July 2009

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Jul
31

1:07 practice 100 IM

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 12:55am (July 31st, 2009)
I had a chance to practice with the Ann Arbor Masters this evening at Fuller Pool. We did a 4,000 meter practice with Coach Rodolfo Palma at the helm. It was an IM workout and I'm proud to say I did quite well. My butterfly is feeling great, I'm really excited for my 50 Fly at nationals. I'm really wishing I could also swim a 100 Fly, I may try to time trial it. I finished up practice with a 100 IM from a push and touched in a 1:07 (or lower, not sure).
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Jul
29

26.2 Gunstart 50m Fly and Tech Suit News

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 8:48am (July 29th, 2009)
As I reached the end of my 3,800 meter practice, the last set was:

6 x [50 pace + 50 easy]
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Jul
28

Tech Suit Drama!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 11:31pm (July 28th, 2009)
There's so much news out there right now about these swim suits it's crazy. Here is the cliff notes version:
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Jul
27

No 200 Back at Nationals

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 5:04pm (July 27th, 2009)
I listed the 200 Backstroke as my "6th Event" at nationals in hopes that they would have room for the extra event. After looking at the Psych Sheet, I'm not entered in the 200 Back. I'm more disappointed than I thought I would be. I usually fear that race but with all my training, I feel confident I could achieve a lifetime best in the race.

Psych Sheets Available here:
http://www.usms.org/comp/lcnats09/heats/

All my other entries look good:
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Jul
26

Feeling 1,000 times better

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 2:13am (July 26th, 2009)
After a nap and LOTS of food, I was feeling much better. I headed to the local outdoor Fuller Pool to finish up my 4,700 meter workout I began this morning at U of M. I'm really glad I sent myself home earlier. Somehow I think my body was just low on nutrients. I made the right decision to leave and refuel.

I felt fantastic later in the day, I swam a great 3,500 meters. This workout, combined with my 1,200 this morning topped off my planned 4,700 meter practice.
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Jul
25

Can't explain this practice

Posted by Kevin Doak on Saturday at: 1:10pm (July 25th, 2009)
This mornings practice was at U of M. I got up early, drank some OJ, ate a banana and downed some water on the way to practice. I didn't feel great before I dove in but I figured it was because it was just so early. During warmup I started feeling dizzy and shakey. My vision was a little questionable as well, I was seeing sunspots like I had been looking at the sun for a few seconds, but these wouldn't go away. I did 1200 meters and took a break at the wall. I decided to drink some water while I reflected on my situation.
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Jul
24

Gearing up for USMS Long Course Nationals

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 1:51pm (July 24th, 2009)
I've recently lowered my maximum practice distance from 7,000 gradually to 5,000 meters a day. I felt I was getting a little too worn down. I notice we're swimming a little more burst speed work in practice lately now that everybody in the water is tapering for their early August meets.

The other day we did a broken 200 (50+50+100) and I started off really well but that last 100 meters finished me off. I split a :28.2 and a :30.0. My last 100 was a 1:14... ouch.
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Jul
22

Finally Proud of a Practice!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 2:33am (July 22nd, 2009)
After a run (in the new sneaks), I arrived at practice a little late and did a quick warmup. I'm proud to say I had a great practice! It doesn't happen very often but I'm proud of my times today. We swam the following main set:

4 Rounds of:

4 x (50 easy + 50 Fast)

Round 1 and 3 was descend fast 50's
Round 2 and 4 was hold great 200 pace
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Jul
20

CW Summer Invite Videos Posted

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 6:16pm (July 20th, 2009)
Available on the Video's Page!

Thank you to Dan for videoing on short notice. Due to a registration error, I was placed in the early heats with the little kids. Thankfully it makes it seem like I'm totally dominating the competition. I highly recommend this procedure if you ever need an self esteem boost :)
Jul
19

Happy with my times!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 4:43pm (July 19th, 2009)
For being tired, wearing a brief suit and no cap.. I'm really happy with my times. I set a mental goal of 25.00 in the 50 Free and 1:01.00 in the 100 Fly.

