dr. Bob! And yes, Dr. Bob's daughter made sure he made it to the block and into his heat. And a huge thanks to our coach Bill, for an awesome job in preparing us for the day. I hope we did you proud. As it stands, we are in third place for the medium teams. Not too bad given we had only 9 swimmers!! Here are the results:
http://www.meetresults.com/2009/nelmscscy/results.shtml
As for me, I was so happy to be there and participate after 2 years off. It was great to walk in and see old friends, teammates, and coaches and soak in the atmosphere. There really is nothing like it. I appreciated the last minute pep talk and strategy session from friend/formercoach Nate (and thanks for the splits!). I had a good race, PR'd by 8 seconds, and most importantly I felt good and held an even pace nearly the whole time. Steve L. you are the bomb for helping me get ready for this and for counting/cheering me on. Of course, my real inspiration was the tiniest and cutest cheering squad ever in Bene, Will, and Carl Michael. You too would swim your best if you heard "Go Auntie Cake!" at every turn. :) Part 2 (the big one) of the meet is next week. Go MIT Masters!
http://www.meetresults.com/2009/nelmscscy/results.shtml
As for me, I was so happy to be there and participate after 2 years off. It was great to walk in and see old friends, teammates, and coaches and soak in the atmosphere. There really is nothing like it. I appreciated the last minute pep talk and strategy session from friend/formercoach Nate (and thanks for the splits!). I had a good race, PR'd by 8 seconds, and most importantly I felt good and held an even pace nearly the whole time. Steve L. you are the bomb for helping me get ready for this and for counting/cheering me on. Of course, my real inspiration was the tiniest and cutest cheering squad ever in Bene, Will, and Carl Michael. You too would swim your best if you heard "Go Auntie Cake!" at every turn. :) Part 2 (the big one) of the meet is next week. Go MIT Masters!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The glass is half full
There are two kinds of people in this world: those that see the glass as half full and those that see the glass as half empty. As an eternal optimist, I choose the former, and thus will focus on the positive parts of the morning. For instance, I enjoyed the positive feedback from the coach ("you guys rocked those 200s!") rather than the negative ("some of you are wusses for getting out early"). I enjoyed testing out a new type of orange goggles that actually fit, rather than worry that they clashed with my red flower bathing suit. I enjoyed swimming with some of my favorite people, SB, BB, and K, even if K was just on loan from Lane 2 with a sports related injury. And I enjoyed the brief solidarity of my fellow lanemates who said they would taper with me even as they pushed off on the 3500 plus yard set. See? I feel better already!
Now to the set:
200 on own
3 x 50 free 1:00
3 x 50 stroke 1:00
3 x 75 free descend on 1:10
3 x 75 fly,back, breast on 1:25
Main
5 x 200 on 2:55
2 x 50 easy
4 x 200 IM on 3:15
2 x 50 easy
3 x 200 pull
2 x 50 easy
2 x 200 (help me here) on 2:45?
Obviously, I did not do the last part so may not have it right. Great job leading, BB, and K it did not seem like you were too injured. I hope you join us again soon. Thank you to AA in Lane 4 for the loaner goggles - they are awesome.
Now to the set:
200 on own
3 x 50 free 1:00
3 x 50 stroke 1:00
3 x 75 free descend on 1:10
3 x 75 fly,back, breast on 1:25
Main
5 x 200 on 2:55
2 x 50 easy
4 x 200 IM on 3:15
2 x 50 easy
3 x 200 pull
2 x 50 easy
2 x 200 (help me here) on 2:45?
Obviously, I did not do the last part so may not have it right. Great job leading, BB, and K it did not seem like you were too injured. I hope you join us again soon. Thank you to AA in Lane 4 for the loaner goggles - they are awesome.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Does swimming make you smarter?
I posit that yes, it does. You have to be sharp to keep up with those pesky intervals and distances, communicate clearly with your lanemates, and calculate your speed per 100 on a distance set. All before 7:30am! I also think that swimmers are a pretty smart group in general, and it's definitely true with MIT Masters. I just feel smarter after I swim with some of these people, and isn't that most important? IW, one of our own lane smarties, led our main set today and groaned at having to think so much, but it paid off:
WU:
3 x 75 free on 1:15
3 x 75 all stroke on 1:30
3 x 75 free build on 1:15
3 x 75 fl,ba,br, on 1:30
3 x 150 pull on 2:20
1 x 150 swim on 2:10
Main:
6 x 150 broken free
Going: 25 cruise, 100 fast, 5 sec. rest and 25 ez on 40
A few sprints off of the block
6 x 150 broken stroke
Going: 25 cruise, 100 fast, 5 sec. rest and 25 ez on 40
Awesome job on the 150s, IW. E and I left after the first 150s.
