February 27, 2012

Irreversible Change - Marine Corps Trials #2

"Some choices are irreversible and some cause irreversible change". 

The 2012 Marine Corps Trials are finished - congratulations to the team of 50 athletes chosen to represent at the Warrior Games in April. What an experience! I met some incredible people and hope to stay connected with this program. 


Awesome view of a swim start - David Chirinos
enters the water with a great streamline! 


The archery competition went as planned even after
all the equipment was stolen just days before trials began. 


Cycling included upright, hand cycle, and recumbant bikes.


Track events included both long distance and sprint events


Seated volleyball - one "cheek" must be in contact with
the floor at all times. 


Shooting had multiple categories: rifle (prone and upright) and pistol.
Accuracy was recorded via computerized screen. 


Wheelchair basketball games were intense!  People flipping backwards,
landing on the floor, crashing into one another...


I did not get to see many events in person due to time spent
at the pool, but I did catch the final events of the track competition.




It's tough leaving such a positive environment, returning to "the grind" of everyday life. This community exemplified support and encouragement in the face of uncertainty and negative circumstances. I hope to emulate the selfless acts and willing spirits, and long for the camaraderie I witnessed in these few short days. 


We worked hard in the pool but also took
time to enjoy the experience

At the pool practicing streamlines. The athletes were expected
to practice the highest level of technique to maximize efficiency. 

Service dogs assist in more ways than just physical.
Kionte Storey was one of many with a dog this week. 

The basketball team was led by top of line coaches
from all over the country.


The team from Netherlands.  They brought wisdom, energy, a competitive spirit,
fun, and hard work to the table.  Good to spend time getting to know you!
Best of luck to you all!


The French team was a delight to spend time with - willing to learn,
very coachable, and always joking with one another.  Interpreters erased the
language barrier and allowed us to share experiences with one another.  






It is easy to disconnect from opportunities when our path is uncertain, redirected, or not what we expected. We all have dreams we push aside because of fear. I often wonder "What would happen if _____ (insert any undesirable life situation here)? How would I respond? What would I change about my life? How would I cope?" After this week I realize I am the only one who can put a limit to the circumstances and experiences in my life. 


Joe Townsend - also an Ironman UK finisher.

Swimming events included 50m Free, 100m Free,
50m back, and 4x50m Free relay.


Shot Put

Robert Norman adapts how he draws back the bow.

Paul de Gelder's accuracy was not
effected by the shark attack

Manuel Ramirez pushed hard in
the 1500m track event



















In the triathlon world speed, publicity, and rank are rewarded. Don't get me wrong, winning feels great. Meeting a goal offers such a sense of relief and accomplishment. I thrive with structure and goals. But often valuable qualities are lost or forgotten when winning is the focus. There has to be a balance. Let's emphasize the journey rather than the outcome. I'm not suggesting a lack of intensity or squelching the drive inside us to excel. Instead I am reminding us to evaluate the quality of our actions as we meet dreams we once thought were impossible. 

No lack of intensity here.

Josue Barron is a phenomenal ball player

Pistol events

Chuck Sketch is not only a double amputee,
he also is blind. 

Joe lapped his competition in this event. 

February 18, 2012

Marine Corps Trials - #1

It is mid-way point at Camp Pendelton.  Our schedules are packed and this is the first opportunity I've had to get online and update on the trip.  I am not going into many details since my time is limited, but will let the pictures speak for themselves.  I am amazed, energized, tired, humbled... and loving it! 

Please refer back to my recent 2-3 postings for a brief description of what I am doing to assist with the Marine Corps Trials.  Below are additional links including photos and descriptions of the programs. 

Wounded Warrior Project
Warrior Games


Welcome dinner for the Marines
 
We are coaching three 2-hour swimming sessions each day. 
The Marines attend sessions for each sport they plan to compete in
at the Trials.  Sports include cycling, shooting, archery, track/field, volleyball,
basketball, and swimming.

Several Marines have service dogs assisting them.
 
Quick check to see if the goggles fit correctly.

The Marines have the opportunity to compete in the 50 Free, 50 Back, 100 Free,
and 200 Free Relay.  Daily they are instructed on details to make their strokes efficient.

At the welcome dinner I had the chance to meet Anthony Robles.  He was born with
one leg but did not let this challenge stop him from competing as an elite wrestler.  He
is a NCAA champion and incredible motivational speaker.

