April 6, 2011

Hello Masters,

It's been a great couple of weeks with some record achievements, travels, and kudos along the way. Marie and most of my family (except our pets and dog-sitter, Trevor) returned from an outstanding kids swim camp in Phoenix, AZ where we swam outside in humidless(!) sunshine, did a trail leading to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and swam beside some Japanese national team members who were impersonating human dolphins.

We also had a great turnout for our very first club-attended Masters meet with many first-time swimmers some of which started to swim this year. I cannot extol the virtues enough regarding competitions and how they help you develop your focus and swimming skills. First-timer Dawn (Tue/Thu pm'er) put it this way:

Hi Tom
Just wanted to say thank you for encouraging me (and the whole team) to sign up for the masters swim meet. I never thought I would as it seemed way too intimidating to be at a competition knowing that i'm not a very fast or strong swimmer. But signing up gave me lots of motivation before the meet to push myself out of my comfort zone in every practice. It gave me more focus for every lap and repeat as I'd tell myself that I had to push harder so race day would seem just like a practice. It also made me realize starting blocks aren't so scary after all. Thanks for pushing me out of my comfort zone I know competing in that little meet will help me be a better and more confident swimmer... and who knows I might even sign up for another one cause it was surprisingly fun, especially the winning part.
Dawn

As for her comment about the 'winning part', we had a grudge match between the OLDIES versus the YOUNGIES 4x50 FR relay. Going in, the younger crew had a one-second lead...on paper. Both relays had individuals swimming faster than they ever have according to the splits and it was the OLDIES who ruled by a one-second margin! Relays are always the funnest part of a meet both to participate and watch!

Cancellations and practice changes
We are going to be hit with a bit of a double whammy with CU closing for maintenance mid-April as well as JCC Passover closures. Here are the changes:
Sun CU 10 am cancelled Apr 17-May 8 or 14 (TBA). JCC Sun 6:45 am will be on as usual.
JCC Passover facility closures will affect the following closures:
Mon Apr 18 8:30 pm cancelled (am/noon still on)
Tue-Wed Apr 19/20 all practices cancelled
Mon-Tue Apr 25/26 all practices cancelled
*For these weeks, members can drop in to any other practice during the week. We'll fit you in. We will offer a practice Easter weekend Sun Apr 24 6:45 am at JCC.
Other Notes
They are tightening up the sign-in procedure at the JCC front desk. I am working on getting a Masters list they can check. In the meantime, bring ID to show. Please cooperate with the current procedure and let me know if there are any issues as I would like to be involved in any dealings with our club and the JCC facility.

There has been some strong interest in our outdoor summer program starting mid-June to August. Details will follow shortly with first dibs to our current members, then it opens to outsiders. I expect a full crowd again...and fun outside!

Some of you need a refresher on starts and turns. Click the links below to review the movies and practice, practice...
On Sat, Feb 26, 2011 at 10:29 AM, Tom Anzai <tom@anzai.com> wrote:

Dives: tighten the goggles and tuck your chin to chest on entry (force of water on the top of your head on entry--not goggles), Lift your legs up and imagine diving into an inner tube floating on top of the water...arms enter first, then hips, and toes LAST. Slip into the water instead of plowing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKkS7LFvecM&feature=related
Fly: 2-3 underwater dol ki at start and turn walls, 2 hand finish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDuh4c84D7E
Back: 2-3 underwater dol ki at start walls, allowed to roll on front with one over water arm recovery with continuous motion...flip at wall...push off on back with arms in streamline and do underwater dol ki. Finish by touching one hand on back (not front)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt24OQG3gHA
Breast: 1 underwater pullout at start and turn walls, 2 hand finish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l05ed04MZuA
Free: 2-3 underwater dol ki at start and turn walls, flip turn to maximize speed, touch wall with one hand on your side (maximum reach).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss6-htcF9mA&feature=related
IM turns: Fly to Back - while doing Fly touch wall with two hands, push off on back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgEtL9n_3oM
Back to Breast - while doing Back touch wall on back (advanced swimmers can try the new cross-over flip turn), push off on front and do BR underwater pullout.
Advanced cross-over turn video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGROwNmQXJU
Breast to Free - while doing Breast touch wall with two hands, push off and do underwater dol ki to Free
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob1tlAfUJOs
See you poolside,

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

Mar 5, 2011

*Let me know if there's a better email to reach you on weekends and after hours. I can add multiple emails for you.

