Kevin Doak Swimming - Balancing Life and Competitive Swimming

Solid 1/2 Animal Kick

Kevin Doak — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:01:56 +0000

A really good animal kick

1:15
1:17
1:16
1:18
1:17
Average 1:16.6

I'm feeling better in the water

Training Quote:

Regularly in the pool again, progress progressing

Kevin Doak — Fri, 21 May 2021 17:16:14 +0000

Feeling better and better in the water. Today I was:

1:14
1:16
1:16
1:17
1:16

Average 1:15.8 kick. Just a few weeks ago I couldn't make the 1:30 interval. I'm still around 200lbs and I look a bit chub for my build. I'm eating better and getting over an hour of exercise a day. The pandemic was rough on a lot of people for a lot of reasons. I simply gained weight and lacked motivation and opportunities to exercise. I'm making meaningful changes now.

Training Quote:

Best 1/2 Animal Kick this year

Kevin Doak — Wed, 05 May 2021 03:03:03 +0000

I only had time for a short workout today but I'm impressed I kept it under 1:20

1:14
1:17
1:16
1:16
1:18

1:16.2

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Test6

Kevin Doak — Wed, 05 May 2021 02:59:35 +0000

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Test5

Kevin Doak — Wed, 05 May 2021 02:59:24 +0000

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Test4

Kevin Doak — Wed, 05 May 2021 02:59:15 +0000

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Test3

Kevin Doak — Wed, 05 May 2021 02:57:41 +0000

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Test2

Kevin Doak — Wed, 05 May 2021 02:57:31 +0000

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Test1

Kevin Doak — Wed, 05 May 2021 02:57:15 +0000

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COVID-19

Kevin Doak — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 02:03:27 +0000

I was hesitant to post something regarding a current event but since my blog is dedicated to my balance of life and competitive swimming, it seems unavoidable not to mention the COVID-19 situation.

There is a lot of uncertainty and I don't know what the coming months will bring. I find myself learning each day about health related topics I never assumed would be of interest to me. I feel I understand my limits and it's clear we need to listen to the experts here. Today I visited an autobody supply shop to buy dust masks. It seems all sorts of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) is sold out everywhere. I distributed the equipment to people I know. I don't think I'll be swimming in a pool anytime soon.

Training Quote:

Great resource to find a pool

Kevin Doak — Wed, 22 May 2019 14:12:50 +0000

I've used a number of services to find lap pools while traveling. This is my favorite as of May 2019 https://www.swimmersguide.com

Training Quote:

1 Month of Solid Training

Kevin Doak — Fri, 17 May 2019 12:56:19 +0000

For too long, I've been swimming regularly, but not actually training. This has yeilded some disapointing meet results. For years, I've gotten serious about swimming for a week or two, and I let the progress slip away. The 2019 Michigan Masters state meet was a wake up call for me. My times were far below my standard. I didn't look good or feel good. In fact, I didn't take the meet seriously at all because I hadn't put serious training in. There was no expectation of excellence having not put the work in. I've gotten serious about my training again. I've spent 4 solid weeks training and swimming 2,000 - 3,000 yards a day, 6 days a week. I'm focusing on high-intensity sprinting and kicking. I'm feeling better and I'm on a schedule. I'm commited to improving.

2500

SCY - (Short Course 25 Yards)

Training Quote:

Addressing the EMU regents

Kevin Doak — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 01:54:52 +0000

Because it's swimming related, I'd like to update my friends and family about how I've been involved with the restoration efforts for the EMU Men's swim and dive team. On Friday, June 22nd, 2018 I addressed the Board of Regents. I gave a general overview of how the 83 cut athletes were doing and how the EMU Alumni feel about the cuts. Watch and feel free to let me know how you feel.

Video:

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Eastern Michigan Men's Swimming Program Cancelled

Kevin Doak — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 14:07:40 +0000

I don't have many bad days in my life. Tuesday was a bad day. Eastern Michigan University, my alma mater, chose to cancel the athletic program that helped create the person I'm proud to be. It's the classic budget cut argument, while they fully fund other programs nobody seems to be a big fan of. Eastern Michigan Men's swimming is the most successful athletic program in University history. It boggles my mind as to why they would cancel such a successful program. One of the arguments was facility costs. Naturally because the women's team wasn't cancelled, and the Jones natatorium will continue to be maintained, the argument is entirely invalid.

I feel like a part of me died yesterday. I've always been proud to have represented Eastern Michigan University Mens swimming. I was never blind to it's shortcomings either. Although the program was never flush with cash or especially thankful for our achievements, we were proud and we just kept winning.