I had a solid 50 free, my turnover did suffer the last 10 meters but I held it together and touched in a 24.88. Not a groundbreaking time but I achieved my goal, and it was better than last week at World Champ Trials.
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Jul
19

99.9% Toddlers

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 2:25pm (July 19th, 2009)
As expected, this meet is comprised of all kids. There are few high schoolers, one college swimmer and two Masters swimmers (including myself). The college swimmer is Chris, swims for buffalo and I've trained with him for the last week or so at EMU. The other Masters swimmer is Derek Weaver, a fellow backstroker swimming the 200 Back today.

Because of a registration error I'm in the first heats of both my events but that should equate to very smooth water which will really help out my butterfly!

First up is my 50 Free.

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Jul
19

50 Free... Here I Come

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 1:06pm (July 19th, 2009)
I'm up and out the door for this meet at EMU. To be honest I'm not even sure what its called. Its a club wolverine meet and because of its timing there's a chance it could be all little kids.

I'm exhausted and physically tired from some work yesterday. A short night of sleep topped off my through preparation for this meet!

I only have 3 hours to be at this meet because of other plans later today so I'm praying that schedule will save me from the 100 Fly!

50 free is up first, about to arrive at the pool!

Jul
19

Meet Today!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 6:11am (July 19th, 2009)
Turns out I signed up for a Club Wolverine meet last month and forgot about it till yesterday. I took Saturday off swimming and ended up doing quite a bit of manual labor instead. I'm gonna wake up in 6 hours to warm up for my only 2 events I could swim on Sunday at EMU:

50 Free LCM
100 Fly LCM
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Jul
15

Rollerblading Peer Pressure

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 4:21am (July 15th, 2009)
I caved in to some athletic peer pressure and went rollerblading for a quick 6 mile loop. Unfortunately I got delayed with some work and never made it to swim practice but I could tell my body needed a day off.

My legs are very sore from running only a few miles. I have a long way to go before my annual 5k run in mid September!
Jul
14

New Scoots!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 12:30am (July 14th, 2009)
Scoots...
Jumps...
Kicks...
Athletic Footwear...

Whatever you like to call them. I got some new shoes. Somehow I can't justify spending any reasonable amount of money on shoes. I don't really enjoy running so I'm sure that's part of it. I got these little beauties at Kohls for $31.99 on clearance... sure makes me sound cheap!
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Jul
13

Great Weekend to Be Outside!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 4:32am (July 13th, 2009)
On Saturday I worked around a busy schedule to spend an hour in the outdoor Fuller Pool. Although I only got 3,000 meters in (due to socializing with old friends), I felt it was important to keep my feel for the water rather than taking the weekend off.
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Jul
11

World Champ Trials Videos

Posted by Kevin Doak on Saturday at: 3:51pm (July 11th, 2009)
Below are three videos from the 2009 World Champ Trials.

First, my 100 Backstroke, the only event I actually competed in (Time: 59.65):

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q25UxPrDvUw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

Next, my 50 Free time trial (Time: 25.00):

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq6x3_I3SgY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

Then, just a quick deck video as I was walking into the Natatorium:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_joK07v-D3E&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]
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Jul
11

World Champ Trials News Story

Posted by Kevin Doak on Saturday at: 2:59pm (July 11th, 2009)
Just thought this was cool:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl80bdE9BVc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]
Jul
10

49th in the Nation!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 6:04pm (July 10th, 2009)
As the U.S. World Champ Trials continues in Indianapolis, it's still sinking in that I was a part of it. My feelings about the meet have changed for the better over the last few days.