We will postpone our Pentathlon Event (25 fly, 50 bk, 75 br, 100/200 fr (choice), 100 IM) until Sun Mar 6 due to pool configuration (CU will be at 33m tomorrow). Yes, that give you another week to practice legal swimming starts/turns! Here's the practice tomorrow instead:
Practice 3 Sunday (theme: Muscular endurance)
wu: 400 sw, 12x25 dps 15 SR, 2-4 x 100 ki (50 dol ki/50 ch) fins optional
main: 2 x [10 x 75] 1-5 build, 6, 8, 10 fast, 7/9 ez, 60 SR extra rest between rounds, 800 pull
wd: 100 ez
Everyone will practice the following in the next few weeks. See the coach for explanations/demo:
Dives: tighten the goggles and tuck your chin to chest on entry (force of water on the top of your head on entry--not goggles), Lift your legs up and imagine diving into an inner tube floating on top of the water...arms enter first, then hips, and toes LAST. Slip into the water instead of plowing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKkS7LFvecM&feature=related
Fly: 2-3 underwater dol ki at start and turn walls, 2 hand finish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDuh4c84D7E
Back: 2-3 underwater dol ki at start walls, allowed to roll on front with one over water arm recovery with continuous motion...flip at wall...push off on back with arms in streamline and do underwater dol ki. Finish by touching one hand on back (not front)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt24OQG3gHA
Breast: 1 underwater pullout at start and turn walls, 2 hand finish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l05ed04MZuA
Free: 2-3 underwater dol ki at start and turn walls, flip turn to maximize speed, touch wall with one hand on your side (maximum reach).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss6-htcF9mA&feature=related
IM turns: Fly to Back - while doing Fly touch wall with two hands, push off on back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgEtL9n_3oM
Back to Breast - while doing Back touch wall on back (advanced swimmers can try the new cross-over flip turn), push off on front and do BR underwater pullout.
Advanced cross-over turn video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGROwNmQXJU
Breast to Free - while doing Breast touch wall with two hands, push off and do underwater dol ki to Free
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob1tlAfUJOs
Still working on March Break pooltime where available (JCC is on a holiday swim schedule) and will advise.

See you poolside,

Tom

On Thu, Feb 17, 2011 at 8:02 PM, Tom Anzai <tom@anzai.com> wrote:

Some quick news about upcoming events:
Congrats to Jennifer D Tue/Thu who took off the most in the 500m for time (Nov vs. Feb) and a whopping 90 seconds. Also, kudos to lane mate Erin M (what was in that lane anyway?!) and John J of Mon/Wed am who also took off more than 60 seconds. And, to Krista C and Tim W of Mon/Wed pm who did the swim twice in consecutive weeks :)

Yes, there are practices this Sunday at JCC 6:45 am and CU at 10-11:30 am

No practices Family Day Monday, February 21, 2011.

Fun Pentathlon Sunday Feb 27th (not this weekend) at both JCC and CU practice times. See how much you've improved in 25 Fly, 50 BK, 75 BR, 200 FR, and 100 IM events! Warmup and warm-down lanes will be provided during heats. Door prizes!

Reply back if you want to swim during March Break and I will negotiate practices.

I've received some interest in the Masters Meet Fri-Sun Mar. 25-27, 2011 at the Nepean Sportsplex. Early indications for Friday 50 Free and/or Saturday 100 Free, 50 Breast and a mixed relay. If you are interested in learning more, let me know by end of this weekend. See notes and link below.

Finally, a note from Trevor:
Hi Masters!

I've talked to some of you at practice, and here is the link for the fundraising opportunity:
http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR?fr_id=8791&pg=entry.

This is for the 2011 Relay For Life happening at Carleton University on March 6th from 7pm-7 am. I will participating in this event to help raise money for cancer research and I have to gather a minimum of $100. Our team is going to be doing various events throughout the night/morning for the full 12 hours. Recently, a cousin of mine (9 years old) was unfortunately diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and this is why I got involved.

The link provides extra information if you're interested to know more about it, and here are the steps for pledging myself if you get lost:

- Go to the link provided at the top of the email
- Under the "Fight Back Against Cancer" heading, click on Pledge a Participant or Team, located on the left side of the web page.
- Search for an individual participant, with my first name: Trevor, and last name: Anzai
- Click on the Donate Now
- From there you can donate!

Thanks in advance for anyone who pledges; your generosity is much appreciated!

See ya poolside :D

Trevor
Enjoy the warmth,

Tom

On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 11:11 PM, Tom Anzai <tom@anzai.com> wrote:

...
So, as a celebration I plan to do some events starting with upcoming Masters meets such as the Provincials meet to be held at the Sportsplex Fri Mar 25-Sun Mar 27. And, I want you to join me an some others at the event in a celebration of being fit, energetic...while we are still able! This event is guaranteed to spike your interest in swimming by participating in a stimulating environment and also motivating you to attend practices. You will notice that the intensity of the practices has increased and we will help you be prepared for competition. For more information, go to:

http://nmsc.org/swimmeet/index.php

Let me know if you're interested in learning more or planning to attend by replying back before Feb 20th along with your chosen events as I will ensure that you are registered with Masters Ontario (swimottawa pays your fee) and that we register as a club before the deadline. Cost is $40 plus $6 per event. I will collect fees and register on your behalf. You need only attend your chosen events and can choose to swim any or part of the days. Plan on doing the warm up that starts each session. Sessions expected to end within 4 hours (last event) but you can leave after your race has finished. No experience necessary and you will have fun!

