Newsletter of the Potomac Valley Masters Committee
February 2005

Table of Contents
• Note from the Chair
• Articles and Interviews
• Congratulations
• Humor & Quotes
• Meet News
• Announcements
• Classifieds
• Photo Credits
• Events Calendar
  
  

Newsletter Schedule
• February (deadline: January 15)
• May (deadline: April 15)
• September (deadline: August 15)
• December (deadline: November 15)

 Note from the Chair

Happy New Year! Now that the holidays are over, it's a great time to get in shape and set aquatic goals for the New Year.

Here in Potomac Valley we have a number of upcoming events I would like to highlight. On April 22-24 Patriot Masters is hosting the Colonies Zone SCY Championships at GMU Fairfax campus. The George Mason University Athletic Center is a great place to swim fast times. Montgomery Ancient Mariners will host the annual Albatross Open Short Course Meters meet on April 9. And Terrapin Masters is hosting two LCM meets: Terrapin Cup on June 19 with events ranging from 50m - 200m, and the Terrapin 800/1500 on July 10 which features distance events. UM has a very fast pool where the World Cup was recently held.
And for open water swimmers, there are a number of lake, river, and ocean swims throughout the season, including the Jim McDonnell Lake swim on May 29.

For those who want to stay in their home pool, there are postal and fitness events run by USMS throughout the year. Take a look at the calendar in the newsletter, and in SWIM MAGAZINE for some ideas. Whatever your aquatic goals for 2005, good luck and have fun!

Happy Swimming,
Eric Nordlund

 Articles and Interviews

Interview with Myriam Pero by Cheryl Wagner Myriam Pero is modest to a fault. You would never know from talking to her that she is a former member of the Columbian national team, as well as a top ten USMS swimmer. In addition she recently helped start a Columbian Masters swimming organization and is involved in promoting a number of international events, including FINA and LATYCAR. Here is an interview with Myriam. Q: When did you start swimming competitively? A: I'm from Cali, Columbia. I started to swim competitively at 12 years old when our social club hired a coach and started a swim team. It was a strong group of swimmers and we competed in state and national championships. The first time we went to nationals, we scored a victory for our state, Valle del Cauca. When I was 15, I was on a sports card (like a baseball card) in Columbia. Q: Did you swim in International competitions? A: I swam in five international meets. As a member of the Columbian national team I competed in two South American championships, the Central American and Caribbean games in Mexico, and also one in Puerto Rico. I swam for five years, until I was 17. After that I stopped swimming.

Myriam's swim team in Columbia, 1962.

Q: How did you begin swimming with Masters? A: I never swam again until I was here in the US and saw that the Masters people had meets. I went to one of the meets and realized I should start swimming again. And so I joined Terrapin Masters in 1995. I did the Bay Swim twice; the second time I cut an hour off my time. Q: Tell me about the Latin American Caribbean championships. A: One of the big things I'm looking forward to in 2005 is the Latin American Caribbean championship in Sao Paulo, Brazil. They follow USMS standards and this year, for the first time, are also open to USMS and Canadian masters swimmers. It has a Latin flavor so there are a lot of interesting aspects. All the American swimmers would enjoy the meet; the announcements are in Spanish and English. I attended my first LatyCar meet in 1999 in Fort Lauderdale (the fifth meet). I also attended the sixth one in Costa Rica, the seventh in Barbados and am making plans to attend the eighth in Sao Paulo. Q: I understand you are a member of the USMS International Committee. A: Since becoming a part of the USMS International Committee and attending convention, I have contributed by organizing an international database and promoting all of my international events. These include the 2006 FINA meet which will take place in Stanford, California. Through my knowledge of the USMS bylaws I was able to help build a Colombian Masters Swimming Organization. We now have 100 swimmers, have had two meets in the past year, and participated recently in the South American Championship in Lima. For the first time a club from Colombia went home with a third place overall. Q: What are your goals? A: Right now my goal is to work at the USMS International level to promote the FINA world championship in Stanford CA. They have one of the best facilities in the country. At the last South American championship meet in Lima, I did a lot of promotion for the FINA meet. We're compiling a database of swimmers who have attended championships so we can send them information. Another of my responsibilities is to provide information to the USMS swimmers about all international meets during the year. One of my other goals is promoting the LatyCar meet in Sao Paulo, and I invite all Potomac Valley swimmers to attend this meet in October 2005. This Championship will include all disciplines: Swimming, Diving, Synchronized Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water. Diving, Synchronized Swimming and Water Polo will be open to all swimmers, not only the Americas.

Putting Some Bounce in Your Multi-Sport Spring
by Kenton Pattie, Annandale Masters, (703) 280-4622

One strategy for Spring 05, as you move from weight training, spinning classes, and sports club workouts is to begin outside by concentrating on your running. Through Masters Swimming, you already have an excellent aerobic base. While, the cold weather has restricted your running to the treadmill, taking it to the trails and roads in February could help you enter some running races in March and April.

