July 2008

strict warning: Declaration of views_plugin_style_default::options() should be compatible with views_object::options() in /home/kevindoa/public_html/sites/all/modules/views/plugins/views_plugin_style_default.inc on line 24.
Jul
31

Taking the night off!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 7:50pm (July 31st, 2008)
I had planned on watching the final session tonight but the combination of my hotel being 20 minutes from the pool, dealing with heavy construction areas, and the fact that I don't know anybody swimming this evening, I've decided to enjoy tonight away from everything. I have my video encoding from the 50 Free LCM time trial right now and should be available on the video page shortly.

About my 50 Free LCM:

- I had a decent start
- I had good speed for the first 25meters
- I breathed 3 times, I'm trying to get that down to 1 time.
Jul
31

50 Free LCM Time trial results

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 6:08pm (July 31st, 2008)
24.60

One of my slowest times for the event. I feel ok about it, I had no expectations for my performance. I was catching water but just felt like I was in slow motion! Oh well, time for some FOOD!

Jul
31

Time trials dragging on...

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 5:50pm (July 31st, 2008)
It seems like they are taking forever.
Some things I've noticed about this facility:

1. The floorplan and structure are almost exactly like the new pool at Ohio State.
2. The pool itself reminds me a lot of IUPUI in Indianapolis.
3. They have a running tally of event rankings like Ohio State, this makes it easy to keep track of who makes it back to finals.
4. I notice a lot of the same Referees as the Olympic Trials. I actually met one of them named Jayne, she volunteered at trials.
5. They have all the "all american" certificates on the wall.

Time to swim!

Jul
31

Registered for 50 Free time trial

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 4:31pm (July 31st, 2008)
The time trials begin in about 30 minutes, I swim in about an hour. It was a good prelims session. I got to see my friend Zach Wood swim the 400 free, he did well but I didn't get to see if he made it back tonight for the final session (top 24). I got some good action shots of him swimming though!

I'll be interested to see how I swim today and tomorrow. Because of work conflicts I haven't had a chance to swim on Tuesday or Wednesday. We'll just call it a mini-taper. I'm going to wear a Speedo FS2 full body suit (previous generation speedo) for the time trial.

Jul
31

Tornado... Again

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 2:54pm (July 31st, 2008)
Well, like clockwork while I'm at an out of state meet, there is a tornado warning in the Minneapolis area. I'm on my way to the pool now and if I don't get sucked up by the tornado first I'll swim a 50 free time trial after prelims. I'm excited!
Jul
31

In Minneapolis safe and sound!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 4:53am (July 31st, 2008)
After a fantastic road trip I arrived safe and sound in Minneapolis. I got checked in to my hotel and I'm excited to report I have a glorious view of the Fuddruckers next door! I'll wake up and warmup before the prelims session begins at 9:00am (Central time). I'm planning on doing a 50 Free time trial tomorrow after the preliminary session. I have the 100 Backstroke on Friday morning for prelims. I got ahold of my cousin Chris who lives in the area and I hope to meet up with him while I'm here.
Jul
29

People are so nice!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 10:48pm (July 29th, 2008)
I've had a few calls or emails wishing me luck for the U.S. Open and I appreciate the support my friends and family show me! I hope I swim well this weekend, however, I'm simply going to visit some friends and experience my first U.S. Open meet. I'm excited to understand what this meet is all about so I can arrive very prepared next year and be ready to compete at the highest level. I'll swim this evening and probably tomorrow morning before leaving on a full day road trip to MN. I feel like these meets are such great adventures.
Jul
29

Gearing up for the U.S. Open

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 4:30am (July 29th, 2008)
I was over at Fuller Pool today swimming and EMU yesterday. I've been working hard in the pool before I leave for the U.S. Open. I'll be driving out to Minneapolis to the meet, take a day to prepare for my 100 back and then swim on Friday. I'm excited to be part of my first U.S. Open Championship! I have to admit it's a little anticlimactic after the Olympic Trials but I'm sure it will be a very competitive meet overall. With most of the pressure off of the event, I'll have time to meet people and make more swimming connections.
Jul
25