I'm most sad for the athletes. Some programs in this situation give it one final year. It gives swimmers, alumni, and the community time to raise money or at minimum, find some closure. Due to how this was handled, I feel as though everybody was robbed of that privilege. The kids on the team will now be scrambling to find a new school to attend, or sadly, may give up collegiate swimming entirely due to relocation, credit transfer, or other factors.

Shame on you Eastern Michigan University.

Training Quote:

March 2018 Milford Results

Kevin Doak — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:26:57 +0000

The meet went as well as I could have expected based on my training.

100 Back SCM - 58.12 (State Record)
100 IM SCM - 1:00.43 (State Record)
50 Free SCM - 23.83 (State Record)
100 Fly SCM - 58.03 (State Record)

Training Quote:

Here I go again, getting serious

Kevin Doak — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:23:36 +0000

I've never stopped swimming but there are times I get serious, and others where I just get a workout. I've had a good few weeks and the progress is beginning to show in my workouts. Milford tomorrow.

Training Quote:

Day 2

Kevin Doak — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 04:39:56 +0000

1800

SCM - (Short Course 25 Meters)

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Tracking Progress

Kevin Doak — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 04:38:57 +0000

15/10/5

Tracking a new/old workout regiment

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2017 State Meet Results

Kevin Doak — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 07:27:29 +0000

Short on updates lately, some mediocre meets recently which reflect my training. My masters state meet went well considering the amount of time in the water. Overall, it was a solid meet.

100 Free SCY - 46.95 (My best swim of the weekend)
50 Fly SCY - 22.54
50 Back SCY - 23.43
100 Fly SCY - 51.13
100 Back SCY - 51.43
100 IM SCY - 53.65
50 Free SCY - 21.58

3200

SCM - (Short Course 25 Meters)

Training Quote:

South Lyon East Masters Meet Results

Kevin Doak — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 15:30:07 +0000

A great meet and fantastic food afterward!

50 Fly SCY - 22.80
50 Back SCY - 23.84
50 Free SCY - 22.12
100 Back SCY - 52.84

Training Quote:

Saginaw Masters Meet Results

Kevin Doak — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 07:16:11 +0000

Saginaw knows how to put on a great meet. The facility is new-ish, the pool is solid, the locker rooms are updated, and the staff/volunteers are great. The meet was not well attended for some reason. Low attendance meets are both a gift and a curse. Pro's are obviously that the meet is over in 90 minutes and there is plenty of deck space. The flip side is that you're racing without as much rest as you might like. I always tell myself I'm only going to do a few races. I always end up with 4-6 per meet. This time I capped it at 4 and it was a good schedule. My times weren't entirely embarassing but they left me feeling like I have plenty of work to do this year. I want to be knocking on the door of my lifetime best times. I've got a long way to go.

50 Backstroke SCM - 26.48
50 Butterfly SCM - 26.01
50 Freestyle SCM - 24.51
100 Backstroke SCM - 59.98

And for reference:

LIFETIME BESTS
50 Backstroke SCM - 24.92
50 Butterfly SCM - 25.05
50 Freestyle SCM - 23.30
100 Backstroke SCM - 55.17

Training Quote:

2016 USMS Long Course Nationals Results

Kevin Doak — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 07:27:49 +0000

Overall it was a successful meet. I had some solid times based on my recent training:

50 Back LCM - 27.74
100 Fly LCM - 58.77 (26.72/32.05)
50 Free LCM - 24.94
100 Back LCM - 1:01.10 (29.19/31.91)
50 Fly LCM - 26.05

Due to poor planning and inaccurate estimated timelines, I swam the 100 Back and 50 Fly cold turkey (no warmup).

Training Quote:

One of my favorite posts

Kevin Doak — Fri, 06 May 2016 13:58:06 +0000

The day I got my 100 Fly Olympic Trials Cut:

http://kevindoak.com/blog/2012/06/01/olympic-trial-cut-100m-fly

Training Quote:

Lots of updates coming!

Kevin Doak — Fri, 06 May 2016 06:26:58 +0000

I have a handful of blog posts half written. The short update is that I've flown to the other side of the planet for a vacation, returned home, and had one of the best swim meets of my recent life in Greensboro, NC. Here is the brief version:

100 Freestyle SCY - 47.27
50 Backstroke SCY - 23.36
50 Backstroke SCY - 23.89
100 Backstroke SCY - 50.62
50 Freestyle SCY - 21.50
100 Butterfly SCY - 50.40
50 Butterfly SCY - 22.53
50 Backstroke SCY - 23.23

Feeling great and dropping time! More updates soon

179.6

Training Quote:

First animal kick set in a long time

Kevin Doak — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 02:38:15 +0000

I swam an animal kick (10x100's on the 1:30) tonight

1:14
1:16
1:16
1:16
1:15
1:16
1:14
1:16
1:16
1:16

Decent average for my fitness level at 1:15.5.