For example:

• Saturday, March 5: Bell Haven 25 K www.dcroadrunners.org
• Sunday, March 6: B and A Trail Marathon www.annapolisstriders.org
• Saturday, March 12: St. Patricks 10K www.runwashington.com
• Sunday, March 13: Virginia Creeper Marathon: www.runtricities.org or Shamrock Marathon: www.shamrockmarathon.com or Burke Lake 12K www.dcroadrunners.org

'Sports Illustrated', Keep Your Swimsuit Models
by Cheryl Wagner

I am generally the last to complain about gratuitous sex in the media. However, after watching 20 minutes of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search (reality TV show), I was compelled to comment.

Twelve girls were initially introduced as if they were in a pageant. One was literally sobbing as she announced herself, saying she just HAD to win. In all my years of long distance open water swimming, I've never seen a swimmer crying - even when they had good reason to shed a few tears. All of the girls combined appeared to lack sufficient muscle tone to lift a large can of tomato sauce. I found myself wondering how this group could be considered appropriate to model swimsuits, a costume worn while doing a vigorous sport, in a major Sports magazine. Teddies, lingerie, panties - anything except swimsuits!

Soon after their introductions and first night in the "big house" they were asked to pose for a 10 minute photo shoot on the beach. The first girl assumed her "come hither" position on the sand with the sort of facial expression typical of someone who had just swallowed lemon juice and lye. Alas, a 2 foot wave was about to break on shore, and the other girls shouted their frantic warnings. But it was too late - the wave washed over her head. Imagine the fear she must have felt!

Later one of the girls described herself as "like a piece of glass. If I get too much pressure, I'll break." I turned off the TV and searched the house for anti-nausea medicine, thankful that my personal "swimsuit" models include Jenny Thompson, Lynne Cox and Janet Evans.

 Congratulations

2004 USMS Top Ten Point Rankings
for PVMS Swimmers
by Michael Lee

 Humor and Quotes

Quote:
Quote: "Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art."
--Eleanor Roosevelt

Humor:

Now, that's jet-skiing !!

 Meet News

Swim in the New Year-
December 31, 2004

Tropical Splash Meet
Jan 30, 2005
By Ray Novitske

Through the ice and snow, 105 swimmers showed up to swim in the second annual Tropical Splash hosted by Alexandria Masters Swimming on January 30. An overnight winter storm almost canceled the short course yards meet, but swimmers from as far away as State College, PA were able to make it and were glad the meet went ahead.

The meet offered tropical fruits in the luau hospitality room and leis for everyone. The salsa, calypso and socca music during warm-ups even had the officials dancing. The snow outside the pool's large glass windows made the tropical atmosphere inside more inviting.

The meet program listed the names of 30 first-time competitors who signed up to swim. Each new swimmer received a tropical hibiscus baseball cap as a souvenir of their first masters meet.

No USMS records were set this year, but some top times in the nation were turned in. Molly Grover (19-24) swam 1:03.83 in the 100 Backstroke, 2:16.42 in the 200 back, and 2:02.90 in the 200 Free. Erin Smith (19-24) was impressive in the 50 breaststroke with a 33.53, and Cheryl Ward (50-54) in the 100 IM with 1:07.24. The fastest women's 50 free time was set by Chio Hatakeyama (25-29) with 27.02. The Arlington Ageless Masters (18+) women's medley relay with Katie Hiles, Allison Rainey, Laura Enomoto, and Elizabeth Koch also swam well at 2:03.36.

On the men's side, Olympic medalist and record holder Jeremy Linn (25-29) entered a 26.64 in the 50 breaststroke, and 55.73 in the 100 IM. Drew Killian (25-29) and Jared Walkenhorst (30-35) and were not far behind with a 27.94 and 28.12 respectively in the 50 breast. Jared also went 2:17.35 in the 200 breaststroke. The 100 breaststroke event had Mike Goodison (30-34) swim 1:06.70. Bob Hansen (50-54) had good times in the 100 IM at 1:02.83, 400 IM at 4:48.29, and 100 free at 52.95. The fastest 50 free time had Billy Prout swimming 23.26.

The coconut relay was more popular than last year, and more popular than the 200 freestyle and medley relays. Nine teams entered the event. Once again, a team of Fairfax Masters successfully defended their women's title from last year, with the CHEX MIX coming in second. The mixed relay was won by BCAT, with GERM and RMST NUTS coming in second and third. (The GOOD LEIS team was missed this year.) And once again, there were no men's relays entered. Coconut relay winners received their shark pen award at the meet's end.

Everyone appreciates a good dose of fun in the tropics at this time of year. Based on the comments received, Alexandria Masters has decided to make this an annual meet. Aloha.

JFK Report
By Al Navidi

Background: This was my first attempt at an "ultra" distance run after having completed 15 marathons and over 100 triathlons/duathlons, and I am fairly sure I picked the best one there is anywhere in the country. The race starts in Boonsboro, MD, which is about 30 minutes northwest of Frederick -- in an area known for its hills -- and ends in Williamsport, MD, about 15 minutes away from the start line by car.