Schedule of Events
Friday, March 25th, 2011
4:00 pm - Registration Check-in Opens
5:00 pm - Warm-up
6:00 pm - Start

Women Event Men
1 200 Medley 2
3 50 Free 4
5 4 x 200 Free Relay (W)
4 x 200 Free Relay (M) 6
4 x 200 Free Relay (X) 7
9 1500 Free 10
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
7:00 am - Registration Check-in Opens
8:00 am - Warm-up
9:00 am - Start

Women Event Men
11 100 Free 12
13 400 Medley 14
15 50 Breast 16
17 4 x 100 Medley Relay (W)
4 x 100 Medley Relay (M) 18
4 x 100 Medley Relay (X) 19
Officials Lunch
21 100 Back 22
23 50 Fly 24
25 200 Breast 26
27 4 x 50 Free Relay (W)
4 x 50 Free Relay (M) 28
4 x 50 Free Relay (X) 29
31 400 Free 32
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
7:00 am - Registration Check-in Opens
8:00 am - Warm-up
9:00 am - Start

Women Event Men
33 200 Free 34
35 100 Medley 36
37 200 Back 38
39 100 Fly 40
41 4 x 100 Free Relay (W)
4 x 100 Free Relay (M) 42
4 x 100 Free Relay (X) 43
Officials Lunch
45 100 Breast 46
47 200 Fly 48
49 50 Back 50
51 4 x 50 Medley Relay (W)
4 x 50 Medley Relay (M) 52
4 x 50 Medley Relay (X) 53
55 800 Free 56

Registration and Payment
All swimmers, including "relay only" swimmers, shall pay the registration fee of $40.00.
Individual events are $6.00 each. (Maximum 6 individual events per swimmer)
Relays are $10.00 each per team.
Social tickets are $35.00 per person. (Limited to the first 130)
Tom
www.swimottawa.com

Dec 22/10

Congratulations to the many Annual Pentathlon participants who won one of the $300+ door prizes offered December 12th...you all swam fast and (most) did legal starts and turns! Look for a return in the Spring with another modified pentathlon. Remember that these types of events are designed to make you put into action what you practice so you become a better swimmer. By that I mean swimming your fastest within the legal parameters of swimming rules (e.g., two-hand touch in fly/br, touch wall on your back in bk, no false starts).

You will find a longer-set practice for Practice #2 this week compliments of Mon/Wed am'er, Michelle, in the form of a pyramid. This will test your endurance and provide you a sense of accomplishment...when you finish.

I worked on getting add'l pool time over the holidays due to some enquiries. Here's the schedule for the rest of the holidays.
No practice Sun Dec 26th due to holiday.

'Swim with the coach(es)' Dec 27/29 Mon/Wed 6:05-7:20 am & Mon/Wed 8:30-9:30 pm. The practices will be written on the board and you are invited to swim with the coach(es) in the three lanes. Any swimottawa Masters swimmer at any session is invited to any of these times. Please swim in a lane that is suitable to your swim skill. *Unless you are a JCC member, there will be no entry to any other swim session (e.g., Tue/Thu am or pm) as there will be a member open swim underway and the front desk will be checking.

Regular practices resume Sun Jan 2nd at both JCC 6:45-8:00 am and CU 10 am (until 11:15 am due to Ladies holiday swim that follows).
Other news
Congrats to pm'ers, Tim and Carolyn, who have moved into their new home on Ruskin Ave. We missed the house warming you mentioned :(

Congrats on pm'er, Dawn, who purchased a cottage in November on the Big Rideau. She plans on perfecting her dive from her dock...
Enjoy the extra practices we are offering you!

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

Dec 5/10

The year is coming to a close and I can tell...Christmas music is playing, the dog is like a kid seeing snow for the first time, and (most) of the bikes are in storage. But one thing stays constant and that's the ability to continue to swim indoors for another six months. Maybe that's not a selling point, but a fact of life here in the northern hemisphere.
Speaking of continuing to swim, my advice for those that want to improve, get fit and faster is to try to make it out three times per week. My experience is that twice can maintain your swimming skills but a third practice allows you to develop faster. Join the 30+ people who are making it out Sunday am. Take advantage of the two swim times that morning as we pack more endurance sets in. If you attend Carleton U we'll spice it up with something fun and different. For example, we got to play in the bubbler last week under the dive towers after a hard 3K+ pyramid practice.
Notes
Annual Pentathlon next Sunday, December 12th. At both practices, we will run a fun time trial where you do five events of varying distances (25 fly, 50 bk, 75 br, 100 fr, and 100 IM) with random door prizes from Swim Santa. You'll do a warmup and then do the Pentathlon. All in fun! For those that who would rather continue the practice, you can do that as well with a long boring set :P
Swim wear: you can purchase fins (we'll be doing more fin work), goggles, caps, bags, etc. by using the Online Swim Wear Order link. Best to use that online form so we can track and verify your orders.
Practice Cancellations: we'll continue practices right up to Christmas and then take a break Dec 26-30 (I can arrange some JCC pool time and give you practices if you intend to swim that week). Practice will resume Sun Jan 2 at both JCC and Carleton U (CU will end at 11:15 am on Dec 19 and Jan 2 due to earlier Ladies swim that follows). C'mon out and work off that turkey!
Congratulations to Sindy Dobson who beat her goal and finished 17th and the first Canadian in her category at the World Triathlon Championships in Clearwater, FL.
Do you experience this? Some of us get a periodic high heart rate that 'flutters' for a while and we have to back off. I've noticed it running a few years ago and experience it when swimming occassionally.
Enjoy the busy month and take a break...by swimming!