A few minutes ago I remembered that this meet was also the U.S. Nationals. This means that 52 backstrokers in the United States of America qualified for the meet and chose to attend. I placed 49th out of 52, and while that doesn't sound all that impressive, it means I'm ranked as the 49th fastest backstroker in the country without resting, shaving or tapering. I'm proud of that.
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Jul
10

Knowing When to Go Home

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 12:02am (July 10th, 2009)
Today I sent myself home early from practice. I'm entirely drained physically. I have a feeling it's a combination of:
  • Stress from the high profile meet
  • A few days of being on my feet walking around taking pictures for friends
  • 2 physically straining races
  • Not sleeping in my own bed
  • 10 hours of travel
  • Many of hours of work during the meet
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Jul
9

Feeling Much Better!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 8:08pm (July 9th, 2009)
I was just reflecting on what I did to prepare for World Champ Trials. My "rest" didn't really amount to more than a day or so. Basically I took it easy for 2 days and then tried for a lifetime best in a 100 meter backstroke.

When I realized that I pretty much went a 59.65 in a glorified practice I was suddenly impressed! Leave it to me to somehow twist a situation into something positive...

So to recap, I don't think 59.65 is too shabby at all!

After a night off I'm headed back to practice at EMU today to take what I've learned about competing and apply it to my training.

Jul
9

Home and Happy!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 12:50am (July 9th, 2009)
I'm back home and happy to have competed this week! I really wish I would have performed better but I knew going into this that I wasn't tapered and shouldn't expect much. I was really hard on myself for swimming a 100 backstroke in 59.65 seconds, only to come back and swim a 50 free in 25.00. Looking back, I shouldn't beat myself up for it.
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Jul
9

Aaron Piersol Smashes 100 Back World Record!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 12:28am (July 9th, 2009)
Aaron Piersol, the former world record holder in the event lost his world record a week ago to Spain's Aschwin Wildeboer Faber. Piersol was 52.54, Wildeboer broke it with a 52.38 and then Piersol came back tonight with a 51.94!

It's been an amazing few years for all the events, since the introduction of the tech suits, almost every single world record has been broken.
Jul
8

This is what I get for not tapering!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 5:19pm (July 8th, 2009)
50 Free: 25.00

That's REEEALLY slow! My best is a 23.69. The worst part about this meet is that I feel pretty good! I'm just swimming slow and its embarrassing! I'm gonna warm down and get some food.

Jul
8

50 Free Time Trial Next

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 4:31pm (July 8th, 2009)
I have the 50 free coming up in 20 mins. My legs are just gone. I have no excuse for my poor performance in the 100 backstroke. All I can say is that my legs failed me. My start was good, my arms were good, my body rotation was good but watching the video, I barely made it 65 meters before my legs failed. Once I couldn't kick I also couldn't rotate my body and my armstroke suffered.

I'm hoping for a decent 50 free but at this point I've set the bar pretty low, as long as I finish it alive I'll be ecstatic.

My legs are still tired and feel exhausted after only one hard race.

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Jul
8

I've got A LOT of work to do

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 3:26pm (July 8th, 2009)
That swim embarrassed me.

I was out in a 27.81 and I was holding back a little for the last 50 meters. I brought it home in a 32.84. Its difficult for me to grasp how absolutely horrible that time is for me. I finished in a 59.65 which is 2.65 seconds off my best.

My legs entirely failed me. I had NOTHING left in my legs at the 75 meter mark. I couldn't even feel them. I even thought about just not moving them anymore since they were probably slowing me down. I'm scared to watch the video.

On the other hand the rest of my race felt pretty good! My start was awesome!

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Jul
8

Ready to Go!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 2:26pm (July 8th, 2009)
I just had a nice conversation with Randall Bal, he's one of the fastest backstrokers in the world. He's actually a really cool, down to earth guy! We talked about being "old" swimmers (he's a few months older than me) and balancing life with swimming among other sport related conversation.

My event is about 20 minutes away, I'm in heat 4 lane 2. I'm nervous but excited! My heat has a nice balance of 56 high to 57 low swimmers. I will have some good competition!

Jul
8

Warmed up!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 1:57pm (July 8th, 2009)
I'm warmed up and ready to swim! My start feels really good and it seems like it will work on these Omega pads.

I feel nervous and I'm a little shakey, I didn't get to eat much this morning due to getting up a little late. I'm 99% sure I'm the only person not wearing a full body tech suit. There was ONE guy yesterday in LZR legs. I feel empowered and inferior for it all at the same time. I'm ok with it.