New Photo Gallery

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 2:42pm (July 25th, 2008)
It took me a while, but I found a photo gallery format I like, I'll be adding pictures to this gallery over the next few days as well as tweaking the layout:

http://kevindoak.com/pictures.php
Jul
24

Kevin to the rescue!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 7:35pm (July 24th, 2008)
I got a call from my friend Sarah who coaches Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor this morning telling me they were one person short for their coaches relay in Milan. Luckily I could break away from work for a bit to come to the rescue. (I make it sound urgent, chances are they would have just asked somebody else!)
Jul
23

U.S. Open Psych Sheet Released

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 11:19pm (July 23rd, 2008)
The U.S. Open is about a week away. The meet is in Minneapolis, MN. I've recently been describing the competition as: "the Olympic Trials, minus the Olympians". Looking at the Psych Sheet I would revise this statement as: "the Olympic Trials minus the Olympians and the swimmers who need a break". Each event has 40-80 swimmers compared to 60-120 in the Olympic Trials. This meet is obviously missing the swimmers who made the Olympic Team, so looking at the #1 seeded times looks like we're missing a few superstars. Click below to view the Psych Sheet in PDF form
Jul
23

Dearborn Pool Virtual Tour

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 4:42am (July 23rd, 2008)
I had a nice practice outdoors today at Fuller Pool. I practiced with Sarah Volpe and saw my friend Julie Kern as well, it was a great day to swim and soak up some rays!

Here is a link to the virtual tour of the Dearborn Pool from this weekends masters meet:

Dearborn Pool Virtual Tour

Thanks again to everybody who made it a great meet!
Jul
22

Thank

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 4:05am (July 22nd, 2008)
Ralph Davis
Taylor Haskins

Claire Letendre
Kelli Stein
Sarah Volpe
Jul
22

Enjoying the relaxed workout pace

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 3:47am (July 22nd, 2008)
I had a very full day of work and it I was relieved to have a relaxed workout pace. I took a nap after working, hopped in the car, drove to the pool which I park about a 1/2 mile away from, quickly stretched and sprinted to the pool. I did some weights (mostly arms), did a warmup swim and did a solid kick set mixing up free/fly kick 100's LCM on the 2:00. I warmed down and walked back to my car while enjoying the great sunset. I decided to get a potbelly sandwich and spend some time reading at Borders.
Jul
20

Great day, great meet!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 8:08pm (July 20th, 2008)
I just returned from the Dearborn meet, it turned out to be a beautiful day after some slight showers during warmup. I had a few solid performances, but I was there to have fun and be social. It was great to see everyone! Below are a few of my times (from what I can remember). These are approximated because the meet was a "time your own meet" style and my official times will be an average of three hand times.

50 Back LCM: 27.5
50 Fly LCM: 25.8
50 Corkscrew LCM: 28.9 (I've always wanted to try this!)
100 Free: 55.7
50 Free: 24.4
Jul
20

Weather is ok, meet probably on!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 12:50pm (July 20th, 2008)
I'm driving to Dearborn for the meet, hope I can swim!
Jul
20

Dearborn Pool Directions

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 5:59am (July 20th, 2008)
Here is a map to the pool:



View Larger Map
Jul
20

Not looking good for meet

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 5:05am (July 20th, 2008)
Its midnight and raining pretty hard in Ann Arbor. Weather report says possible thunderstorms in dearborn tomorrow morning. I was really hoping to swim this meet and see some friends. I'll wake up and check the weather but at this point an outdoor meet seems unlikely :(

If the Dearborn meet doesn't happen I might do a quick 100 Free LCM time trial at EMU if they let me in.

Jul
18

New friends

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 8:09pm (July 18th, 2008)
I met some swimmers at Fuller Pool today, Kent, a former Individual Medley swimmer from U of M who graduated in 1994 swam under Jon Urbanchek. Also a triathlete training for the Hawaii Ironman named Anthony. Anthony has done some masters meets in the past. I think they would both be great masters swimmers, hopefully I can convince them to swim a meet sometime soon!
Jul
17