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

Oct. 15, 2010

You can worship Sunday...in the pool! We are starting back with two choices either Sun 6:45-8 am at JCC (meet at pool back door at 6:40 am with Coach Maggie) or 10-11:15 am at Carleton with Coach Devon and I. Hope to see you out religiously...

It's the full regular schedule once again and we had a great week of 'gentle' swimming. We will go over some basic drills and lead up to more intense practices in the next month. Use the time now to work on technique while you can as it will make a difference. We will introduce competitive starts and turns and even have a fun meet in preparation for some informal competitions. It's one of the best ways to get you motivated and improved...really.

You'll see me in the odd practice as well. Don't be surprised if I surface in one of your lanes as it's one of the best ways to see what you're doing under the water. I've already synchro swam with some of you already to work on technique and walls. OK, you were warned.

Have a great weekend,

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

Oct 13/2010

OK, I had withdrawls and had to swim outside again...had to travel 2500 km to do it though... The attached photo is me on deck after lap swimming in Dallas, TX the final week before the roof was to be installed at the local college. Yes, that's right...a removeable roof! Hey, JCC there's an idea for you! And, I got in as a Senior and swam for free...just told him I felt like a senior under my breath. The second photo is the rest of the Swimzai's on my birthday (my 27th BTW) and our annual visit to my father's grave after dinner at his favourite fish 'n chip place Merivale Fish Market. I remember my dad coaching us and watching Doc Councilman 8mm swimming movies in our basement. Life has come full circle as several of our kids, Perhaps you've seen Trevor, Kenton, and Emily as well as Marie (her dad coached her too) on deck at the Masters practices.

Enough about us, let's move on to you. We've had some good practices at Brewer, UofO, and Carleton as we await the re-opening of the JCC. I'm told that we can start Wed Oct 13th at the JCC (they tell me that the health inspection gets done Tue) and resume our normal practice schedule. Until then, keep attending the make-up practices listed over at http://www.swimottawa.com/Masters-news.htm I will continually communicate with y'all about any further changes.

SwimOttawa Caps Available
One of the benefits of having artistic family members...and long flights to design mockups is to create a new SwimOttawa cap. I wanted to focus on the Canadian maple leaf as the nation's capital while using the '72 Team Canada hockey logo as inspiration. It's a two-color (red and black) on a white cap that shows up well (see attached pool photo). It's good trade bait too :)

You can now purchase member-discounted $8 silicone (thicker, longer lasting, stays white) or $4 latex (thinner, will yellow over time). Reply back and bring cash to the next practice.
http://www.swimottawa.com/images/Swim%20Ottawa%20Cap%202010.pdf

Video Footage
Click to watch Canada's, Ryan Cochrane, on his way to the nation's first gold at the Commonwealth Games today. Watch the constant kicking, heels breaking surface, and dolphin kick off walls...even during a long distance event. Try to emulate that at your next practice.
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/ID=1606748134

Hope to see you tonight, Sat, and/or Sunday.

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Tom Anzai <tom@anzai.com>
Date: Fri, Sep 17, 2010 at 11:12 PM
Subject: *swimottawa Masters Fall News-Sept 17-10 -UofO

Last call for the outdoor pool...as it's official that the JCC outdoor pool is closing this Thursday for the season. We will have practices Mon-Wed (at JCC and at UofO Monday 6-7 pm) and indoors at Brewer Sat pm and CU Sun am. See the revised schedule for the next few weeks over at http://www.swimottawa.com/Masters-news.htm. Keep an eye on that page as the JCC indoor reopening will be confirmed in October.

So, take advantage of the pool time offered at the four venues -- JCC outdoors, UofO indoors, Brewer Pool indoors, and CU indoors. Everyone into the pool(s)!

Equipment: you can purchase swimmer fins for $30 (used for our practices--need your shoe size), Catch paddles (smaller winged, half paddles that do not stress the shoulders) for $20, prescription goggles for $20 (need prescription and choice of clear or black), competition goggles for $18, female suits from $48, male jammers/square legs for $28...discounted for our members (all taxes in). Email your requests and pay via cash or cheque at the next practice when your goods arrive. Next order deadline is Sept. 25th.

See you poolside,

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

Sept 13, 2010

• Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu from 6:15-7:15 am JCC outdoors starting tomorrow Sept. 14th for as long as the outdoor pool remains open. Note that the JCC is closed Thu Sept 23 and Sept 30 due to holidays.
  
• Tue or Thu 6:00-7:00 pm JCC outdoors this week and Tue the following weeks (due to Thu holiday closure) for as long as the outdoor pool remains open.
  
• Mon/Wed noon swimmers -- contact me to get access to the outdoor JCC pool and I will provide a workout.
  