It's supposed to be taper week for us distance meet swimmers, but it's hard to taper when you are also doing the meet the following weekend. But I will taper, because I always listen to my coach. :)
WU:
3 x 75 free on 1:15
3 x 75 all stroke on 1:30
3 x 75 free build on 1:15
3 x 75 fl,ba,br, on 1:30
3 x 150 pull on 2:20
1 x 150 swim on 2:10
Main:
6 x 150 broken free
Going: 25 cruise, 100 fast, 5 sec. rest and 25 ez on 40
A few sprints off of the block
6 x 150 broken stroke
Going: 25 cruise, 100 fast, 5 sec. rest and 25 ez on 40
Awesome job on the 150s, IW. E and I left after the first 150s.
It's supposed to be taper week for us distance meet swimmers, but it's hard to taper when you are also doing the meet the following weekend. But I will taper, because I always listen to my coach. :)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patty's Day!
Thanks to BB for sending the workout, and thanks to Bill O'Paine for what looks like a tough set:
4x50 drill
8x75 stroke
300 4:00
2x100 1:30
400 5:20
2x100 1:30
500 6:40
25 sprint fr 20 sec
50 cruise
75 fast 55sec
2x25 25
25 fly 25sec
50 cruise free
75 fly 1:15
2x25 cruise
I am sorry I missed this - BB said he enjoyed the draft from Joe and liked the workout. I had to finish a paper that was due today. Priorities!
On a totally separate subject but loosely related, while I have an Irish last name, it's clear that the German family heritage is dominant. I played trivia last night and the theme was "Irish". The poor team I played on (as a guest) got LAST place. I take the blame for it. Do YOU all know what the colors of the Irish flag mean? I do now. I may have to change my name from "O'Dair" to "O'Don't do that again".
4x50 drill
8x75 stroke
300 4:00
2x100 1:30
400 5:20
2x100 1:30
500 6:40
25 sprint fr 20 sec
50 cruise
75 fast 55sec
2x25 25
25 fly 25sec
50 cruise free
75 fly 1:15
2x25 cruise
I am sorry I missed this - BB said he enjoyed the draft from Joe and liked the workout. I had to finish a paper that was due today. Priorities!
On a totally separate subject but loosely related, while I have an Irish last name, it's clear that the German family heritage is dominant. I played trivia last night and the theme was "Irish". The poor team I played on (as a guest) got LAST place. I take the blame for it. Do YOU all know what the colors of the Irish flag mean? I do now. I may have to change my name from "O'Dair" to "O'Don't do that again".
Monday, March 16, 2009
2.4
That is my average score (out of 10) for my racing dive. I didn't realize I was being judged when I was practicing my racing dives this morning, but apparently the peanut gallery concluded that mine were awful. One quote: "you could eat breakfast between when Bill said go and when I hit the water". That is because I false started twice last week! E and J had much better dives. Who cares, really - it's all about getting in the water with your goggles on, isn't it?
Great day today! C, R, IW, E, and a visitor. IW tried to stir things up by attempting a little foot grabbing during the warmup but was denied. It has to happen organically, IW.
WU: 4 x 50 on :15r
12 x 25 (1-6 free on descending interval :30-:20, 7-12 stroke :40-:30)
200 swim
Main:
3 x 200 on 2:50
100 easy on 2:50
4 x 150 on 2:10
2 x 50 on 1:15
3 x 200 on 2:50
100 easy on 2:50
500 pull first 300 hypoxic 3,7,5,3 by 75
9 x 50 free or block starts
Great set to practice pacing, everyone did great. Visitor was very fast and nearly lapped R and me on the 500 but was very nice to swim with.
Bring your green gatorade tomorrow!
Great day today! C, R, IW, E, and a visitor. IW tried to stir things up by attempting a little foot grabbing during the warmup but was denied. It has to happen organically, IW.