5 out of 6 swimming coaches.  The Marines have gathered some of the highest
quality coaches from all over the country to assist in the program.  The swimming staff includes
2 Olympic medalists!!  Wow!

The 25meter pool we had access to when it was raining. 

There are Marines from all over the United States, but also from Allied countries including
United Kingdom, France, Colombia, Germany, Holland, Australia, and Canada.
 
I have had a chance to talk with several of the soldiers and hear their stories.
 
Ceremonies to celebrate the trials.

It has been so nice to spend time getting to know some of these guys
outside of the pool environment.

We all have our "bucket list".... no matter what. 

The main pool area where we have been training.  What great weather!

Simulating a race environment during practice to get ready for Tuesday's Trials

Swimming Coaches(left to right): Daniel Smith, Michael Kleinert, Missy Kuck,
Sheila Taormina (head coach), Tracy Collett, Major Greg Burgess. 
I will update again when I have time :)
miss

February 10, 2012

Swimming: Back to the Basics


Quick trip to Disney


I had all these grand ideas to update each week from Florida.  Successful week #1.  I do best with a schedule, under deadlines, etc.  Therefore, when I am given extra time, I take it.  My manager at work can testify to that :)  Maybe because I am so scheduled other times.  Who knows...


Rediscovered "unwinding" at the lake
and am about to finish my 2nd book :)

Since my last post I have been pushing through multiple workouts each day.  Nothing new, except for the swim.  

Ironman mass swim start.  Fight the crowd,
draft, stay strong and steady!

 Yes, the swim.  What I once considered a "strength" of mine, no longer....oh, no.  Not in comparison to this crowd (it's all relative isn't it?).  Since I've graduated from competitive swimming in 1998 (yes, 14 years ago- I feel so old) I've been training myself; at best, training alongside other friends.  My brother is insistent that I train with an age group team; others have suggested swimming with a masters team.  I've attempted both but nothing seems to fit right. 


ITU swim start; fewer numbers, fast swimmers.
Don't lose the front pack!
The first 2 weeks here I jumped in with other elite triathletes from the area, including Sara McLarty, Jarrod Shoemaker, Alicia Kaye, Sarah Haskins, Nathan Kortuem, Gwen Jorgensen, Lauren Goss, Joe Umphenour, Natalie Kirchhoff.  (If you are not familiar with these names, check the triathlete magazines or race results.  Their pictures will stare back at you and their results will be at the top.)  These athletes compete in short distance races and ITU draft legal races - where the swim is CRUCIAL to set you up for a successful race.  In long distance racing the 25-55min swim is not as important when it is followed up by a 56-112mile bike and 13-26mile run- plenty of time bridge the gap. 

This month I went from swimming 10k-12k (all pretty moderate efforts) to 23k in the first week (NOT moderate efforts...).  After each workout I was sooo tired and had to take a nap.  Needless to say I overstepped the 10% rule (never increase your distance or intensity more than 10% each week to avoid injury) and paid for it dearly.  I was a zombie for about 2 days at the start of week #3 and had to ease back into workouts.  Who knew it would be the swim that would push me over the top...  Yes, I need to get back to this level of training, but I need to be smart about it.  This week I've made some adjustments. 

Lesson learned?  Yes - 2 big ones:

#1:  The 10% rule is real.  Give it the respect it deserves, even in the pool.  Most people apply this rule in attempts to avoid common injuries associated with running.  If you have a coach, they most likely tracking the details.  If you are training yourself, get out a calendar and map it out.  Work backwards from your "A" race.  What is the race distance?  What is your goal time?  Be sure you are training AT LEAST that distance and speed 3-5x a week through various swim sets the month leading up to the race.  Look at your current workouts and figure out a step-by-step progression to meet that goal. 

#2:  Search your community to find a group (or friend) that fits your schedule and matches/challenges your fitness level.  It is unbelievable the differences you'll experience knowing there are others pushing the workout alongside you.  Waking up at "0-dark-hundred" isn't as bad, it goes by faster, and you swim faster.  If you are fortunate to have a coach on deck, they can evaluate your technique on occasion and offer suggestions. 


Yes, David (my brother) you are right...  I have needed this type of group for a long time.  My intensity needs a jolt.  My form has gone to crap.  I need people around to push me.  I've known this for quite a while but living it recently has moved it to the front of my priority list.  So Ohio friends... any takers??   Let's create a successful, positive swim environment together.