• Monday Sept. 20, 27, Oct 4 from 6-7 pm at UofO, deep end.
  
• Sat Sep 25, Oct 2, Oct 9 5:30-6:30 pm at Brewer.
  
• Sun Sep 26 from 10-11:15 am at CU (regular practice continues to Spring.
  
• Additionally, we will continue to swim through March Break and extend the season until the first week of June.

Sept 8, 2010

• Hello Masters, I've been busy looking at the registration and assembling lane assignments based on the reg forms I received. Too, I've been in multiple discussions with the SJCC about the maintenance delays for the indoor pool, which may not open until early to mid October as they have just started the tiling process. That said, I've been canvassing alternative swim options including the following:
  An earlier start by swimming in the outdoor pool as soon as next week Sept. 12 and continuing as long as it remains open (expected to be two more weeks). Keep in mind the holidays closures listed over at http://www.swimottawa.com/Masters-news.htm. Let me know if you're interested 6:15-7:15 am, noon, or 6-7 pm.
• Sunday morning at Carleton U 10-11:15 am starting Sept. 26 onwards.
• Monday nights at UofO 6-7 pm. I would need a minimum of 10 swimmers. Pay parking and cold pool.
• Saturday nights at Brewer Pool (opposite CU off Bronson) 5:30-6:30 pm.

Let me know what you think of the options above as based on your input I will decide whether to incur extra expenses to rent the additional pool time. My apologies on behalf of the Centre but my hope is that the end result will be a better facility with new tiling throughout as well as line markings that are centered on each lane (my input).

• Other notes of interest:
  We typically wait until the start of the season before we charge your credit cards. If you are paying by cheque, please make payable to 'Anzai! Inc.' and send to 963 Killeen Avenue, Ottawa K2A 2Y1. When you submit your online registration form, it reserves your spot for that time slot. If we do not receive payment promptly, then you will be bumped in favour of someone on the wait list.
• We really want to make sure that new members fit in one of the three assigned lanes. We will not charge new members until after the first week when we can see whether you are a good fit with our program and vice-versa.
• We are at a max level and I will continue to monitor the groups to make sure we all fit within the lane space provided. Please make sure you ask permission should you want to change sessions (and in some cases, it may not be possible).
• Due to holidays, some groups may incur cancellations due to holidays. Therefore, I will honour a make-up at an addiitonal session (am, noon, or pm) that week when a practice is cancelled.
• I plan on coaching at least one session per group except for week's where I have to go on business travel. When I am away there will be a coach on deck such as katy, Fraser, Scott, and Vicki. Keep in mind that all practices are pre-planned by yours truly...just the face that enforces it on deck may be different. I may even join a practice with you :)
• Your protocol is to arrive on time, be courteous of your lane mates, help put in lane lines, and ensure it's a congenial atmosphere as it's always been.

Lastly, visit our web site for the latest news, upcoming clinics, and socials. It's all there (and if it's not, I'll put it there!)
Looking forward to seeing you poolside soon,

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

Aug 10 , 2010

Well, we have lots of congratulations to hand out...congrats to many of you who have completed Iron Man competitions in Lake Placid, NYC, and soon to be Ottawa and New Hampshire as well as seven hour (trail runs--Shelley M) or watching 48 km open water swims {yawn-Kathryn M} in Quebec. New Hampshire seems to be a 'honeymoon' event for our newly married duo of Jon H and Sindy D who finally agreed to swim upstream together in holy matrimony (see photo). Yes, Jon, he of fame and the instigator of the 'John Drill' (5 strokes left arm, 1 stroke right arm) as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

Also, special congrats to para athlete, Kim F, who sent this note:

NYC Triathlon went very well. I swam the 1500m in under 23 mins - mind you there was a current in the Hudson that helped us along. I did exactly what you had told me to do - arm swings and visualization. It really calmed me down and I was not nervous at the start at all. It was an awesome feeling. I beat the two USA girls by 2 and 3 mins respectively. It was a pleasant surprise and shot my confidence thru the roof…always a good thing.

OK, any one that complains about the Ottawa River, how about swimming in the Hudson? Now that partner, Curtis S, can now see the board thanks to prescription goggles he can see what lurks in the depths of Mirror Lake, Lake Placid next IMLP :)

• Finally, special birthday wishes to Sue W, Jessica R, Trina P, Jenna R, James W, Carloline T, Katy C, Colleen W, and Tim W who have, or soon will, celebrate another year. Lastly to my wife, Marie, who turns 19 today...which makes me only 24...in maturity.
  
  More info:
  Last day of the outdoor season is Friday, August 27th--Fun Friday of course! Indoor JCC pool opening will be Sept. 20th.
• Registration is now open for returning members for our Fall/Winter/Spring indoor season (Sept 20-end of May). Depending upon weather we may be able to have some practices outdoors after Labour day up until the 20th TBA. Returning members will be given first priority until midnight Aug 21st and then any available space will be given to new members. New Fall members are recommended to register early as openings will be on a first-come basis!

Click here for more information and to register for the indoor 2010-2011 Fall Masters

Take advantage of the great summer weather...before it starts to get dark and cooler outside!