WU: 4 x 50 on :15r
12 x 25 (1-6 free on descending interval :30-:20, 7-12 stroke :40-:30)
200 swim
Main:
3 x 200 on 2:50
100 easy on 2:50
4 x 150 on 2:10
2 x 50 on 1:15
3 x 200 on 2:50
100 easy on 2:50
500 pull first 300 hypoxic 3,7,5,3 by 75
9 x 50 free or block starts
Great set to practice pacing, everyone did great. Visitor was very fast and nearly lapped R and me on the 500 but was very nice to swim with.
Bring your green gatorade tomorrow!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Survey says...
Nine out of ten masters swimmers surveyed said that they would show up at practice after a lane night out. The researchers were right. The pool was filled with those who partook in the festivities last night. Multiple lanes were represented, and all agreed that what happens at LNO stays at LNO.
But our coach was in a fiesty mood. He was having none of the usual "feedback" today, and even put C in his place, something for which we are all secretly thankful. :)
Without further ado, here is what we did:
16 x 25 IM order (per C)
200 swim
Main:
13 x 100
1-2 on 1:30
3-4 on 1:25
5-6 on 1:20
7-9 stroke on 1:50
10 free on 1:40
11 fly/back on 1:50
12 back/breast on 1:50
13 breast/free on 1:50
3 sprints off of the block. I false started twice. When I am wrong I say I'm wrong.
6 x 150
2 on 2:20 (50 cruise, 100 fast)
2 on 2:25 (75 cruise, 75 fast)
2 on 2:30 (100 cruise, 50 easy)
Happy weekend, everyone!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
There's no place like home
Dorothy knew what she was talking about. While I loved Seattle, it is good to be home and back to swimming after a week off. And I secretly think Bill missed me because he was extra persnickity today (I love that word!). It was me, Dr. Bob, BB, and E and coach Bill started early. Apparently unhappy that E chose to lead us in a 200 warmup, he threw all of our kickboards, pull bouys, and paddles in the water. He needed to establish his commanding presence once again. Anyway, if some of you were feeling a little deja vu it is because Bill gave us the same set you did on Monday, which I loved:
200 WU (oops!)
6 x 50 back, free, drill
3 x 100 IM
Main:
5 x 100 on 1:35
100 on 1:20
4 x 100 on 1:35
200 on 2:40
3 x 100 on 1:35
300 on 4:00
2 x 100 on 1:35
400 on 5:20
1 x 100 on 1:35
500 on 6:40
Good set - BB led a perfect pace and it was nice to have relaxing intervals on the 100s so we could work the fast ones. Halfway through, the other lanes were doing stuff of the block and Bill was on the megaphone barking out orders. Don't think we didn't see the pool manager wrestle the PA system out of your hands, Bill. Even he knew enough is enough.
Dr. Bob - we are taking the pull bouy away from you until the meet is over. I know it's hard, and you will miss it, but it is for your own good. Nice new birthday suit, BB. (minds out of the gutter, peeps - it was bright and shiny with stars on it!)
For those of you who can make it, see you at LNO tonight. You know the time and place.
200 WU (oops!)
6 x 50 back, free, drill
3 x 100 IM
Main:
5 x 100 on 1:35
100 on 1:20
4 x 100 on 1:35
200 on 2:40
3 x 100 on 1:35
300 on 4:00
2 x 100 on 1:35
400 on 5:20
1 x 100 on 1:35
500 on 6:40
Good set - BB led a perfect pace and it was nice to have relaxing intervals on the 100s so we could work the fast ones. Halfway through, the other lanes were doing stuff of the block and Bill was on the megaphone barking out orders. Don't think we didn't see the pool manager wrestle the PA system out of your hands, Bill. Even he knew enough is enough.
Dr. Bob - we are taking the pull bouy away from you until the meet is over. I know it's hard, and you will miss it, but it is for your own good. Nice new birthday suit, BB. (minds out of the gutter, peeps - it was bright and shiny with stars on it!)
For those of you who can make it, see you at LNO tonight. You know the time and place.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
It's your birthday, you can swim if you want to
In honor of this special day, March 10, a birthday limerick:
There were two men in the lane
Whose birthdays were one and the same
Both so fit and alive
Average age: forty five
Thanks to all of those workouts of Paine!
Happy Birthday, Carmen and Bob!