U of M buddies

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 8:29pm (July 17th, 2008)
I carved out some time in my day today to swim outdoors at Fuller Pool. I ran into some University of Michigan swimmers Emily Brunemann and Kelli Stein. I met Emily at the Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational, she swam the 200, 400 and 800 Free at the Olympic Trials. Kelli Stein used to be the Assistant Coach for EMU, I recruited her for the Masters State Meet in 2007. It's only a matter of time till I convince her it's in her best interest to attend another one (or else). Kelli also swam in the 2000 Olympic Trials in the 100 and 200 Breaststroke and did very well.
Jul
17

Muscles sore and Kevin slow

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 6:19am (July 17th, 2008)
Dryland training, swimming each day, lots of work plus some weights tonight rendered me close to useless in the pool. I've started running to swim practice again when I'm not in work clothes, it's a good cross training exercise and a great warmup for the pool. I'm looking forward to the masters meet this weekend in Dearborn for the social aspect but I don't expect to swim very fast. It's been a while since I've gotten to see some of my masters friends so it will be nice to catch up :)
Jul
17

Olympic Team News

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 12:10am (July 17th, 2008)
The Olympic Team has had some interesting news lately, if you follow swimming, I'm sure you've heard most of this already:

Eric Shanteau - Placed 2nd in the 200 Breaststroke was diagnosed with testicular cancer a week prior to the trials, is postponing treatment till after the Beijing Olympics. Article Here
Jul
16

Jones Nat

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 4:06am (July 16th, 2008)
I had a good practice at Jones Natatorium today and ran into Derick Roe and some of the Club Wolverine guys. I did some fast underwater work with 15 meter breakouts which was a recommendation from my friend and former EMU swimmer John Bartlet. The rest of my practice was filled with some aerobic kicking and fast kicking. I have the Dearborn Masters Meet this Sunday!
Jul
15

Fuller and Szopo

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 4:23am (July 15th, 2008)
It was a great day outside which made my swim at Fuller more enjoyable but less intense. I find that it's hard for me to get a great workout at the outdoor pool. It offers great scenery especially on days like this when I can stare up at the clouds and enjoy the sun but good weather also brings lots of people. I find there are plenty of distracting swimmers. Don't get me wrong, they have every right to be there, but they might benefit from a lesson on circle swimming.
Jul
13

Taking the weekend off swimming

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 6:12pm (July 13th, 2008)
Since I haven't been near a pool yesterday and today, I had to take the weekend off swimming. I've done dryland and body weight exercises both days to ensure I'm getting a moderate workout. It's always interesting to me how much of a workout you can get with absolutely no weights or machines. I do stretching, pushups, abdominal work and balance exercises. Back in the pool tomorrow!
Jul
11

Outdoor swimming and goggle tan

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 3:30am (July 11th, 2008)
I swam at Fuller today, it was a solid 3,200 long course meters. It was just enough backstroke to get some fairly solid raccoon eyes, also known as "goggle tan". I did about 1,500 meters intense kicking. I'm going to stay on my kicking regiment, I think I can really improve here. I've decided to swim the 100 free at the Masters meet next weekend. I've been meaning to get a time in the event. This will be a good, low pressure opportunity to benchmark the event. I think I'll do the following events:

50 Free
50 Fly
50 Back
100 Free
Jul
10

Updated Olympic Trials Page!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 5:13pm (July 10th, 2008)
I updated the Olympic Trials page with some media and reflection info:

Olympic Trials Page
Jul
10

2008 Olympic Trials Stats

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 4:16pm (July 10th, 2008)
I've recieved two emails from the Trials Admins with PDF attachments of statistics collected during the 2008 Olympic Trials. The information is very interesting if you're in to that sort of thing. It lists split times for all events, percentages of improvement from seed times, stroke rates... all sorts of goodies! It also includes all the records broken during the trials and the last few months around the world.

