April 2008
FINA
I had a few people ask what "FINA" stands for. FINA is the governing body of swimming, it means "Fédération Internationale de Natation". You can find world rankings on their site: http://www.fina.org. My current rankings are:
50m Back LCM: 95th in the world (26.75)
100m Back LCM: 107th in the world (57.00)
50m Back SCM: 64th in the world (25.15)
In the News
I want to thank some news sources for mentioning my swimming:
No rest for the meet this weekend
Jones Natatorium Panoramic Pictures
I took a few cool pictures at the Jones pool yesterday before practicing, they are posted in the pictures section of the site
That meet was incredible!
I volunteered at the disability meet today. I was both proud and amazed to be part of this experience! I've watched and participated in countless meets in my life, but not a single one was as inspiring or smile inducing. These athletes are incredible. I didn't know what to expect going into it, I was sure I'd see some great swims considering their conditions, but this was just awe inspiring! I saw athletes without limbs just absolutely HAULING through the water, great stroke form and really good times!
Long Course Disability Meet
I'm headed to go watch and hopefully volunteer at the Long Course Disability meet today at EMU. I'll practice after the meet is over. I posted a new video of some practice starts. I've been experimenting with a new type of backstroke start, I haven't decided if this new start is faster or more efficient. I've been using the video at half speed and quarter speed to analyze it. The full speed (hold on to your hats) and the half speed versions are posted
EMU Long Course Meet is a GO
I received an email back from the Meet Director of a LCM meet hosted by Bulldog Aquatic Club at EMU on May 3-4th. He let me know there is still room in the meet. I'm unofficially entered in the 50 free, 100 back, and 200 back. I'm excited to swim my first LCM Eastern Meet. The best part is that my little cousin Derik will be swimming at the meet as well since it's primarily an age group meet.
Today I practiced with Eastern, that was a good change of pace, thanks to Coach Linn for welcoming me at his practice. More later.
My Coach
I swam late last night. I was running late and only had 45 minutes to swim before they turned off the lights at 9pm in the natatorium. I really wanted to get in 3,000 meters which I normally take over an hour to swim. I decided to do 6 x 500's on the 7.5 minute backstroke. I don't normally do distances that long during a set, but wanted to reach my 3,000 meter mark to stay on track with my training. They only reason I'm writing this is because it was during this set that I realized I have the ideal coach for my situation.
EMU Long Course Meet?
Thanks to my supporters!
I want to thank a few more supporters this weekend, Thanks to Krista, My Uncle Rick, Cousin Chelsea, and my friends Kim and Meredith for coming to the meet. Thank you for your support! Also, thank you to everybody who has sent me messages through the website, I really enjoy reading your feedback :)
No day off
2008 Michigan Masters State Meet (Day 2)
Day 2 of the Michigan Masters State Meet went great. All swims were the fastest I've been since college. Videos are encoding now, they will automatically show up on the video page.
Morning Session:
2008 Michigan Masters State Meet (Day 1)
Today I competed in the 2008 Michigan Masters State Meet Day 1.
Morning Session:
50 Back
I just got the heads up that Matthew Marshall broke my 50 back SCY National Record today at 23.03 (I was a 23.06).
It will be mine again... oh yes... it will be mine.
Michigan Masters Article
michiganmasters.com wrote the following article on their website. Thank you to Michigan Masters webmaster for writing it!
Splits
Masters American Record!
Time Trial 50 Back
Olympic Trial Cut!
Link to Ohio State Grand Prix
This weekend is the Grand Prix. Here is the link to the Ohio State Grand Prix site:
http://www.recsports.osu.edu/aquatics_events.asp
The site features live results and the whole shebang.