Race Day:
I picked up my friend Pete, a former MCRRC coach, at 5am and we drove towards the race. It was dark and overcast with chance of rain all day, but the temps were in the 50s and perfect for a race. We arrived at Boonsboro High School around 6am to pick up our packets and get ready for the race. We walked slightly less than a mile towards the start line and the gun went off at 7am. Nearly 1,000 people had signed up for this race, which is actually the cap, 300 of which had started it at 5am, knowing they would need more than the 12-hour time limit to complete the course.

The first 2 miles were all uphill on city roads and nearly everyone around me was just walking. No sense killing your legs, since we all had a long day ahead of us. Since Pete had done this race twice before, I had decided to shadow him as long as I could and just imitate whatever he did. I'm known to go out too fast and pay for it later and he was there to make sure that would not happen.

We entered the Appalachian Trail between miles 2 and 3. From this point on until mile 16 would be all through rough, hilly terrain covered with rocks, tree stumps and leaves. Pretty soon, we had a convoy of several runners behind us. I need to mention that it's hard to pass people on the course, since it's narrow and somewhat unforgiving. We kept climbing higher and higher until a volunteer told us that was the highest point on the course. I looked at my watch and it read 370 meters (almost 1000 feet) in altitude above the start line. Since there were no mile markers on the trail, it was very hard to tell how far we had run and what pace we were running, jogging or walking. All I can tell you is that we were very surprised every time a volunteer told us how far we had run, since it was always less than what we thought we had run !!

We reached mile 16, which is the end of the Appalachian Trail and the start of the C&O Canal in about 4 or so hours. We figured we could cover the remaining 34 miles in 6-7 hours.

C&O is mostly covered with sand and gravel (like the toe path) and it's flat as a pancake. It's, however, very scenic with the Potomac flowing south and the VA hills (don't ask me what towns) both to our left and the MD hills and local roads to our immediate right. This was section 2 of the race and where we'd be running about 26 miles, that's right, a full marathon !! The path was also full of puddles and was covered with mud or sludge in several long stretches. Nothing like getting muddy all over and looking rugged !!

The system Pete had devised was to walk the first 2 minutes of every mile and then run the rest and try to average around 12 min/mile, which is what we did for pretty much every mile until around mile 30. It's very hard to control yourself and run at a much slower pace than you are used to, but that's where Pete came in and made sure we would stick to our plans. It also turns out that the mile markers on C&O are not very accurate, since we would do 9:45 for 1 mile and 13 or so the next mile, even though we were maintaining more or less the same pace !! We covered the first 26 miles in around 6 hours and from this point on was all uncharted waters for me !!

My quads were starting to feel tighter, something I have been experiencing all year and have no idea what's causing it (sidebar: I have seen a few doctors and tried many things, but to no avail!!). I stopped several times on C&O to stretch them, which seemed to help, but only for a few yards !! It also rained off and on throughout the day, but nothing too bad. Thanks god for Coolmax.

After mile 30, Pete more or less maintained the same pace, but I started to slow down. I still walked the first 2 minutes of every mile, but my overall pace per mile dropped to 12:30, then to 13 and even slower. At this point, I was mostly by myself and would see another competitor every few minutes when I passed them or when they passed me. It was lonely out there.

At one point, I came across an older man who told me he was running this race for the 17th time. Very impressive. He asked me to guess how old he was. Since he looked 85 or so (at least to me), I decided to flatter him and tell him he was 75, only to find out he was 72 !! So much for my being nice and flattering !! Needless to say he finished the race again

All along, our plan was to finish in 10 hours and change, something Pete had accomplished twice before, but that idea started to fade at the end of C&O, around mile 42 of the race, which is where we entered hilly, paved city (or country) roads. This was the 3rd (and thank god the last) section of the race. Since they expected we'd be finishing the race in the dark, at the very last aid station on C&O they outfitted us with a glow-in-the-dark vest, which was a very smart idea; you'll know why later.

Right after you leave C&O, there is a very steep and long stretch, where you are forced to walk, not that you have a choice at that point. Mile markers from this point on started to go down (e.g., 8, 7, 6... 1). It was getting darker and colder by the minute. Aside from the broth and soup they had offered us at several aid stations, we were offered hot chocolate in one of the last aid stations, which really hit the spot. With lack of streetlights, it was pitch black now and the vests came in really handy. I have to admit that it was very scary running (or walking) in total darkness on very narrow roads with no shoulders or sidewalks and with cars coming towards you every few minutes. I can't say I enjoyed this part of the race. At this point, I was doing more walking and less running and I knew I'd make the 12-hour cut off, but by how much was the big question.

I was finally getting close to the finish line and could hear the crowds and the announcer yelling the finishers' names and bib numbers on his loud speaker. Very soon, I heard him say that if four more runners crossed the finish line, JFK would become the largest Ultra race in the country. Well, guess what, I was that 4th person to cross the finish line and I did it in 11:51:47, slightly more than 8 minutes before the cut off. When one of the race volunteers hanged that massive finisher's medal around my neck, it all became official. I was an "Ultraman", or at least that was the new title I was giving myself. First, I was a Marathonman, then an Ironman and now an Ultraman and could check off that chapter of my life under the "Ultra" section !!