I've posted them all on the "Olympic Trials" page here
Jul
10

Network with swimming resources

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 4:43am (July 10th, 2008)
I had a great talk with a friend Julie Kern, a former U of M swimmer who now swims masters. We spoke about the trials and how I can move forward with my training. As it turns out, she knew my friend Keith Falk very well from high school. Keith was on the team at EMU when he passed away in a car accident 6 years ago. It was really nice to reflect on the times we spent with Keith. I think of him often, I enjoy visiting his family whenever I'm in Livonia. I think he would be proud that I'm still swimming, he always called me "Coach Doak" with a big smile.
Jul
9

No more deadline!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 3:54am (July 9th, 2008)
I'm happy to have the time to try some new things in the pool. For the last few years I've been feeling the pressure of the 2008 trials deadline. It was a slow ramp up in yardage and intensity in my workouts. I feel relieved to have it over with and have the freedom to try some new workouts. I have to tell you, I'm the most excited about being able to rollerblade again! It was something I haven't done for quite some time for fear of injuring myself. Now I don't have to worry about it so much.
Jul
8

Exciting News! Kara Lynn Joyce is going to Beijing!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 4:42am (July 8th, 2008)
It was up in the air for a minute there, the details haven't been released yet, but Kara Lynn Joyce is on the Olympic Team for her 7th place finish in the 100 Freestyle. The Article is here:

Kara Article

Congrats Kara Lynn!
Jul
7

New calendar layout!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 10:44pm (July 7th, 2008)
I redesigned the Calendar Page with a new layout including meet icons to spice it up. I'll be adding more meets as soon as I calm down from trials. I'm excited for the U.S. Open, it should be a very fast meet. The cuts are about 2 tenths slower than the Olympic Trial cuts so I would assume it will be like the Olympic Trials minus the new Olympians.
Jul
7

Lots of site updates in the works

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 7:45pm (July 7th, 2008)
I'm enjoying working on the site in my spare time, keep your eye out for more updates. I've completed adding all the old blog posts to the new blog system. They are all archived on the left hand pane for easy navigation.

I'll be in the pool later today
Jul
7

Old blog entries added

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 12:42pm (July 7th, 2008)
Just a few site updates, I've added half of the old blog posts to the new blog system. More updates on the way...
Jul
7

LZR Racer Team USA Suit

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 12:49am (July 7th, 2008)
I'm sure many people have seen the suit the Olympic Team will be wearing, but just in case you haven't, a video of the suit is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Uj5QKJk5k

I just watched the video and there is a very short clip of the Santa Clara Meet at the end, it just made me smile that I was part of a meet that served as a commercial for Speedo!
Jul
6

Site Under Construction

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 9:48pm (July 6th, 2008)
I've changed each page while I implement new features of the site and create more interactive content over the next few days. You may need to update you links, sorry for any inconvenience. Now go enjoy this beautiful day!
Jul
6

Workouts that work with life

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 3:32pm (July 6th, 2008)
For the last few years I've been trying to figure out ways to get good weight and dryland workouts while maintaining my work and lifestyle. Because of the nature of swimming, I've determined I need to be in the water most every day to keep a "feel for the water". The pool time portion of my workout regiment can't be reduced or eliminated. Although, I have found that other portions of my workout I can simply do at home. Here are the ingredients of my home gym:

Weights: A handweight set that range from 5-50 lbs.
Jul
5

First practice back in Michigan

Posted by Kevin Doak on Saturday at: 9:10pm (July 5th, 2008)
It feels good to be back! I had my first practice back at EMU today. I had planned on doing weights but work got in the way, I did some dryland to make up for it. I will do weights tomorrow instead.

I've been thinking of my next goal. I'm excited to think that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to do. For the next month in practice, I will do a typical warm up and then do nothing but kick sets. I feel my kick is very poor and I finally have time to experiment with some new workouts I've been thinking of.
Jul
5

Excited to start training again!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Saturday at: 5:49am (July 5th, 2008)
It was so tough to take a day off but I knew I needed it! I still feel so proud to have been part of such an unbelievable meet. It almost doesn't seem real.
Jul
4

Sooo Close!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 9:17pm (July 4th, 2008)
Two heartbreakers happened this morning... I had two friends miss the semifinals or finals by one place!

Emily Brunenmann got 9th in the 800 free prelims and is first alternate in the Finals.
Derick Roe is 17th in the 50 free and is first alternate in the Semifinals.
Jul
4

Great Trip, taking the day off swimming!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 1:57pm (July 4th, 2008)
I'm back in Michigan after perhaps my best trip ever! The week was filled with many new experiences I'll remember forever. I was supported by my family, old friends, new friends, former teachers and mentors, fellow masters swimmers and people I met at the meet.