My best ever was set on October 6th, 2011 at a 1:08.3 while I was training with CW. I've got a ways to go, but I'm still better than I was in college!

184.4

183.5

Training Quote:

Weight on a downward trend

Kevin Doak — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 23:05:15 +0000

Just hit 182lbs. I have a long way to go but I'm feeling better in the water.

183.1

182.6

Training Quote:

4 x 50's Dive MAX @ 3:00

Kevin Doak — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 05:18:08 +0000

I had a chance to swim at the same time as the Eastern Michigan University's team. The final set of the day was 6 x 50's Dive MAX @ 3:00. I decided to join in for 4 of the max 50's. Overall, it went pretty well:

50 Yard Fly SCY
23.5
23.9
23.7
23.9

The 3:00 interval was tough, it took me right back to college/CW days. I need to be doing more of sets like this.

185.5

185.0

Training Quote:

South Lyon East - A new pool record in the 100 Back SCY

Kevin Doak — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 18:08:13 +0000

It's been quite a while since any facilities would let me break a pool record:

Milan - Didn't want to take down one of their own high school swimmers records

Brighton - Doesn't recognize masters swimmers as actual competition worthy of setting records

South Lyon East - Has a flawless pool record policy. If a swimmer in a sanctioned meet achieves a time faster than the pool record, it is recognized

I started off my meet with a sloppy 50y Fly in a 23.07. I had a short wall and a bad finish. I moved onto a 100 Fly while I was still tired. I finished in 52.41, about a second slower than my performance a month ago in Brighton of 51.49. With two sub-par swims, I decided to skip the 50 Free to rest up for the 100 Back. I had my eye on the backstroke pool record of 52.54. With a 53.00 two weeks ago in Saginaw, I thought a 0.5 second drop would be possible with enough rest. I got a bit of flack for scratching an event as short as a 50 yard race. I totally accept that move as kinda wimpy. I sat around for about 45 minutes basking in my wimpiness while I prepared for my 100 Backstroke. When it was time to race, I was ready to tear down that 53 second barrier. For my current ability level, I swam a flawless race, I took out the race in a 25.5 and touched the wall in a 52.52, breaking the pool record by 0.02 seconds. In no way do I consider a 52 second 100 backstroke to be an amazing achievement for me. It's among the slowest times of my recent life but still represents a downward (faster) trend in my recent career. I'm proud that a dropped a half second in 2 weeks. Let's ignore that I added a second to my butterfly time.

50 Fly SCY - 23.07
100 Fly SCY - 52.41
100 Back SCY - 52.52 (Pool Record)

Training Quote:

I want a 21 second 50 fly SCY

Kevin Doak — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 18:24:42 +0000

I've had some lofty goals for my 50 back in the past. I got back down to a mid 22 second 50 Backstroke in 2012. It's time to push the limits in my butterfly. I want to be impressed when I look up at that clock. An impressive swim for me would be a 21.9 in the 50 Fly. I've been a 22.25 just a few years ago. I've never trained butterfly this much. I've barely scratched the surface of my butterfly abilities. I could be right or wrong about that assessment. I'm admitting I haven't trained to maximize butterfly and I need help analyzing my stroke to ensure I'm not wasting energy or missing my catch.

I'm gonna swim a 21 second butterfly race, and you'll see me smile at the clock.

After that, I'm gonna demolish my 2012 50 Fly long course time of 24.59

Training Quote:

First Day of Doubles in the pool

Kevin Doak — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 05:26:42 +0000

A swim, a gym workout, and another swim. I'm on track to drop some time.

10x100's Backstroke SCY @ 1:30

Average 1:09

Training Quote:

After a brief jaunt to Florida, I'm back in the water

Kevin Doak — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 00:05:15 +0000

Although I was active, I took a few days off from the pool while in FL. The 50-60 degree weather made outdoor swimming not the most pleasant idea. I made it a priority to hit the water as soon as I got back. With the masters State and Nationals meets coming up, I'm motivated to perform well for the first time in a few years. I'm setting realistic goals and focusing primarily on Butterfly. I'll swim some backstroke but I'm finding that, as much as I don't want to admit it, butterfly simply comes easier to me. I train some backstroke but my race pace is butterfly.

I may attend a Long Course Meters time trial this coming Sunday. The 100 Fly is the only race I'll attempt due to the accellerated schedule of the time trial. The resulting time will be slow and will reveal some weak spots in my training. It will motivate me to train even harder once I know how pathetic my time is. If the time trial doesn't work out, I'll hit a local masters meet instead. I want to race as much as I can. Racing improves my times and motivates me to train.