See you outdoor poolside,
Tom
www.swimottawa.com

July 12, 2010

OK, I have swum in many pools and outdoor locations but I don't think you can beat the 137 metre (!) outdoor Kitslano Beach pool in Vancouver, B.C. Took me over 2 minutes to do one length (my son Kenton did it in 1:40 but I think it's a body mass advantage :-) and a great way to swim long distance. See the attached tiny photos (Trevor posing and one with my nephews and nieces)...can't beat the view of the ocean and the coastal mountains. Nice!

Better late than never for completing our 2K Canada Day swim. We missed the event during the actual holiday but you'll have a chance to complete it early this week as we work towards the 3K Bring on the Bay swim this Saturday. You have progressed from 300m, 500m, 1000/1500m, and now to 2000m during practice and should be ready to go. Break down the distance using some of the strategy we have incorporated in practice: start with focusing on a long stroke, work on build, negative split, and finish as strong as you can!

There are two reasons why I have chosen to co-sponsor this event: (1) for Easter Seals charity where proceeds go directly towards helping kids with disabilities, and (2) to support our local Ottawa River watershed in the hopes that improvements will be made so generations can continue to swim in events such as this. When you do the swim, think of who you are supporting and how fortunate you are to be able to participate in an event where you represent 1/100th of a percent of Ottawans who can accomplish this feat. There will be a record number of Swim Ottawa participants and you can still register and save $5 as a member.

Go to http://bringonthebay.com/index.php?title=Register before Thursday 5pm and join us! Remember to say "cheese" for our Swim Ottawa group photo at the finish line! If you can't attend, consider sponsoring me as I swim the 3K again this year in I.M. order (fly modified, back, breast, and free)...http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=916703.

Other notes:

• You are invited to attend ANY additional session throughout the week as we do have lane space. Just come and we'll fit you in. Our Fun Fridays are popular and it's a great way to end the week of hard work. Expect some creative sets and team events!
  
• Practice cancelled Monday August 2nd for the Civic holiday. Last practice is Friday, August 27th. Fall/Winter/Spring indoor JCC registration to be announced in August with early registration for returning members. We anticipate another full indoor season.
  
• Missed any news or practice changes? Go to http://www.swimottawa.com/Masters-news.htm
  
• Planning on a trip to the U.S. and need a place to swim? Go to http://www.usms.org/placswim/ and click the State. I've used this many times and have dropped in to various Masters practices around the country. Most do not charge.
  

See you bay side,

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

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Sun Jun 27, 2010

A quick note that practice is cancelled Thu July 1st for Canada Day. In lieu, You may make up by attending any other practice this week. Please welcome back the following Swim Ottawa coaches as Trevor and I will be at a family get together out west (Quadra Island) Jun 29-July 6th.
Tue June 29 6-9 am Masters ~ Katy 6-8, Marie 8-9 am
Tue June 29 7:30-8:30 pm ~ Fraser
Wed June 30 6-9 am Masters ~ Tim
Thu Jul 1 HOLIDAY NO PRACTICE
Fri Jul 2 6-9 am Masters ~ Tim
Mon Jul 5 6-9 am Masters ~ Tim
Tue July 6 6-9 am Masters ~ Tim
Tue July 6 7:30-8:30 pm ~ Fraser
Have you registered yet for www.bringonthebay.com ?? Be there.

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Tom Anzai <tom@anzai.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 22, 2010 at 8:45 PM
Subject: *swimottawa Masters Outdoor News - June 22/10
To: service@swimottawa.com
Cc: Tim Burton <burtontimothy@hotmail.com>, Trevor Anzai <trevor@anzai.com>, Marie Anzai <marie@anzai.com>, miranda.dl@magma.ca

Well, that week went fast...too fast. If it's an indication of the outdoor season, you'd be advised to maximized your swim outdoors while you can! We've had over a week to survey the lane space and I'm happy to say that it's all working out. If you want to augment your usual practices with other sessions, contact me and I'll confirm space availability. So far, so good!

~Bring on the Bay~
Your goal this season is to become better swimmers. One goal to achieve this is to participate in the Sat July 17th Bring on the Bay 3K swim from Nepean to Britannia Sailing Clubs. It's a great, straight course with many types of skill levels. Best of all it's for charity and one of the reasons that Swim Ottawa is a co-sponsor. Register now at www.bringonthebay.com and select the discounted 'swim ottawa' $35 rate. I'd like a record number of participants in this event this summer...register now and join the gang!

Q&A's as we start of our outdoor season:

Where's the best place to park? Closest to pool is the parking lot east of building. To get there, turn onto Broadview from Carling and turn left on Kerr at stop sign. Turn right after JCC main parking lot exit and drive down towards outdoor pool fence. Or, park at school fenced parking lot next left on Broadview (just past main parking lot entrance).

Where to shower and change? There are outdoor change stalls in the shallow end of the outdoor pool. There is an outdoor shower in opposite corner. It's cool water to start and gets slightly warm. Else, go through the front door and use the indoor showers. There are outdoor washrooms in the porta hut in front of the pool area at end of parking lot.