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Jul
8

Amazing Night!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 3:13am (July 8th, 2009)
This is a really cool city! I always have a great time in Indianapolis!

Tonight I saw a few American Records fall and I got to catch up with a lot of nice people from the swimming community. I had a good conversation with my friend Kara Lynn Joyce and also got to meet Olympian Cullen Jones. Cullen seems like a really nice, down to earth guy. I'm really impressed with what he's doing with minority swim programs.

As far as my swimming goes, nothing really went to plan tonight but that's ok.

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Jul
8

American Records Fall!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Wednesday at: 12:26am (July 8th, 2009)
I've watched American Records fall 3 times already! The Womens 200 IM, the Mens 400 Free, and now the Mens 100 Breast! There is so much excitement in here its insane! Its so much more involved than the Olympic Trials because athletes and coaches are on deck so there is even more cheering!

I've seen pretty much every Olympian and noteable fast swimmer I even know about, I just past Olympians Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff on deck. Katie Hoff is getting a muscle rubdown 5 feet from where I'm sitting.

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Jul
7

Another Incredible Experience!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 11:08pm (July 7th, 2009)
I'm just blown away by how this place looks! They really went all out! I warmed up and came to the harsh realization that I misread the meet book and the 50 free can only be time trialed tomorrow afternoon, oh well. I feel good in the water and ready to swim fast.

Just being on deck gives me goosebumps, this is amazing.

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Jul
7

Up Early and On My Way to Indy

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 8:07pm (July 7th, 2009)
I got a great nights rest, ate a light breakfast and I'm out the door for Indy. I'm really excited for my time trial tonight! It's an awesome way to clean out the cobb webs and get a feel for the water. I'm ready to swim fast

I stopped at a Subway for lunch and I'm almost to Indianapolis. Tonight I'll warmup and watch the Finals session. Afterward I'll do another brief warmup and get ready for my time trial which will occur around 8 or 9pm.
Jul
7

World Champ Trials Website

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 3:37am (July 7th, 2009)
I keep forgetting to post this:

www.allgreatracers.com

CAUTION: autoplay video with sound
(why would anybody do this?)

Also, Debbie Phelps (Michael Phelps mother) will be in Indianapolis signing her new book... I'm gonna see if she can sign my forehead instead!
Jul
7

Best Power to Weight Ratio Ever!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Tuesday at: 1:37am (July 7th, 2009)

I weighed myself today at. 167.0 lbs. The lowest I've been since high school! At the same time I can do more crunches and lift more than before. I feel strong in the water.

All this put together equals the best power to weight ratio ever! I'm 8lbs less than I was at the Olympic Trials last year! I'm feeling healthy and lean. I'm still eating constantly which is a good thing. Tonight I had some pasta and I'm taking it easy before leaving in the morning for Indianapolis!

50 Free LCM time trial tomorrow night!

Session Weight Information
Pre-Practice Weight: 167.4 lbs
Post-Practice Weight: 167.0 lbs
Jul
6

Broken 100 Back 58.4 from a push!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 11:39pm (July 6th, 2009)
I hope I don't eat my words if I don't swim well...

I actually feel pretty good! My shoulders are still broken down and sore but overall I feel solid. I'm 99% injury free! My elbows are in good shape and I put in some uninterrupted training this weekend considering the holiday.
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Jul
6

Pre-Registration for 50 Free Time Trial

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 3:59pm (July 6th, 2009)
The World Champ Trials is allowing for pre-registration for time trials. If all goes well, I'll time trial a 50 Freestyle LCM tomorrow night following the Finals session.
Jul
6

World Champ TV Schedule

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 3:59am (July 6th, 2009)
The following is the TV broadcast schedule for the ConocoPhillips National Championships/World Championship Team Trials:

Tuesday, July 7
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Universal Sports (Live)

Wednesday, July 8
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Universal Sports (Live)

Saturday, July 11
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
NBC (Taped)