I was sore all over and knew if I sat down, I could not get up again and needed a crane to lift me. Soon after, I saw Pete who had successfully finished the race about 25 minutes before me and was waiting to get a massage. I joined him and got a massage and what a mistake that was. The masseur was sadist and gave me a deep tissue massage and I felt no better after the massage than before and about the same the next day !!

Anyhow, here's the final data:
Finish Time: 11:51:47
Pace: 14:15
Rank: 695 / 874 finishers

Overall, because of the weather conditions, nearly everyone missed their personal goals. Even the winner of the race was about 30 minutes slower than the previous years (can you believe he still did it with a 7:27 pace?!). It's now four days after the race and I'm still sore, even though I have been to the gym every day. Did I ever think about quitting that day, absolutely not. Did I have doubts about not making the cut off, a couple of times. Would I do it again, ask me in six months.

 Announcements

Next Potomac Valley LMSC Meeting - April 9
The next PVLMSC board meeting will be held on April 9, prior to the Ancient Mariners Albatross meet at 12:30PM, Montgomery Aquatics Center, Bethesda, MD.

Clay Britt Swim Clinics
Upcoming Clinics: Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 16, May 14, and Jun 18.

For more information contact Clay H 301-320-4694, email clay@claybrittswimming.com or visit: www.claybrittswimming.com.

DCRP - practice locations
DCRP has several convenient downtown practice locations with free parking. Check their website for a soon-to-be-added practice location in Takoma Park. www.swimdcrp.org.

Dunbar High School
Mon., Tues. and Thurs. - 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Dunbar High School is located at 1301 New Jersey Ave., NW. It is south of Rhode Island Avenue and east of Third Street. When you face the school, pull into the big driveway in front. It curves around and puts you on a residential street. Take your immediate right down into the parking lot. The pool is at the back.

Marie Reed Learning Center
Saturday - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Marie Reed Learning Center is located at 2200 Champlain St., NW. This is roughly at 18th Street & Kalorama Rd., NW.

USMS National Publication
It has been a few weeks since we sent out the original messages about USMS SWIMMER Magazine. We are pleased to see some newsletters and web sites have picked up the news, and would like to take this opportunity to thank you. At the same time, we encourage everyone else to broadcast the news as soon as possible.

Information about USMS SWIMMER Magazine is available at:
www.usms.org/admin/usmsswimmer

The importance of broadcasting this information now cannot be understated. There have been some miscommunications about the transition with our National Publication, and many members now believe they will not receive a magazine. Please join us in this effort to reassure and inform our members. USMS members will receive this valuable member benefit for no additional charge, and we think people will really enjoy the new magazine.

Many Thanks,
Bill Volckening

Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Tip of the Month
In their December newsletter, CBF asked readers to tell what they planned to do in 2005 to protect and restore water quality in local streams, rivers and the Bay. Below are some of the responses.

I've cut back on driving. Biking to work sure beats being stuck in traffic. When the weather is really bad, I take the bus.
-Mark Counselman

I will continue to educate Baltimore City students on environmental issues and becoming better stewards.
-Nicole Veltre

I'm starting an environmental committee at my Catholic church in Olney, MD. We will get our congregation involved in litter pick-up and stream clean-ups in our area.
-Susan Phillips

My farm will be placed in a perpetual conservation easement. 1800 trees will be planted along the river bank. Fields will be maintained as meadows and hedge rows, and trees will be planted to join meadowsand forest.
-Barbara Hale

I will convince a friend to join CBF's Action Network.
-Peter Kou

www.cbf.org

February Fitness Frolic
Join me in the February Fitness Frolic, you can either swim, run or do both. It's easy. Swim or run as often as possible in February keeping track of your yards or miles and make a donation to Hopkins. It's a fun way to get out and train even when the weather is rotten.

Five years ago, Bill Conroy came up with the idea of turning this challenge into a fundraiser for Johns Hopkins Patient and Family Fund. Bill's efforts in putting together the form, sending out weekly email updates and collecting the funds have raised over $10,000. Pretty impressive considering all he asks is a $10 minimum donation.

Would you like to join me and the rest of my swim group, the Arundel Breakfast Club, and participate? It's very simple just keep track of your miles and send the Form and a check (made out to: Johns Hopkins Oncology Center) to Bill in early March. If you have any questions or would like the form, email me. Thanks, Maureen :mrohrs@toadmail.com

National Capital YMCA Annual Swimathon

National Capital YMCA Annual Swimathon
Sunday, March 13, 2005
8:00 - 11:00 am

National Capital YMCA
1711 Rhode Island Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036

The Annual Swimathon is a self-paced, 3 hour open swim in a six lane, short course meter (25 meters) pool. Participants raise money by securing pledges for their swimming efforts. For example, Ada has multiple pledges of $1 for every 100 meters she completes at the Swimathon. Alternatively, Bill has several $25 pledge for the entire 5,000 meters he plans to swim. There is no minimum or maximum distance requirement so long as the swim is completed by 11:00 am.

Organizers request that Swimathon participants raise at least $50 in pledges and that whatever amount raised is donated to the YMCA by check on the day of the Swimathon. Contributions are tax deductible.