189.0

Training Quote:

Done with 22's

Kevin Doak — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 16:47:45 +0000

On sunday I swam the 50 Freestyle SCY in 22.25

I won't let that happen again. I'm done seeing 22's in the 50 free for the forseeable future. We all have standards for ourselves. It's all relative and personal. Some people set that standard at a 49 seond mark, others the 35 second mark, some people set it at a 20 second mark. It's different for everybody and that's ok. That's the beauty of swimming, it's just me vs the clock. I'm just saying: I'm not happy with a 22. 22's are below my ability level and that performance is an insult to me. I need to have this perspective to motivate myself. No more 22's for Kevin Doak.If 22's are your best time, I respect that. The American record was just broken on Feb 17th 2016 with an 18.23 by Caelib Dressel of the University of Florida. That guy would probably be insulted by a 20.xx swim. That's my only point. I'm setting my standard at "no more 22's".

Training Quote:

Saginaw Valley University State University Masters Meet

Kevin Doak — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 16:47:07 +0000

saginaw-1.JPG

saginaw-2.JPG

saginaw-3.JPG

I took a long drive up to Saginaw to compete in a Sunday morning SCY meet. It was the first year for the meet. I found that Saginaw Valley ran a great meet. It was a great facility with plentiful parking, attentive staff, nice locker rooms, and a smooth meet. It wasn't attended by as many people as I expected there to be, but it was the first year for the meet. Next year there will be more once people realize this is among the best pools Michigan Masters visits during the SCY season.

I had a decent meet. Nothing to write home about. I started with a good 50 Fly in 22.89, about a tenth faster than my recent performances. After that, it sorta went downhill. I have nothing to blame my performances on besides myself. The facility was above average and the competition was good. I need to train harder and lose weight, that's all it boils down to.

50 Fly SCY - 22.89
50 Back SCY - 24.01
50 Free SCY - 22.25
100 Back SCY - 53.00

That 100 Back was ugly. Good distance underwater but they were too slow. My only excuse is regarding my 50 Free time. I doubled out of the 50 Back with about 5 minutes rest, it simply wasn't enough rest for my current fitness level.

Training Quote:

Focusing on Weight Loss

Kevin Doak — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 19:38:21 +0000

I've achieved a regular workout schedule. A big hurdle for me. Next up is a focus on weight loss. I'll continue to work on some burst swimming but I'm significantly over my target weight. A recent mini drop took me from 190lbs to 186lbs. Through a slightly improved diet and an extra workout per day will drop another 15lbs in the next few months. My best competitions occurred at 164lbs and 166lbs.

Training Quote:

2016 Brighton Meet Results

Kevin Doak — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:58:04 +0000

Big changes for the Brighton meet. With the demolition of the old Brighton SCM/SCY pool, they recently opened a strictly SCY pool. Apparently they finally realized how short sighted the prospect of the metric system was after they built the original pool in 1985. This meet seemingly attracted less swimmers with the switch to SCY. A noticeable population of masters swimmers used to travel to Brighton from parts of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana for the meet because it was the international standard of Short Course Meters rather than the American standard Short Course Yards. The only benefit here was a shorter meet. I missed some friends from neighboring states that valued the meters course. I enjoyed seeing world records set in Brighton, we won't have that silly distraction going forward.

My swims felt good but my times were only slightly faster than the last few yards meets. Nothing really to write about. There weren't any stand out swims.

50 Fly SCY - 22.93
50 Free SCY - 21.99
100 Fly SCY - 51.49

189.2

Training Quote:

South Lyon Masters Meet

Kevin Doak — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 02:05:42 +0000

Screen Shot 2015-11-18 at 9.06.08 PM.png

The "West Bloomfield" masters meet was switched to the South Lyon East High School this year. A fantastic upgrade! The meet was run flawlessly with a solid turnout. The food after the meet was impressive as well. I had some nice time drops of 1+ second in both of my butterfly events and 0.26 seconds in my 50 free. My IM was a disaster unfortunately, just a very sloppy race.

50 Butterfly SCY - 22.85
100 Butterfly SCY - 51.52
50 Free SCY - 22.03
100 IM SCY - 54.71

I'm happy that the three races I cared about yielded a time drop. I will definitely attend this meet again next year. Well done South Lyon

Training Quote:

5-days this week

Kevin Doak — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 19:47:48 +0000

My workouts have gradually been improving in quality and quantity, I'm feeling excited to see what my extra work yields in my next meet. I had been looking forward to a SCM meet in Mason this weekend. Historically they run a great meet in a nice facility with good food provided afterwards. The meet was unexpectedly cancelled so I'm looking for a replacement.