Sunday, July 12
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
NBC (Taped)
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Jul
6

Getting Excited for World Champ Trials!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Monday at: 3:29am (July 6th, 2009)
I really wish I could taper for this meet! I'm ranked 30th out of 58 athletes. Some of the superstars in the 100 meter backstroke event are:

Aaron Peirsol - 52.54
Randall Bal - 52.59 (I had no idea he was under 53 seconds!)
Matt Grevers - 52.99
Ryan Lochte - 53.37
David Cromwell - 53.81
David Plummer - 53.83
Peter Marshall - 54.19

Among many others! I'm waaay down the list with my 57.00 but I'm proud to be a part of the event! I have a big smile on my face just thinking about swimming among some of the best athletes in the world!
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Jul
5

Short on time but still swimming

Posted by Kevin Doak on Sunday at: 4:59am (July 5th, 2009)
Its been crazy with so much work but I've managed to swim 5,000 meters a day at Fuller pool. Tonight was a little lonely, the pool was empty with everybody enjoying the holiday. I had the entire facility to myself, it was really peaceful.

I finished practice with two 100 Backstrokes. The first was a 1:15, I was very disappointed. I took 45 seconds rest and pushed off to a relatively quick 1:07. I was pleased with my performance and called it a day. Hope everybody enjoyed Independence Day!

Jul
4

Well that didn't exactly work out...

Posted by Kevin Doak on Saturday at: 5:07am (July 4th, 2009)
I found out mid day that there was no practice at EMU today. I asked a few people when Ann Arbor Masters was practicing at Fuller pool
Jul
3

7-1-09 Backstroke Start Analysis

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 3:27pm (July 3rd, 2009)
I took some extra time and edited my backstroke start video and added some narration so it made some sense:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eagaotsR8P8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

Shoot me a message if you have any helpful feedback!
Jul
3

"Pool-Mate" by Swimovate

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 3:05pm (July 3rd, 2009)

This is the first product like this that I've seen. There are plenty of options for swim watches which allow you to manually keep track of splits or laps by pushing a button on the watch or finger timer. This watch keeps track for you by the use of an accelerometer. It senses when a swimmer pushes off the wall and uses that information to count laps and take splits.


Review Here:
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Jul
3

Perfect Day for a Recovery Workout!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Friday at: 12:32am (July 3rd, 2009)
I had concerns I might not make it through practice without them fishing me up off the bottom of the pool. Luckily today was a 6,000 meter recovery workout. I actually did quite well today considering how tired I was before practice combined with a short night of sleep.

Today's practice was written by Sarah Volpe, the Assistant Coach of EMU. It was an IM/Recovery workout:

400 Swim
400 Kick (Right, Left, Front, Back)

3 Rounds:
8x50's IM order on rotating intervals of
(1:00, :55, :50, 45)
(:55, :50, :45, :40)
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Jul
2

Remind me not to do that again...

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 8:32pm (July 2nd, 2009)
Due to a packed work schedule I had to do "Chest, Biceps, Triceps" P90X video in addition to the Ab video directly before a 2 hour swim workout. I'm already exhausted and I haven't even gotten in the pool yet. I'll report back on how absolutely desolated my arms/core are after this workout!
Jul
2

MSU Meet Video Posted

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 9:52am (July 2nd, 2009)
I finally got around to posting the MSU Munley Memorial meet video

I only have the 50 Back and 50 Free, the 50 Fly and 100 Free didn't get taped. Starts and Turns video coming soon!
Jul
2

New Video Today!

Posted by Kevin Doak on Thursday at: 12:43am (July 2nd, 2009)
Today I will do some starts and turns on camera! After a day off swimming I feel rested and ready for a great practice!

I can't beieve World Champ Trials are less than a week away. I feel totally unprepared to swim fast. I plan on doing a 4 day rest. I will not be shaving or wearing a tech suit for this meet. I've been advised by some fellow swimmers that I should taper for this meet rather than Masters Long Course Nationals. Although I would swim better with a full taper and shave I feel like I would be wasting it on one swim.

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