Where does the money go?

$250:

• will provide camper scholarships and financial assistance to those in need during the summer season as well as assisting families all year around.
• will provide one week of YMCA Traditional Camp for two children
• will provide one week of YMCA Sci-Tech Camp for two children
• will provide five weeks of before and after school care for one child
• will provide five weeks of supplemental food assistance for one senior

International Swim Meeting
ISM International Swim Meeting
Swim and Win Berlin 2005
March 11-13 Berlin Germany
"ISM Team Berlin" ism2005@ssc-berlin.net

Note from the Registrar
By Jeff Roddin

This is your last issue of the Swimmer's Ear unless you have renewed your Potomac Valley membership for 2005. Please renew, unless you have already done so.

Germantown Masters Announcements
ANNUAL AWARDS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
The 2004 Lesley Evans Award for hard work and setting a good example at coached workouts goes to Annette Howard and David Ruf. Kyal Hackett received the 2004 Coach of the Year Award. Congratulations to all three.

Thanks primarily to the efforts of Mark and Lisa Young, and head coach Dyann Charette, the team raised almost $300 at a social event in December to buy Christmas gifts for a local family in need.

COACHED WORKOUTS OFFERED 10 TIMES A WEEK
Our workouts are open to all USMS-registered swimmers who live or work in the area. On weekends, we swim from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Weekday mornings (M, T, Th) are 5:00-6:30 a.m. Mid-day workouts are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evening workouts are at 8:00-9:00 p.m. For more information, call (301) 540-1591 or visit www.germantownmasters.org.

The Return of the Reston Four... Lake Swims
Reston Masters Swim Team will once again host its acclaimed open water competition on Sunday May 29 at beautiful Lake Audubon in picturesque Reston, Virginia. In addition this year, we will also be holding an open water clinic on Saturday afternoon May 30.

The Jim McDonnell Lake Swim boasts an event to suit everyone's needs. Whether you're an experienced open water swimmer who goes the distance, or a newbie who just wants to test the waters, this is your race. Four separate divisions make the swimming easy: 1-mile USMS (no wetsuits) division, 1-mile wetsuit division, 2-mile USMS division, and 2-mile wetsuit division. Swim the one mile, two mile, or both. And don't forget the clinic Saturday afternoon!

And if it's a party you want, we've got that too! We're the only race in town to have it's own live DJ. Entry fees of $35 for one event and $60 for two include the races, a cap, a stylish T-shirt designed by our coach, and food aplenty. Clinic fee is an additional $10.

For more information, go to www.RestonMasters.org or call 703-845-Swim.

Tsunami Benefit Swim
Our Seattle event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb 5th at Medgar Evers Pool in the central district. The goal is to have 600 people attend, generating $15,000. That's $15,000 that our Seattle swimming community is generating for the tsunami relief effort. All of the money generated by the event will be donated to Mercy Corp in an effort to support all the great work that they are doing in south Asia. If you can swim some laps for the Tsunami benefit in your pool, please let me know. Your dollars are welcome! David Pexa davidpexa@msn.com

 Classifieds

Oceanus Digital Swim Analysis
"See Yourself Swim...See Yourself Swim Better."

• Above and Below Water Digital Videotaping
• Voiceover Commentary
• Light Pen Telestration
• Measurement and Analysis of All Critical Stroke Techniques and Metrics
• Office and Client Site Consultations
• Highly Credentialed Consultants

A Few Good "Save the Patapsco, Hon" Swimmers Sought
Anyone interested in swimming 4.4 miles across the mouth of the Patapsco River from Venice on the Bay to North Point State Park on Sunday, May 22, 2005 while also raising funds for Patapsco watershed organizations, can contact Joe Stewart: 410-767-1354 (W), 410-243-4418 (H), Jstewart@dat.state.md.us

College Park Bike Shop Discount

• Spring Demo Day: March 20. Classics, kinetic bike trainers, and newest models.
• Sign up: email cycling newsletter,bike123.com
• Wear you alma mater: cycling jerseys from the nation's top universities.
• Park Tool School (bicycle maintenance classes). Call or email for details.

Terrapin Masters - Pay by Punch Card
Practices are held in a world-class facility at UM Campus Rec. Pay by the practice (punch-card). Winter schedule for Terrapin Masters:

• Mon, Wed, Thu 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Tue, Thu 6:15AM - 7:45AM
• Sat 8:15AM - 9:45AM

Waterproof Coach available on Amazon.Com

Superior Auto Care Welcomes Masters Swimmers

North Gambrills, MD (near Bowie)
(410) 923-7755
www.superiorautocarellc.net
•$16.95 oil change
•Free check of your auto's fluids, tires, wipers, belts, hoses, and lights.

Volunteers Needed - Chesapeake Bay Outreach
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is in need of volunteers who would like to join our citizen outreach efforts in Northern Virginia, by joining our Speakers' Bureau and/or Fairs and Festivals programs. We will train interested volunteers to give presentations on the current condition of the Bay, as it especially relates to Virginia's rivers For more information or to RSVP, please contact Heather Tuckfield at htuckfield@cbf.org or call 443-482-2151. Thank you.