Can I come to additional practices? Contact Tom and confirm as we want to ensure adequate lane space for all. Note that we rotate practices every other day so you may do the same one if you do back-to-back practices.

What's the rain/bad weather policy? We swim in the rain but not when there's thunderstorms nearby. Use this link to check severe weather watches indicated in a red highlight that would be located at the top of the web page. Check http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/on-118_metric_e.html Call or text my cell if in doubt at 613 558-2238.

I need swim wear, goggles, fins, etc. Contact Tom as I'll be placing a Speedo or TYR order including prescription goggles for $20, fins for $30, hand paddles for $20, poly suits from $48 female and $24 for male. As members of Swim Ottawa you qualify for discounts on swim wear and equipment. For an online order form go to https://secure.leda.lunarmania.com/~anzai0/swimottawa/Forms/Reg-swimwear.htm.

Do you film swimmers and analyze their strokes? Yes, we'll be bringing out the video equipment soon. Contact the coaches and we'll book some time with you and provide feedback. There is no additional fee for this one-on-one service.

What is Fun Friday all about? We celebrate Fridays as a reprieve from typical swim training and sprinkle in one part creative sets with one part fun (at least from the coach perspective :-). None the less, it's all meant to increase your enjoyment and swimming skills. Everyone is invited to Fun Fridays!

Got any more questions...let me know.

See you poolside,

Tom
www.swimottawa.com

Apr 26/2010

Hello Masters,

You know you're obsessed when...you're watching an in flight movie about dolphins swimming and you have an idea about how to teach Masters the butterfly. This is why we had you jump off the bottom of the pool last week during a progressive fly set :) Tip is to throw your body forward, not up!, as you swing your arms forward. Of course, growing a strong fin would help as well.

We're starting to get even more creative with some practice ideas we've picked up over the years. I understand the noon group were the lucky ones who rolled successive 50's sets versus the 200 butterfly ones. Lucky rollers! Get ready for some sprint 25's, followed by progressive IM, then negative split sets on the weekend (JCC open, CU closed one more week). You'll have lots of variety in our program in an effort to break up the monotony of swimming the same ol', same 'ol. Been there, done that, and trying to forget...

Thanks to all who have registered early for the Spring/Summer session. I am glad to announce at this time that all early registrants got their first preference with the 6-7 am session now full and others filling up fast. I really appreciate your understanding with regards to the reduced lane space this outdoor season due to circumstances outside our control (JCC maintenance) and I am awaiting final confirmation as to additional pool availability where possible. I'll keep you up to date as I find out.

Some Observations I Made Last Week
Just some random things I saw and thought while coaching and swimming (in no particular order):

Heather M, most under rated swimmer in the 1500m for time swim
Jim T, how can we harness his power in the water and share with the rest of us (me included--got lapped)
Joanne W is willing herself to hang on until the outdoor season, especially Fun Fridays!

John J, cottage open water swim in June. Be there.

Colleen W, got a new suit...maybe
Shelley M may have a quizzical look, but she enjoys her swims
Wendy M just finished her "Maddie" book tour and survived Toronto...barely
Linda M thinks taking rest is a waste of time?

Alan S actually see the airport more than I do
Alex C is getting some work done as a result of x-skiing poling?
Andi M took charge in the 1500m once again
Hana H does not accept not finishing ANY workout
Marianne V can still alpine ski (I feel my knees typing that)
Theresa K hopefully has some clear goggles (if not, I'll order some)

Judith H likes to smoke in her car before and after practice, and sometimes between sets in the lifeguard chair

Dawn M loves her dog
Peter C is still alive after Boston (how did it go?)
Lynne S experienced the same wind shear in Denver a few weeks ago (I trust this airplane, I trust this airplane...)
Linda S has one of the best attendance...and it shows!

Our condolences go out to noon swimmer, Andrea Douglas, who lost her father recently. She and her daughter, Maggie, will hopefully be out in a future weekend swim together.

Another Testimonial

Richard Coburn (General Comments in TriRudy)

Hello Brian

I looked around a few months ago for a masters swim club and was most impressed with Tom Anzai’s club the Swim Ottawa Masters. I have now been swimming with this club for four months and love the training I have received and feel much stronger and faster in the water then when I started. About 70% of the time is spend on the front crawl, I like that we get to do a few other strokes to even out the muscle balance in the upper body and break up the monotony of just one stroke. Tom and the rest of the coaches are top notch, and there are a lot of triathletes in the group.

https://secure.leda.lunarmania.com/~anzai0/swimottawa/aboutus.htm

My two cents,

Richard Coburn
richard@acecycles.ca
www.acecycles.ca

Rudy Says: depends on were Brain lives ... but yes it's hard to beat Tom's group

Mon Mar 18

*This Sunday Mar 21 at JCC am is cancelled as all qualified coaches are unavailable during the March Break. There will be a CU practice at 10-11:15 am as per usual with coach Trevor.

Florida here was cloudy and light rain yesterday. Off to the beach with the swim kids today to swim by Anglin's Pier north of Ft. Lauderdale. We have a good sprint turn set for you after observing a local team practice!