There were two men in the lane
Whose birthdays were one and the same
Both so fit and alive
Average age: forty five
Thanks to all of those workouts of Paine!
Happy Birthday, Carmen and Bob!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Guest Blogger Kim B: The Sounds of Masters
By way of introduction, our guest blogger today is KBB, who in addition to being a renowned researcher in sports technology also dabbles in songwriting in his free time. He also has a daughter named Catie (great name) who is a pretty amazing little swimmer herself. I think this song reflects how we all feel this morning at this early hour.
Sounds Of Masters
By KBB
With due credit to Simon & Garfunkel
Hello darkness, my old friend
I’m biking in the dark again
Daylight savings time is back today
Leaving darkness all along the way
And an extra chill in the cold morning air
Still I’m on my way
To the sounds of masters
Onto the deck I walk alone
Letting out a quiet groan
'Neath the halo of fluorescent lights
I grab a pull-buoy but not a board
When my ears were pierced by the voice of the master’s coach
“Get in the pool”
He spoke the sound of masters
And in the naked light I saw
Thirty people, maybe more
People swimming without speaking
People swimming with rhythmic breathing
People who came in time to swim the warm-up set that day
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of masters
"Fools", said coach, "You do not know
Laziness like a cancer grows
Get in the pool that I might coach you
Turn your arms kick hard too"
And his words became an omen for the day
And were obeyed
In the pool of masters
And the people bowed and caved
Into the coach’s wish they gave
It’s the fourth stoke day of the week
The grumbling in the lane begins to peak
A rebellion in the lane was forming
And the coach said, "The words of the boss are written on the workout sheets
Get in the pool”
And join in the sounds of masters
Copyright 2009 kbb
Sounds Of Masters
By KBB
With due credit to Simon & Garfunkel
Hello darkness, my old friend
I’m biking in the dark again
Daylight savings time is back today
Leaving darkness all along the way
And an extra chill in the cold morning air
Still I’m on my way
To the sounds of masters
Onto the deck I walk alone
Letting out a quiet groan
'Neath the halo of fluorescent lights
I grab a pull-buoy but not a board
When my ears were pierced by the voice of the master’s coach
“Get in the pool”
He spoke the sound of masters
And in the naked light I saw
Thirty people, maybe more
People swimming without speaking
People swimming with rhythmic breathing
People who came in time to swim the warm-up set that day
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of masters
"Fools", said coach, "You do not know
Laziness like a cancer grows
Get in the pool that I might coach you
Turn your arms kick hard too"
And his words became an omen for the day
And were obeyed
In the pool of masters
And the people bowed and caved
Into the coach’s wish they gave
It’s the fourth stoke day of the week
The grumbling in the lane begins to peak
A rebellion in the lane was forming
And the coach said, "The words of the boss are written on the workout sheets
Get in the pool”
And join in the sounds of masters
Copyright 2009 kbb
Friday, March 6, 2009
It's Hot in the Hot Tub!
Of course, the hot tub to which I am referring is the teaching pool at the Z Center. I feel obliged to report on our swim today as a public service announcement to fellow masters swimmers who are planning to do a workout in that pool. The bottom line? If I EVER complain about the water being too cold again, remind me of the day I nearly passed out in the water, which was today.
It was 83 degrees, a whopping 4 degrees higher than our regular pool. I swam with E and we both knew it was going to be a short 40 minutes when we were already warmed up at the first 25. KBB came to visit and thought we were nuts. You were right, KBB.
500WU
2 x 300 first one drill/swim, second pull
3 x 200 on 3:00
6 x 100 descend 1-3, 4-6 on 1:30
50 cool down (that's a hilarious statement)
Cold shower
Saw Joel and Mike upstairs and both made the smart choice to avoid the tub o' boiling water. Please, heed this warning! Use the treadmill!
It was 83 degrees, a whopping 4 degrees higher than our regular pool. I swam with E and we both knew it was going to be a short 40 minutes when we were already warmed up at the first 25. KBB came to visit and thought we were nuts. You were right, KBB.