Patuxent Adventure Center - Kayaking/Bike Events
Upcoming Events:

• Saturday morning bike rides: 9AM
• Monday evening bike maintenance classes 6PM
• Wednesday night bike trainer sessions: 5:45PM-6:45PM
• Kayak tours, classes and rentals

Multi-Sport Directory
My partners and I have created the U.S. Multisport Directory. We are sending out 2005 media kits and would love to get one to you. Please send your address if you would like to get one of our kits. It is a pretty cool directory with race listings across the nation. Hubie Krawczyk Web: www.usmultisportpub.com

Coaching & Swim Instruction
Former Assistant Varsity coach and record-holding miler, Mark Murray, is available for individual and team coaching and instruction. For more information, contact Mark at: swmmurray@yahoo.com.

Testimonial from one of Mark's Students:
Mark is a fantastic teacher! My Alexandria Masters friends suggested working with him and since I could take lessons nearby, I thought it sounded great. Then I saw the Swimmers Ear article and said, okay, do it. Within an hour I discovered how to float with my legs and feet at the surface. I was amazed. I knew it was possible but had never felt it before. Within two lessons I had cut about ten seconds off of a 200 without any real effort. After three lessons he was actually in the water watching what was happening. Imagine my surprise as I swam to the end of the lane and Mark was on the bottom looking up, ready with editorials and really helpful, exact, understandable directions to fix the holes in my freestyle stroke. Heck, we-re working on non-wimpy flipturns now, too.

As an adult newbie to swimming seriously (about three years now), I can tell you this guy is great. I'm able to swim longer with less effort. I'm getting stronger and...look out for the long course meets next summer! I'll top my old times easily! I can't wait to find out what's next. It's almost like being a kid again. (And with his varsity college training, imagine what he can do for the experienced folk!) - Deb Brudvig

 Photo Credits

all photos - by Cheryl Wagner except:
Eric Nordlund - Debbie Morrin-Nordlund
Myriam Pero's swim team - Myriam Pero
Tropical Splash - David Whitney & Charley Conrad
Fairfax County Masters - Jay Kress
LatyCar - Myriam Pero
Dee of St. Mary's - thebaylab.org
Jet Skier - Joke of the Day
USMS Swimmer - USMS Swimmer

 Events Calendar

2004/2005 Pool Calendar

Jan 1 - Dec 31
Check Off Challenge www.pvmasters.org

Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 16, May 14, & Jun 18
Clay Britt Swim Clinics contact Clay H 301-320-4694, email clay@claybrittswimming.com or visit www.claybrittswimming.com

Feb 12-13
VMST David Gregg Memorial (SCY) Meet Richmond, VA www.pvmasters.org

Feb 26-27
28th Annual Winter Meet UMBC Catonsville, MD Info: Karen Tucker (410) 203-2890 Email: ktloves2swim@msn.com Web: www.pvmasters.org

Mar 6
VMST 4th Chinn Aquatics swim meet Woodbridge, VA www.pvmasters.org

Mar 19
Carol Chidester Memorial Swim Series - Annapolis, MD SCY. Social following the meet.; eteamz.active.com ;

Apr 9
ANCM Albatross Open Montgomery Aquatic Center in Bethesda, MD Info: Tom Denes waterprfch@aol.com Web: www.pvmasters.org

Apr 22-24
Colonies Zone SCY Championships GMU Aquatic Center in Fairfax, VA www.patriotmasters.org

Apr 21-23
2005 Masters YMCA Nationals ; Indianapolis, IN www.ymcaswimminganddiving.org

May 22
2005 USMS Short Course Nationals - Ft. Lauderdale, FL Info: Stu Marvin 954-828-4580, smarvin@fortlauderdale.gov Web: www.usms.org

Jun 19
Terrapin Cup LCM Meet UM Campus Rec Natatorium, College Park, MD. Info: Michael Lee phone: 301-474-1178 (H) or email: korthain@yahoo.com Web: www.crosslink.net/~cherylw

Jul 10
Terrapin Masters 800/1500 LCM Meet - UM Campus Rec Natatorium, College Park, MD Pre- and Deck entries. Info: Dave Diehl phone: 301-946-0649 (H) before 9pm please or 301-314-5372 (W) or email: dd119@umail.umd.edu Web: www.crosslink.net/~cherylw

Jul 22
World Masters Games - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada SCM; www.2005worldmasters.com

Jul 21-24
IGLA 2005 Championships - Atlanta GA www.igla.org

Aug 10-14
USMS Long Course National Championships - Mission Viejo, CA LCM; Mark Moore, 949-233-6521, m.w.moore@cox.net ; www.mastersmvnswim.org

Oct 10-15
All Americas LatyCar 2005 - Sao Paulo, Brazil www.latycar.org

Aug 2006
FINA World Championship Meet - San Francisco, CA www.fina.org

2005 Long Distance/Open Water Calendar

Jim McDonnell 1 & 2 Mile Lake Swims - Lake Audubon, Reston, VA www.restonmasters.org