These are all my thoughts from this week. It won't make much organizational sense:

Jul
3

Yet again, a record breaking evening!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 2:01am (July 3rd, 2008)
I just watched another American Record fall as three women were under world record pace for 150 meters of the womens 200 IM. It was a heck of a session! I'm so glad I'm out here, its quite an experience!
Jul
2

A good swim, not a great swim

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 9:16pm (July 2nd, 2008)
I had a decent time trial 50 free at 23.94. I had hoped to drop time but it just wasn't in me today. I just barely slipped on the start which could have been the .18 second difference between this swim and my last performance of 23.76.

Overall I'm ok with my swim. It was a good learning experience. I know I need to bring a small towell to dry off the block before all important races. I really need to do some test starts, both freestyle and backstroke during most practices. This week has left my back muscles sore from all the practice starts I've done to warm up for my races.

Jul
2

Ready to Time Trial the 50 Free

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 7:53pm (July 2nd, 2008)
There are lots of time trials to get through, I'll probably swim around 3:15pm eastern time. I feel ok, not great, but its a 50 free, I should be able to bust out a decent time no matter what. We shall see.

It was kind of refreshing to take a day off and just be a spectator. I enjoyed feeling disconnected for a short while. I'm ready to swim again and enjoy this facility without the pressure of being within an official event.

Jul
2

Race Analysis for my 100 Backstroke

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 5:50am (July 2nd, 2008)
USA Swimming offers "Race Analysis" for all races performed at the trials. I got a copy of the analysis of my 100 Backstroke:

Jul
2

Registered for 50 free time trial Wednesday

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 5:28am (July 2nd, 2008)
Unfortunately my family can't stick around to watch due to weather concerns, but I will be competing in the 50 Free time trial after the Preliminary session Wednesday. I'm hoping for a lifetime best and U.S. Open cut of 23.59 or better. My personal best is a 23.76. I plan on attending the U.S. Open one month from now in Minneapolis, MN. I will be competing sometime around 2pm. I will post results and videos tomorrow. Today was an exciting final session, I feel lucky to be a part of such a fast meet!
Jul
2

World Record Mens 100 Back!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 1:41am (July 2nd, 2008)
Aaron Piersol just broke the 100 back world record with a 52.89! I'm glad Grievers made the team while taking 2nd place, but unfortunately Randall Bal got 4th again just like 2004 trials.
Jul
2

World Record! Womens 100 Back!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 1:21am (July 2nd, 2008)
I just watched Natalie Coughlin break her own world record and become the first woman in the history of swimming under 59 seconds. It was a great moment, the entire house was on their feet!
Jul
1

No Time Trial today

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 8:07pm (July 1st, 2008)
There were too many swimmers entered by the time I got there so I have to do my time trial tomorrow. I was a little upset at first because my family will miss it now, but it gives me more rest to perform my best! This evenings session will be very exciting!
Jul
1

186 Site Visitors in one day! 50 Free time trial today!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 3:08pm (July 1st, 2008)
Over 400 individual hits, and 186 individual users hit the site on June 30th 2008, by far the highest number since the site launched in early 2008 :)

Not that it's all about numbers, I'm just a geek like that. I appreciate the people who have taken an interest in my swimming. Everybody from the "die hard fans" like many of my family members, all the way to the people in my graduating class that heard about the site yesterday.
Jul
1

Video is posted!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 3:48am (July 1st, 2008)
I posted my video from today, click www.kevindoak.com/videos.html. Thanks for watching!
Jul
1

Thank you everybody!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 3:36am (July 1st, 2008)
I've had such a great adventure and the nicest emails and messages, thank you to everybody who supported me, it's been an amazing ride! I will time trial the 50 free tomorrow after the preliminary session, most likely sometime around 4pm Eastern time. I'm excited to get some more times while I'm tapered and ready to swim. I typically have better swims after I get my first swim over with. I will probably time trial the 100 backstroke later in the week as well.
Jul
1

Randall Bal 53.09!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 1:51am (July 1st, 2008)
This will be an amazing final heat! There are seven men under 54 seconds. This will be an incredible event. Randall Bal just almost broke the world record in the 100 back with a 53.09, the record is a 52.98. With as many guys at 53 low, I believe this record will drop tomorrow night! This has been a great session so far!