500WU
2 x 300 first one drill/swim, second pull
3 x 200 on 3:00
6 x 100 descend 1-3, 4-6 on 1:30
50 cool down (that's a hilarious statement)
Cold shower
Saw Joel and Mike upstairs and both made the smart choice to avoid the tub o' boiling water. Please, heed this warning! Use the treadmill!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
How fortunate
Last night my fortune cookie said "you will find great contentment in the daily, routine activities". How true! I find the whole routine of swimming, from making coffee, listening to music on the drive in, seeing my friends at the pool, to getting in a good workout a very nice routine. Notice I did not say "waking up". After all these years, I still don't fully embrace getting out of bed on a cold winter morning. But we are all fortunate to swim in such a nice pool, with such a nice coach like Bill, and with amazing people each day.
I am also fortunate that my lanematers are patient and forgiving, especially after I botched the first part of the workout today!! Sorry KBB, E, SB, and M. It was a good set today, I hope I don't botch the summary too:
300WU
4 x 50 choice
6 x 75 free, free, stroke x 2
okay I forget if we did anything else here
Main set:
300 hard on 4:15
4 x 25 easy
200 IM on 3:20
2 x 25 easy
300 hard on 4:00
2 x 25 easy
200 IM on 3:10
4 x 25 easy
300 hard on 4:15
2 x 25 easy
200 IM on 3:20
2 x 25 easy
300 hard on 4:00
2 x 25 easy
200 IM on 3:10
2 x 25 easy
For some reason I saw the 4:00 and had it in my head that we were doing 400s, so at the 350 was amazed that everyone was at the wall. Then I thought we only had 2 25s and was amazed that nobody was doing the 200IM. Sorry guys! I woke up and got with the program after that. :)That was a fun set once I was actually doing the set.
No masters for any of us tomorrow and I am heading out to Seattle until next Wednesday. But have no fear! The blog will continue with a guest blogger (or maybe two) next week or even some reports from Seattle. Thanks for your suggestions for a pool, the tough part will be finding the time.
I am also fortunate that my lanematers are patient and forgiving, especially after I botched the first part of the workout today!! Sorry KBB, E, SB, and M. It was a good set today, I hope I don't botch the summary too:
300WU
4 x 50 choice
6 x 75 free, free, stroke x 2
okay I forget if we did anything else here
Main set:
300 hard on 4:15
4 x 25 easy
200 IM on 3:20
2 x 25 easy
300 hard on 4:00
2 x 25 easy
200 IM on 3:10
4 x 25 easy
300 hard on 4:15
2 x 25 easy
200 IM on 3:20
2 x 25 easy
300 hard on 4:00
2 x 25 easy
200 IM on 3:10
2 x 25 easy
For some reason I saw the 4:00 and had it in my head that we were doing 400s, so at the 350 was amazed that everyone was at the wall. Then I thought we only had 2 25s and was amazed that nobody was doing the 200IM. Sorry guys! I woke up and got with the program after that. :)That was a fun set once I was actually doing the set.
No masters for any of us tomorrow and I am heading out to Seattle until next Wednesday. But have no fear! The blog will continue with a guest blogger (or maybe two) next week or even some reports from Seattle. Thanks for your suggestions for a pool, the tough part will be finding the time.
Time Trial Part Deux
Good morning! First, a traffic advisory: if you are driving on Comm Ave heading westbound watch out for impediments in the road because MY ARMS FELL OFF right around Coolidge Corner. Thank goodness my dad taught me how to drive with my knees in high school or I never would have made it to work.
We did the 1650 time trial again, and it was tough but fun. The fun part is when it's over, btw.
300WU
10 x 50 by twos, free, breast, back, fly, choice
200 free
5 x 100 back or stroke
Broken 1650
400 fast :30 rest
200 fast :30 rest
200 fast :30 rest
200 fast :30 rest
100 fast :30 rest
100 fast :30 rest
100 fast :30 rest
100 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
We did this two weeks ago and I am happy to report we all dropped our times. Two lanes swam side by side. Final time for me 20:54, BB was 20:53 (nice sprint on that last 50!) and both of our lanes held those times too, great job R, I, KBB, P. It seemed to hurt a little more today, but that is good. I can't blog today without mentioning BB's new suit. I think most of us were somewhat speechless when he walked on deck. It takes a strong, secure man to do what you did today, BB. Just one question: was there a sale at the South Beach Speedo store?
On the news front, Dr. Bob (we missed you today) was on the news last night and looked and sounded great. Serious and sad subject, for sure, yet you did the lane proud. :)
Enjoy this sunny but chilly day everyone!