Jun 4, 2005:
Potomac River 7.5 Mile Swim - Point Lookout State Park, M www.crosslink.net/~cherylw/pr2005i.htm

Jun 11, 2005:
Flag Day 1 Mile Swim - New York, NY www.nycswim.org

Jun 12, 2005:
The Great Chesapeake Bay 4.4 Mile Swim & 1 Mile Challenge Annapolis, MD; Lin-Mark, 7 Westwood Dr, Mantua, NJ 08051, 856-468-0010, in-mark@lin-mark.com Web: www.lin-mark.com

Jun 18, 2005:
Maryland Swim for Life - Chestertown, MD OW; Dawson Nash 202-686-2150, swimmerdn4321@aol.com ; Benefit swim for people living with HIV/AIDS and The Chester River Association; www.swimdcac.org

Jun 25, 2005:
Madison Mile Swim - Madison, CT - www.force5sports.com/calendar/index.cfm

Jun 25, 2005:
Against the Tide 1 Mi Swim - Hopkinton State Park, Hopkinton, MA www.mbcc.org/swim

Jun 26, 2005:
Plunge for Patients 1 Mile & 3 Mile Swims - Wildwood, NJ www.lmsports.com

Jul 9, 2005:
Manhattan Island Marathon Swim 28.5 miles - New York, NY www.nycswim.org

Jul 9, 2005:
Captain Craig 1 mile Ocean Swim, Ocean City, MD 410-289-7556 Sgt Brent Weingard 301-318-8928 Hairear@aol.com

Jul 16, 2005:
Race for the River .5 mile swim - New York, NY www.nycswim.org

Jul 16, 2005:
USMS 2-Mile Cable Championships - Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, NY www.usms.org

Jul 16, 2005:
Swim for the Dolphins -Wildwood, NJ - www.lmsports.com

Jul 23, 2005:
Buzzards Bay Swim - Buzzards Bay, MA - www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events.htm

Jul 30, 2005:
Ocean City Masters 1 Mile Swim - Ocean City, NJ - www.lmsports.com

Jul 30, 2005:
Save the Bay Swim - Narragansett Bay, RI www.savebay.org/events/index.asp

Jul 31, 2005:
Park to Park 1 miler - New York, NY www.nycswim.org

Aug 6, 2005:
Boston Light 8 mile Swim, Boston, MA OW; Contact: John Werner, Race Coordinator Cell: 617-835-1242, Work: 617 695 2300 x 103 Email: johnwerner@citizenschools.org Web: www.bostonlightswim.org

Aug 13, 2005:
Swim Across the Sound - 25K swim - Bridgeport, CN - www.swimacrossthesound.org

Aug 20, 2005:
The Great Hudson River Swim 2.8 miles - New York, NY www.nycswim.org

Sep 10, 2005:
Provincetown Harbor Swim for Life - Provincetown, MA OW; Jay Critchley, Swim for Life, PO Box 819, Provincetown, MA 02657, 508-487-1930, thecompact@comcast.net ; www.swim4life.org ;

Sep 17, 2005:
Little Red Lighthouse Swim 7.8 miles - New York, NY www.nycswim.org

Sep 24, 2005:
Sunfest 1K, 3K, 5K Open Water Swim - Ocean City, MD www.sunfestswimming.org

2005 Local Multi-sport Calendar

Feb 20:
Tri-it Now Clinic - Manassas VA www.trifind.com

Mar 19:
SHAMROCK MARATHON & 8K Virginia Beach, VA www.lin-mark.com

Apr 3:
Virginia Duathlon Virginia Beach, VA www.trifind.com

Apr 10:
Angel's Race Triathlon #1 - Lynchburg, VA (VTS) www.set-upinc.com

Apr 16:
3nd Annual BRANDYWINE DUATHLON Delaware River, DE www.lin-mark.com

Apr 17:
3 Sports Duathlon Richmond VA www.set-upinc.com

Arp 23:
Kinetic Half Ironman Lake Anna VA www.set-upinc.com

Apr 24:
Kinetic Sprint Triathlon Lake Anna VA www.set-upinc.com

Apr 16:
3rd Annual BRANDYWINE DUATHLON - Delaware City DE www.lin-mark.com

May 1:
American Cancer Society's Duathlon & 5K Run - Salisbury, MD www.lmsports.com

May 1:
Dan Fiduccia Spring Biathlon - McLean VA www.trifind.com

May 7:
Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon Huddleston, VA (VTS) www.set-upinc.com

May 15:
1st Annual New Jersey Devilman Half Iron & Sprint Triathlons - Millville, NJ. www.lin-mark.com

May 15:
2005 Inaugural Virginia Run Sprint Triathlon Centreville, VA www.finswheelsfeet.com

May 15:
The Bonzai Sports Manassas Mini Tri Manassas, VA www.triitnow.com

May 15:
Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Triathlon Ocean City, NJ - www.lmsports.com