185.6

2500

SCM - (Short Course 25 Meters)

Training Quote:

New Running Shoes

Kevin Doak — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 20:10:34 +0000

image.jpeg

After being ridiculed by everybody I know for wearing what they call "geriatric step class" shoes, I've upgraded to actual running shoes. I took my first run with them the other night and I have mixed results. My feet hurt more in these than my geriatric shoes. Perhaps I need to break them in, but for now, I'm not hopeful these are a good fit for me. I finished 3.1 miles before walking due to foot pain.

I would never deny I may still have horrible form.

Training Quote:

2015 Milan Masters Meet

Kevin Doak — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 14:44:10 +0000

On short notice I decided to swim at the 2015 Milan Masters Meet on Sunday. Milan has historically run a great meet. For some reason, it typically has very low attendance. I'm guessing it's just because it's the first meet of the fall short course season. I would encourage anybody to attend this meet. It's a great pool and a well run meet with complimentary food after the competition!

I was a bit tired before the meet but this was my first chance to race now that I've resolved my pulled back muscle. I was interested to see how it felt to swim healthy again. I signed up for butterfly rather than backstroke. I just feel stronger in butterfly lately. I hate thinking I'm not a backstroker anymore but that might be the reality. I'm simply better at butterfly.

100 Individual Medley SCY - 54.24
50 Butterfly SCY - 23.89
50 Free SCY - 22.29
100 Butterfly SCY - 52.68 (Pool Record)
100 Free SCY - 51.26

I happened to look at the record board before my 100 Butterfly and saw "54.35" as the pool record. I wasn't certain, but I thought I could probably swim faster than that. I asked the Milan head coach if he would honor a pool record. He wavered and but replied that he probably wouldn't since it was held by a Milan swimmer. Although I respect his position and it doesn't especially matter to me, I'm confused as to why some pool records are honored and others aren't. I'm fine with having a "high school pool record" but if that's the case, it should be renamed to indicate that is what the times represent. I feel as though "pool records" are the fastest time a swimmer has touched the wall in a sanctioned and recognized meet at that facility. I'm open to a new definition if I'm wrong about that. Brighton has pulled that move on me for years. Having grown up there, I've competed there many times and have broken multiple pool records, including my own from my high school days, yet the coach (who I get along with well) has repeatedly told me that the record board is for "high school only".

It's fine, I just don't get it.

Back to the Milan Meet. They ran a great meet and served up some great food. Special thanks to the Milan Girls Varsity Swim Team for volunteering for the meet. Well done Milan, see you next year!

Training Quote:

Training is increasing again

Kevin Doak — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 16:40:33 +0000

I've been in the water 4 days a week lately. I need to hit 6 days a week to make progress. I swim 2500-3000 SCM a day in a warm community pool. It's certainly not ideal but consistency is the key.

3000

SCM - (Short Course 25 Meters)

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I've never seen anybody swim that fast

Training Quote Author:

fellow community swimmer

Triathlon Results

Kevin Doak — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 01:29:47 +0000

tri-results.jpg

I successfully completed my first triathlon today! This is a goal I've had for over 10 years. I have my friend Tim to thank for motivating me into buying a bike and signing up for a local race. Finish time: 1:33:12

The race went a lot like I had anticipated it would:

SWIM - 12:37
I had purchased a "Tri Suit" to wear for the entire race. Although this Tri was "wetsuit legal", I decided against wearing one. As I prepared for the swim, the announcer suggested the strong swimmers go near the front of the start buoys and recommended the beginner swimmers hang back a bit and let the more experiened swimmers start a bit ahead so people weren't swimming on top of each other. I felt like if anything, I was probably among the better swimmers, the bike and run I would never say the same. Therefore, I inched my way up to the front of the start buoys and as the countdown started, I prepared my cap and goggles. The horn went off and I began swimming long and strong. My following take on the race is simply factual: I was out in front, a few guys held with me for a minute but I was gaining ground each stroke. I immediately hated my "tri suit", it might be what people wear in these races but they're horrible. As I approached the last bouy, an earlier swimmer from the longer tri group rounded the buoy the wrong way and we collided head first. I kept swimming but I was a bit dizzy, nothing serious but it didn't make my trip running out of the water easy. I finished strong into the beach, swam till I was in about 2' of water. I stood up and ran through the water towards the shore. I don't typically run through water on sand, I nearly tripped and fell face first into the water. I heard the spectators clapping but I think they do that for everybody. My transition was a bit slow and clumsy since I hadn't ever done one. Overall the swim went well, as I mounted my bike, I looked back and couldn't see anybody in the transition area.