We did the 1650 time trial again, and it was tough but fun. The fun part is when it's over, btw.
300WU
10 x 50 by twos, free, breast, back, fly, choice
200 free
5 x 100 back or stroke
Broken 1650
400 fast :30 rest
200 fast :30 rest
200 fast :30 rest
200 fast :30 rest
100 fast :30 rest
100 fast :30 rest
100 fast :30 rest
100 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
50 fast :30 rest
We did this two weeks ago and I am happy to report we all dropped our times. Two lanes swam side by side. Final time for me 20:54, BB was 20:53 (nice sprint on that last 50!) and both of our lanes held those times too, great job R, I, KBB, P. It seemed to hurt a little more today, but that is good. I can't blog today without mentioning BB's new suit. I think most of us were somewhat speechless when he walked on deck. It takes a strong, secure man to do what you did today, BB. Just one question: was there a sale at the South Beach Speedo store?
On the news front, Dr. Bob (we missed you today) was on the news last night and looked and sounded great. Serious and sad subject, for sure, yet you did the lane proud. :)
Enjoy this sunny but chilly day everyone!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
3 in three on the 3rd
There is nice symmetry to that! BB, me, and E together swimmin' it old school today. BB had on his stars and stripes speedo, E did not have coffee (did we ever as kids?) and Bill wrote out the workouts by hand. Of course, just like when we were kids we all trudged through the snow 10 miles to get to the pool. Some things never change! Great workout today, here we go:
300WU
6 x 50 on :55
100 IM on 1:50
200 free on 3:00
100 IM on 1:50
200 free on 3:00
100 IM on 1:50
6 x 200 on 3:00 we pulled evens
5 x 200IM on 3:35
75 fast on 1:05
3 x 25 easy
50 fast on :40
2 x 25 easy
25 hard on :20
25 easy
That's 3800 - nice! It pays to get in the water early. Special shout out to Lane 4 as they had a full lane today and looked strong.
Oh, on the job front, BB left his job in the fashion industry. Apparently Calvin Klein did NOT like his sparkly gold mankini design and strongly recommended that he seek opportunities in the Maritime industry.
It's a special day because my brother Bob O'Dair turns 40 today. Happy B-Day, Bobby O!
300WU
6 x 50 on :55
100 IM on 1:50
200 free on 3:00
100 IM on 1:50
200 free on 3:00
100 IM on 1:50
6 x 200 on 3:00 we pulled evens
5 x 200IM on 3:35
75 fast on 1:05
3 x 25 easy
50 fast on :40
2 x 25 easy
25 hard on :20
25 easy
That's 3800 - nice! It pays to get in the water early. Special shout out to Lane 4 as they had a full lane today and looked strong.
Oh, on the job front, BB left his job in the fashion industry. Apparently Calvin Klein did NOT like his sparkly gold mankini design and strongly recommended that he seek opportunities in the Maritime industry.
It's a special day because my brother Bob O'Dair turns 40 today. Happy B-Day, Bobby O!
Monday, March 2, 2009
In Like a Lion
Welcome to March! Big snowstorm today, and apparently 3 hearty swimmers made it to masters. I was not one of them. Bill, you really do deliver, in rain, snow, sleet, hail! All I know is that they did "3200 yards". That is because C made it and has already reminded me four times today that I did not. Anyway, I believe the word sanctimonious works well here. I hope to make it to noon practice, if not, will post the workout for you swim-starved blog readers.
Don't forget to bend those knees when you shovel!
UPDATE - Here is today's workout, courtesy Bill:
400 warm up
8 x 50
going: 25 drill -- 25 swim
1 x 600 long pull
3 (4 x 100's)
going
first 3 x 100 are wicked fast descend, last 100 is wicked ez
9 x 50's
25 fly - 25 baCK
25 BACK - 25 BREAST
25 BREAST - 25 FREE
Don't forget to bend those knees when you shovel!
UPDATE - Here is today's workout, courtesy Bill:
400 warm up
8 x 50
going: 25 drill -- 25 swim
1 x 600 long pull
3 (4 x 100's)
going
first 3 x 100 are wicked fast descend, last 100 is wicked ez
9 x 50's
25 fly - 25 baCK
25 BACK - 25 BREAST
25 BREAST - 25 FREE
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