May 22:
Columbia Triathlon - Ellicott City, MD www.tricolumbia.org

May 29:
Shady Grove YMCA Sprint Triathlon Glen Allen, VA www.trifind.com

Jun 4:
Pocomoke Triathlon - Pocomoke, MD www.trifind.com

Jun 5:
Breezy Point Triathlon - Norfolk, VA www.trifind.com

Jun 6:
3rd Annual ESCAPE FROM SCHOOL YOUTH TRIATHLON & SPRINT RUN, Lums Pond State Park-Beach Area, DE www.lin-mark.com

Jun 6:
20th Annual THUNDERGUST TRIATHLON & 3rd Annual DUATHLON, Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove, NJ www.lin-mark.com

Jun 11:
Rocky Gap YMCA Triathlon - Cumberland MD www.trifind.com

Jun 12:
Eagleman Half Ironman - Cambridge, MD www.tricolumbia.org

Jun 18:
Allen Stone Memorial Run Swim Run and 5K (biathlon or 5k) - Virginia Beach, VA www.trifind.com

Jun 18:
4th Annual ESCAPE FROM FORT DELAWARE Delaware City, DE www.lin-mark.com

Jun 19:
1st Annual WILKES BARRE DUATHLON Wilkes Barre, PA www.lin-mark.com

Jun 19:
South Carroll Swim Team Triathlon - Westminster, MD www.trifind.com

Jun 19:
Marathon Sports Sprint Triathlon - - Middletown, DE - www.lmsports.com

Jun 19:
Charlottesville Sprint Triathlon - Charlottesville, Virginia - www.trifind.com

Jun 19:
Tri-America Triathlon Series - Hampton, VA www.trifind.com

Jun 25:
Assateague Island Run/Swim - Assateague Island, MD Info: Sinuva Kline (410) 641-2918

Jun 25:
Bath County Triathlon - Warm Springs, VA www.trifind.com

Jun 26:
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA TRIATHLON West River Drive, Philadelphia, PA www.lin-mark.com

Jul 2-3:
Nissan Xterra East Championship - Richmond, VA www.trifind.com

Jul 9: 3rd
Annual DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH TRIATHLON Perryville Community Park, Perryville, MD www.lin-mark.com

Jul 10:
1st Annual Allentown Triathlon Allentown, PA www.lin-mark.com

Jul 10:
Towamencin Triathlon - Towamencin, PA www.lmsports.com

Jul 17:
Off-Road Triathlon - A Nissan Xterra Points Series Race - Cumberland MD www.trifind.com

Jul 23:
SUNSET SPRINT TRIATHLON & DUATHLON Sunset Lake, Bridgeton, NJ www.lin-mark.com

Jul 24:
3Sports Triathlon Richmond, VA (VTS) www.set-upinc.com

Jul 31:
3rd Annual Pantanella's Pancake - Staten Island Flat As A Pancake DUATHLON -TRIATHLON Midland Beach, Staten Island, NY www.lin-mark.com

Jul 31:
Charlottesville Olympic Triathlon - Charlottesville, VA www.trifind.com

Aug 7:
WILKES BARRE TRIATHLON Penn State Campus, Lehman Twp., PA www.lin-mark.com

Aug 7:
Culpeper Sprint Triathlon Culpeper, VA www.trifind.com

Aug 14:
5th Annual LUMS POND TRIATHLON and LUMS POND DUATHLON Lums Pond State Park, Bear, DE www.lin-mark.com

Aug 21:
Summer Super Sprint Triathlon - Manassas VA - www.trifind.com

Aug 27:
Charlottesville Off Road Triathlon - Xterra Point Series - Charlottesville VA www.trifind.com

Aug 28:
Naylor's Beach Olympic Triathlon - Naylor's Beach, VA www.trifind.com

Sep 10:
Odyssey Off-Road Iron Distance Triathlon - Millboro, VA www.trifind.com

Sep 11:
5th Annual DIAMONDMAN 1/2 IRON TRIATHLON Lums Pond-Campground area, Lums Pond State Park, DE www.lin-mark.com

Sep 19:
18th Annual SKYLANDS TRIATHLON & DUATHLON Spruce Run State Park, Clinton, NJ www.lin-mark.com

Sep 24:
Make-a-Wish Sea Colony Triathlon Bethany Beach, DE www.tricolumbia.org

Sep 24:
Outback Big Lick Triathlon - Huddleston, VA www.trifind.com

Oct 1:
Chesapeake Man Ultra Distance Triathlon - Cambridge MD www.tricolumbia.org

Oct 9:
3rd Annual CAPE HENLOPEN TRIATHLON AND CAPE HENLOPEN DUATHLON Cape Henlopen State Park at the main parking lot - bath house, DE www.lin-mark.com

Oct 15:
Sherando Lake Sprint Triathlon - Waynesboro, VA www.trifind.com

Oct 16:
Riverside Sprint Triathlon - Midlothian, VA - www.trifind.com

Visit:
www.active.com
www.cooltri.com
www.envirosports.com
www.insidetri.com/calendar
www.lin-mark.com
www.oarevents.com
www.paadventureracing.com
www.set-upinc.com
www.triath.com
www.triathlete.com
www.tricolumbia.org
for details and more events.