TRANSITION 1 - 1:48
Without a little strap for my number, I had to manually pin on my number, it was a clunky transition to say the least. I could save a lot of time here

BIKE - 39:53
I held my own on the bike, the huge lead I got during the swim created a situation where the first 3 miles of the bike was very peaceful. Not a single other rider, it was an open road and it was just an awesome feeling to be in the lead for a bit. Each mile after that seemed to yield another biker passing me but I never felt like I was really in that bad of shape during the bike. Later I would compare my times and see that I was simply average and just happened to start out with a huge lead.

TRANSITION 2 - 1:08
Pretty smooth transition, I imagine it could be done in 40 seconds if I was good though

RUN - 37:47
Wow. The most appropriate word to describe my performance seems to be "pathetic". I was simply wiped out after the bike. Combining my fatigue with low running ability and you get a very slow time. I was getting passed left and right, it was humbling for sure.

I'm proud of myself and I learned a lot during my race. It was a great experience!

Training Quote:

Triathlon today!

Kevin Doak — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 06:10:25 +0000

It's finally happening. I've been talking about doing a Tri for 10 years. I'm starting out small with the "sprint triathlon". For those as ignorant as I was a few months ago, a sprint Tri is:

- 750m swim
- 20k bike
- 5k run

If I had to guess: The swim will be easy. The transition to the bike will be annoying and clunky. The bike will be challenging but ok, fumble through another transition and try to survive the run, the most challenging part.

In my estimation based on times from last year, I will be among the top finishers for the swim. Therefore I will spend the next hour of my life getting passed by great bikers and runners. That short little 3.1 mile run will just demolish me, it's tough enough for me to run 3.1 miles without anything ahead of it. This is gonna be brutal. Somehow I'm still looking forward to it!

Here goes...

Training Quote:

Back on track

Kevin Doak — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 21:40:35 +0000

After taking a week off for my back injury, It took me longer than it should have to get back on track to a daily training regiment. I'm in the water daily and feeling better in the water. My back is feeling much improved but I'm still not 100%. I'm starting to benchmark my sets again, it's a great way for me to motivate myself and achieve some great times in formatted sets.

All out 100m SCM Kick with fins from a push on 2:00 rest:
0:56.00

2700

SCM - (Short Course 25 Meters)

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You're the guy with the massive stride, I've seen you swimming! I've never seen anything like that

Training Quote Author:

Some guy in the hallway

On the mend

Kevin Doak — Fri, 22 May 2015 03:11:53 +0000

I took a week off from the pool with the concept that I was going to take it easy and let my body heal. I should know my tendencies better by now. All I really did was shift from workouts in the pool to construction around the house. I still healed a bit and felt ready to hit the water again a week later. I felt a little awkward but after 500 meters I was back in the groove and had a solid few workouts in a row.

Fast forward a week of doing well and I go and mess it all up. I bent over to grab a laptop charger, a fairly routine motion, and felt a debilitating amount of pain in my lower back. I nearly fell over in pain. Pulled back muscles are some of the most annoying injuries I've ever sustained. This is getting ridiculous. I'm seeing a massage therapist as soon as I can. I was back in the water today. No more breaks, my chiropractor said to keep swimming since it's so easy on the muscles and joints. Feeling better but quite annoyed with this pulled muscle.

2000

SCM - (Short Course 25 Meters)

Training Quote:

Strained/Ripped back muscle, time for a break unfortunately

Kevin Doak — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:56:14 +0000

A few months ago (as long as last fall), I pulled/strained/ripped a muscle in my lower back. The pain comes and goes but I simply haven't stopped exercising in that long. I'm seeing a massage therapist and taking a week off the pool. I've had such a successful run of daily workouts, this isn't ideal but I want to have a great fall season and I can't further my training without a healthy back. It's been affecting my workouts and my daily life. I seem to move through the water just fine but basically every other moment of the day is filled with moderate to severe pain.

Time for a break, simple as that. Afterward, I'll attack my training again!

Training Quote:

Still training a week after my taper meet

Kevin Doak — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 14:45:41 +0000

This is a good sign. I'm still motivated after my USMS state meet. I was in the water 5 days this week and exercised 6 of 7 days. My respectable times from last weekend are motivating me to improve. I'm excited to see what I can do in some LCM meets.

Training Quote:

Fantastic Meet!

Kevin Doak — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 16:32:35 +0000

I couldn't be happier with my state meet performances! I kept thinking this weekend: "You get out what you put in". I've been training hard and making time to get in the gym and the pool. I showed up to the meet ready to swim fast and that's exactly what I did. I know I got out exactly what I put in. This weekend left me ready to put even more work in the pool. It was both satisfying and motivating!