At the very bottom of this email is your Pentathlon results that you should file away as we'll see how well you improve next time!

Tom

Nov. 3/09

Hi swimottawa Masters,

Oct 29/09

Oct 15

Hi again Masters,

A reminder to plan to attend the pot luck tomorrow between 6-9 pm. Bring your significant other along as I have an opinion on lots of things outside of swimming :) I plan to make my infamous "spicy shrimp asparagus with shitake (watch how you pronounce that) stir fry" for 6:15 pm sharp so come early and sample my creation. Guaranteed to improve your butterfly!

Marie plans on making home made pizza...some of you heard her interview with CBC's Adrian Harewood about her Meal Plan Calendar yesterday afternoon. She will be signing autographs tomorrow. I kid. If any of you would rather bring some other main courses or desserts (Jen's idea) then you certainly can. Just show up and we'll figure it out.

Again, we have four kids, two cats and one goofy, large dog with a whip for a tail (likes to wag it around) so if you opposed to any of those...including the pets...you were forewarned. Details and map are listed below. Hope to CU around the table!

• It's been a month into our practices and you should be thinking of all the drills we've done including:
• Balanced body position with head looking down--do this and your hips will rise up
• Flip turns with dolphin kick off wall (great drills this week)--the easiest way to get off the wall and glide to the max
  
• Underwater breastroke pullouts--a great way to get ahead with less actual swimming
• Undulating butterfly--resort to BR arms with dolphin kick if needed
  
• Coming next week--streamline BK with flip turn!
• Help put in lane ropes--thought I'd sneak that one in :)
• This Sunday at JCC 6:45-8:00 am starts with coach Tim. Meet at back door of pool at 6:40 am for entry NOT the front door. I'll be at CU pool 10:00 am Sunday's as per usual.
  

Web page updates:

• To find out about the numerous swim programs we offer, please visit the Programs page.
• UPDATED! For the latest news including practice changes and cancellations, please visit the News page. Updated frequently.
• To find out more about who we are, please go to About Us.
• NEW! To check on upcoming Events that are updated frequently, please go to the Events page.
• To find out and order swim equipment, please go to the Equipment page.
• UPDATED! We often get unsolicited feedback about our programs. Read the unabashed Testimonials here.
• NEW! For associated web pages and contact information, please click the Links page.

Wed Oct 6/09

In the event of last Monday's cancellation due to the JCC holiday closure, I was able to get additional pool time and would like to invite any Monday (am, noon, pm) Masters member to a makeup practice this Monday, October 12th 6:45-8:00 am. Meet at the back door of the pool (where you exit to get to the outdoor pool) for 6:40 am and NOT the front door. Take your shoes off and walk to the change rooms. Let me know if you plan to come! Noon and pm Oct 12th sessions are cancelled due to the holiday schedule.

*We start Sundays 6:45-8:00 am October 18th with coach Tim. I'll be at CU pool 10:00-11:15 am.

Other Events

• Pot Luck dinner for swimottawa members at the Anzai's Friday, Oct 16th, 6-9 pm. Morning members bring salad or appetizer, noon/pm members bring dessert or cut fruit! BYOB.
  
  Address: 963 Killeen Avenue, Ottawa. Click for Google map. Maitland north of Queensway, east on Lenester Ave, left on Killeen Avenue--left side at bend. We have two cats and a friendly dog.
  
  C'mon out and see if you recognize people with their clothes on!
  
  
• People have been requesting swim suits, fins, goggles, caps. Contact me and we can let you try samples. I can have some suits you can try at the pot luck OR can bring them to the pool.
  
  
• Sun November 1 at CU 10 am cancelled due to a stroke clinic class (registration form will be uploaded shortly). JCC practice 6:45-8:00 am will be available.
  

Sept 27Hello Masters, a reminder that the JCC is closed tomorrow Mon, Sept 28 due to Yom Kippur. You can do a make-up on Tue and we'll see how it goes OR you can do the practice at another facility (see below):

Practice 1 (theme: long distance FR)
wu: 300 FR, 200 dr (100 FR/100 ch), 100 ch ki, 200 ch sw, 100 FR pace, extra: 100 dol ki on back
drill practice: sweet spot, progress to "Stop-Stop-Switch" (see last week for description) , CONTINUOUS KICK THROUGHOUT DRILL, 6/8x 50m, alt s-s-s/fr by 25's 15 SR
main: 1/1.5 x FR (4x100 desc 1 to 4, 2x200 desc 1 to 2, 400 even pace hard), on 2:00/2:15 etc pace by 100's OR 20-30 SR
wd: 2 or 3 x [50 dbl arm bk, 50 ki, 50 ≠ FR (ch not FR)]

Other notes:

• Lots of space Sunday mornings at Carleton U 10:00-11:15 am. Come on out and join me...including T'giving Sun Oct 11!
  
  JCC Sunday mornings start Oct 18th 6:45-8:00 am with coach Tim.
  
  
• JCC facility open 8-5 T'giving Monday, Oct 12. I'm trying to get some time for Monday members that day...more news to follow.