The Monday Message - August 22, 2022

Head Coach's Message

   I think we've all been in this situation at a DAM practice: we have to move to a lane with a faster or slower postal pace. You might be thinking that the sets will be very hard (and you worry if you'll slow down your lanemates), or not that hard (and you won't get the kind of workout you had hoped for). That might not look like the workout that you had anticipated when you came to the pool!  But in each of these situations you can modify your workout (this is Master's Swimming, after all) to ensure that you and your lanemates get a challenging workout.

Scenario #1 - You’re in a lane with a postal pace that is faster than yours

Solutions:

1. Grab some fins - Fins will increase your speed and help you keep up with faster swimmers.

2. Do more freestyle - If your lanemates are doing IM or strokes other than freestyle, you can do freestyle to keep up. You can also do this if your lanemates are kicking. For example: if your lanemates are doing a 100 kick, you can do 50 kick/50 swim.

3. Take a breather - There’s no shame in taking a 50 (or more) off to catch your breath and get caught back up. Just make sure you stay on the side of the lane so you’re not in anyone’s way. 

Scenario #2 - You’re in a lane with postal pace that is slower than yours

1. Do more stroke (non freestyle) - This is a great opportunity for you to work on your other strokes. For example, if your lanemates are doing 100s of freestyle, you can do 50 free/50 back. Adjust as needed to keep pace with the lane.

2. Go faster - This might sound counterintuitive, but you can use a set where you get more rest as an opportunity to work on your speed. For example, let's say your lane is doing a set of 4x100s on 1:50 (but your usual postal pace is 1:40). Set a goal time for each 100 that is faster than you would swim if you were just swimming on your postal pace. Keep that goal time in mind, and try to hold that pace throughout the set.

   Using these strategies will help you get a great workout even if you’re not with your usual lane mates. Give them a try and you’ll always leave practice satisfied.

 DAM Holiday Party, Annual Mtg and Silent Auction

   One of the highlight traditions of the DAM swim year is in December when we celebrate the holidays, recognize member contributions and success, and conduct our annual business meeting. The 2022 event is scheduled for the Saturday, December 10, and includes our first ever, member hosted, SILENT AUCTION.

   We have a committee formed to administer this new event but need an experienced leader to guide us through the process. If you have any previous involvement with a Silent Auction (or any auction-type fundraising event), please contact Stu Kahn at kahnswim@gmail.com. DAM can use your help!

DAM Board Meeting

The next DAM Board meeting will be on Thursday, September 15, at 6:30PM in the Brady Building.

DAM Birthdays 

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