100 Free SCY: 47.50
50 Fly SCY: 23.46
50 Back SCY: 23.78
100 Fly SCY: 50.87 (out in a 23.38!)
100 Back SCY: 51.68
50 Free SCY: 21.85
100 IM SCY: 54.10

My goal was to beat my times from last year. I arguably demolished my times from last year (see post below). I love competing against myself, it's the most straightforward and honest form of competition. It makes me very proud that I've improved so much in a year based on how much I've had going on. I'm looking forward to some long course meets this summer and making another run on some SCY this fall. I'll post some videos soon.

181.2

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Gearing up for the state meet April 18th

Kevin Doak — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 14:05:01 +0000

I'm aiming at beating all my times from last year.

100 Free SCY: 50.26
50 Fly SCY: 23.73
50 Back SCY: 24.21
100 Fly SCY: 54.83
100 Back SCY: 53.02
50 Free SCY: 22.15
100 IM SCY: 55.99

Training Quote:

Milford Meltdown = Motivation

Kevin Doak — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:04:48 +0000

It's all relative

I was not especially proud of how I swam at Milford and that didn't have anything to do with the pool, my competitors, or anything besides me. Keep in mind I'm ONLY comparing my times to myself. I'm not fast right now, it's disapointing. Since the meet this past Sunday, I've been in the gym an hour a day and the pool an hour a day. I've packed in a lot of work into those two hours per day. I'm quite sore and already worn down. These are good things. I'm on a solid workout routine right now and it makes me excited to compete again!

Training Quote:

2015 Milford Meltdown meet

Kevin Doak — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 05:10:33 +0000

Milford always puts on a great short course meters meet. It's well attended and hosted in an above average facility. Admittedly the free food and beverages don't hurt this review! I showed up at the last second to deck enter. "The last second" turned into 6 minutes after the deck registration ended. I received permission to beg to office staff to accept my registration. They took pity on me and allowed me in the meet. I signed up for the 50/100 Free, 50 Back, 50 Fly, 100 IM. It was a full lineup for my current training schedule. After a brief warmup and some test starts, I was ready to race. First up was my 50 Fly. I had some decent competition. It was a sloppy race, hitting the wall in a 26.82. A month ago I was a 26.79, a negligble difference but still a far cry from my 2008 time of 25.05 or even my LCM time in 2012 of 24.59. Other times were:

100 IM SCM: 1:03.44 (27.87)
50 Back SCM: 28.35
100 Free SCM: 57.85 (26.98)
50 Free SCM: 25.17

I'm still encouraged at my motivation level and I'm committed to improving. I have about a month before the state meet. I'm planning on some times faster than last year.

Training Quote:

Chiropractor... Long Overdue

Kevin Doak — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 01:16:36 +0000

Well, should have done that years ago. When I swam with Club Wolverine, the team had a chiropractor who stopped by weekly to adjust the swimmers. I never took advantage of that free service when I had it right in front of me. Fast forward a few years and I only now got around to picking out and visiting a chiropractor. Money well spent. For years now I've dealt with a "slipped rib" condition which caused me mild pain during some swimming, stretching, and deep breaths. It truely wasn't a big issue but I'm very relived I've had it looked at by a professional. I'm encoraged that the doctor doesn't see it as a major issue. After 10 minutes on the table, I feel noticeably better. I'm interested to see how long my relief lasts since I'm aware these things can come back to haunt you. For now, I'm feeling great and I'm back in the water daily. I'm feeling very motivated to improve. I'm on a good track here.

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Committed

Kevin Doak — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 14:28:57 +0000

Priorities in the past 2 years have been varied and haven't always included a consistent swim schedule. Life doesn't always have to revolve around swimming. The last few months has seen a constant improvement in the amount of time I spend in the water. I'm seeing some solid improvements and feeling healthier overall. Things are good!

Training Quote:

Approaching 2 weeks of serious swimming

Kevin Doak — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 15:27:03 +0000

In the past I've found that it takes two weeks of hard workouts to "take off the edge" in a sense. I'm a week and a half in. I"m feeling a touch of speed returning. I've been doing 2-3k SCM daily with dryland work during or after the workouts. This is exactly what I need to be doing to get back into truly competitive swimming.

3000

SCM - (Short Course 25 Meters)

Training Quote:

The motivation has returned

Kevin Doak — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 03:58:16 +0000

Last week I swam every day, two days achieving double workouts. This week is off to a great start as well. I feel motivated and I'm making time for my workouts. I've transitioned from aerobic workouts for weight loss to power workouts to improve my speed. This is huge progress. It's all about consistency. Keep it up.

Training Quote:

A crazy week, I'm back in the water

Kevin Doak — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 02:06:38 +0000

It's been a heck of a week. This site was started for me to share my athletic challenges, both good and bad. It remains difficult to balance life and staying in shape, a struggle almost everyone shares. When life gets tough, it's even harder to balance. Yesterday I was in the water for a mere 250 meters, simply to show a friend that I could indeed swim. Today I needed a workout more than anything. I keep using that word "balance" and today I actually needed a swim to bring some balance back into my life. I've been buried with some challenges outside of the pool and as tough as life was today, a swim gave me that momentary smile I needed. I truly love that about exercise. After a while, my smile wore off and my mind started racing with the issues I wanted a break from. An unrelated frustrating pool situation made me decide to get out before my 1 hour workout was over The pool I swim at insists on turning off all the lights in the pool for the aqua classes so the people can (joking) fall asleep in the pool. When they do this for the arthritus class, they are creating the next slip-and-fall lawsuit right before my eyes. These geniuses combine: Elderly patrons with a wet pool deck and no lights... brilliant... broken leg in 3...2...1...

Anyway, with no lights on overhead and underwater lights on full blast, looking at the bulbs below you gives you sun spots in your eyes. This itself can create a dangerous situation to somebody swimming fast toward a metal wall. After my 30 minute swim, I called it quits and headed home. I feel relaxed and ready for some sleep.

Training Quote:

Biking and weight loss

Kevin Doak — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 13:07:00 +0000

IMG_1382 (Medium).JPG

I've started riding the bike at the gym. The silly "video biking" will probably motivate me to purchase an actual road bike. The gym I frequent only has the video biking. I'm sure some people love this, but I find it annoying to have a huge screen in my face and the need to steer. I personally just want to hunker down and pedal when I'm in a weight room. I don't want to pretend I'm doing a race outdoors, this is just silly.

I saw "186 lbs" for the first time in a very long time, perhaps since I broke my ankle. I've held that weight for two days now. I'm certainly on a downward trend that I hope continues for a bit. I feel and look much healthier in the past week. I'm headed in the right direction.

186.6

Training Quote:

Remember those new excercises? I'm still recovering...

Kevin Doak — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 13:00:43 +0000

IMG_1351 (Medium).JPG

Seven days ago, I tried some interval weight lifting that I had been considering for quite some time. I pushed it pretty hard in the gym and went home feeling great. It hit me a day or two later when my lats were quite sore. Here we are 7-days later and I'm still not certain I'm ready for anoter workout like that.

On the upside, I've been in the pool 6-days a week for two weeks now. I'm motivated and making time for excercise. I've had a few great days out at Fuller pool enjoying the sunshine as well.

2500

LCM - (Long Course 50 Meters)

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Great gym session, new exercises!

Kevin Doak — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 18:21:24 +0000

It's been an exciting week for my training. Attending world championships was suprisingly motivating. It clarified to me that I'm not content swimming average times (for me). I'm consider myself goal oriented and I need to bring my training in line with the rest of my life.

My evening involved some new weight exercises. While coaching the other day, I recommended "interval training" to a friend. I took my own advice and developed some interval training of my own.

After being motivated by the Triathalon I spectated, I chose to bike instead of doing the eliptical. It's a choice I'll continue to make. I got a much higher intensity workout from the bike!

I ended my evening with a 15 minute ab workout from P90X. It was a heck of a workout day!

Training Quote:

A rushed practice but I still made time for it

Kevin Doak — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 02:13:26 +0000

I try to swim for an hour each day. Today I had about 40 minutes. I find that sometimes I get even more out of a short workout. I sprint the whole thing. I'm more worn out from a sprint 40 minute workout than a leasurely 60 minutes. I did 4 x [50m Fly fast + 50m free slow] today and really enjoyed some fast swimming. I had a great 5 x 100's of kicking with a board as well. I've spent months losing a little weight but I'm ready to do some fast training. I still have about 15 lbs to lose before I'm at a great power/weight ratio. With this latest training push, I will make progress on that topic quickly.

Heading to the gym for workout #2 today :)

188.2

2200

SCY - (Short Course 25 Yards)

Training Quote:

Spectated my first Triathalon today!

Kevin Doak — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 00:07:42 +0000

I might be hooked that easy...

I headed over to Island Lake to spectate a friend competing in a "sprint" triathalon. For those as ignorant as I was on the topic. A sprint tri is a:

750-meter (0.47-mile) swim, 20-kilometer (12-mile) bike, 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run

As any swimmer would agree that's a real quick swim followed by a brutal bike and a horrible run. I'm fearful and excited to attempt one of these competitions. I've been thinking about it for years, it's almost time to make a move. I still lack a bicycle, I might need one of those first.

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