Swimmer's Ear - February 2009

Newsletter of the Potomac Valley Masters Committee
February 2009

Table of Contents

Note from the Chair
Articles and Interviews
Congratulations
Humor
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)

Newsletter Editor

Cheryl Wagner
phone: 202-387-2361
fax: 202-478-0948
email: cherylw@crosslink.net

Note from the Chair

Deb Another year has started, and, hopefully, not all our resolutions are broken yet.

We have already started off the year's events with the Tropical Splash put on by the Alexandria Masters Swim Team - a nice "sunny" way to spend a winter day. I hope that you will take advantage of some of the great upcoming meets within Potomac Valley, try something new, and meet new swimming friends.

And don't forget about the Frank Murphy award, sponsored by DC Masters. This award can be won by swimmers in our LMSC. involved in distance events. We thank DC Masters for this great way to remember a distance "fanatic" who swam many PV Masters events over the years.

Happy Laps, -
Debbie

Articles and Interviews

Bob Aitcheson Talks about His Endless Pool and Long Distance Swimming
by Cheryl Wagner

Bob Aitcheson, a long-time distance swimmer and veteran of many Bay and Potomac Swims, recently purchased an Endless Pool for his home. He loves the convenience and talks about the pool and his swim and triathlon plans.

Q: Tell us about your Endless Pool
A: I love my Endless Pool which I installed in a 13' x 16' room in my house, in 2007. I swim about 2 miles in it, 4-5 days per week. I did a 7.25K swim in Bermuda in October 2008 and found that my conditioning was good. It has a cover which keeps the evaporation down and I find the convenience is great. I wish I'd put it in years ago.

I set the pace at just under 2 miles per hour. You don't do any flip turns so it's ideal for training for open water. I gradually increase the pace as the Bay Swim gets closer. I've been reading it's good to do hard 10 minute sets so I'm going to try that.

I generally start training for the Bay Swim in January. As I get into March, I do harder conditioning and intervals. In April and May I do more distance and then I maintain my conditioning during the open water season with mid-week intervals.

Q: How did you learn about the Endless Pool?
A: I've been doing Total Immersion Clinics with Terry Laughlin since the early 90's. I respect Terry since his clinics (especially his week-long clinics in Barbados and Singer Island) helped me a lot. When I saw him at the Chris Greene Swim 3 years ago I asked him about Endless Pools and he recommended them. I called Endless Pools and asked if I could try one out. They referred me to someone in Frederick Heights who let me swim in his pool. I cranked it up and discovered I was whipped - I'd had a heck of a workout. Finally in the Spring of 2007, I ordered one.

You can get them in different sizes. We had to modify a 13'x16' room in our basement, to accommodate the pool which is 8'x13' with the lip (7'x12' interior). The modifications to the room cost $17,000 and the pool was $23,000. So we spent $40,000 altogether. We switched out a door so that it's glass, upgraded the plumbing and electric, and did some other alterations to the room. The pool uses oil to create pressure in the lines to make the paddles go around. The monthly costs for water, electric and oil are not significant. I keep it heated in the winter but turn off the heat during the rest of the year in order to train for open water.

Endless Pools are very supportive. If you have the wrong part, they'll replace it. They make sure it gets done.

Q: How does it work?
A: It runs for 30 minutes and quits. They you just push a button to start it back up. There is a psi gauge in a stainless steel thing in front. I put about a cup of Clorox in it every day (or every other day) now that the water is balanced. You can get pads to test the water for ph, alkalinity, chlorine, etc. They change color to indicate the results.

Q: What are your upcoming open water plans?
A: I've been doing the Bay Swim since 1988, and I'll do my 16th crossing this year. I'm doing the Potomac Swim again, and probably Bermuda and some triathlons. I ride my bike to work and hope to compete in the Chesapeake UltraMan Aqua Velo - 2.4 Mile Swim, 112 Mile Bike in September.

Notice to All USMS Swimmers from the USMS Rules Committee
The following notice bears important information for all USMS members regarding:
1. Breaststroke: initiation of the first arm pull
2. Backstroke: disqualification language for the turn
3. Dual sanction agreement between USA Swimming and USMS: how to run such meets

BREASTSTROKE
USA Swimming has issued an updated interpretation of the initiation of the breaststroke arm pull to conform to the FINA interpretation. USMS Swimming Rules: Part 1 of the USMS Rule Book are based in part upon article 101, "Individual Strokes and Relays", of the USA Swimming Technical Rules which includes the breaststroke. The updated interpretation will apply to USMS competition (USMS article 101.2.3). See the following text published by Bruce Stratton, Chair of the USA Swimming Rules & Regulations Committee, December 8, 2008:

Text from USA Swimming:
"In 2005, FINA made changes to the technical rules for breaststroke which allowed a single downward butterfly kick during or at the end of the first arm pull after the start and after each turn. As required by USA Swimming Rules, we changed our technical rules for the breaststroke to conform to the changes made by FINA.

During the time since the change, there has been much confusion about what constitutes the beginning of the first arm pull. Based upon the (USA-S) Rules & Regulations Committee understanding of FINA's interpretation and actual practice in international competition, our guidance has been that the mere separation of the hands or arms does not necessarily constitute the beginning of the first arm pull.

However, we have been informed that FINA's interpretation is now different from our previous understanding of what constitutes the beginning of the first arm pull. In order for our interpretation to conform to that used by FINA, the following interpretation is being made, effective immediately.

For purposes of Article 101.2.3, as it relates to what constitutes the initiation of the first arm pull and the allowed single downward butterfly kick, the following applies:

After the start and after each turn, any lateral or downward movement of the hands or arms is considered to be the initiation of the first arm pull. Here ends the text from USA Swimming.

For any questions about the interpretation of the initiation of the first arm pull contact: Kathy Casey, Chair
USMS Rules Committee
rules@usms.org

BACKSTROKE TURN: DISQUALIFICATION LANGUAGE
There has been NO change in the interpretation of the backstroke turn rule. Recently, USA-Swimming advised its officials that they should alter the wording typically used to report backstroke turn disqualifications. In 2005 USA Swimming deleted the following sentence from the backstroke turn rule: "Once the body has left the position on the back, any kick or arm pull must be part of the continuous turning action." Deleting that sentence did not constitute a change in the interpretation of the turn because the previous sentence addresses initiating the turn. However, officials continued to use the statement "noncontinuous turning action" on disqualification slips. Since the USA Swimming rule no longer refers to "continuous turning action", USA Swimming officials have been encouraged to use language such as "failure to initiate the turn after the arm pull" or "failure to initiate the turn after turning toward the breast" rather than "noncontinuous turning action".

However, USMS did NOT delete the "continuous turning action" sentence from its backstroke turn rule (USMS article 101.4.3). The USMS Rules Committee deemed that sentence a good clarification for USMS members and retained the sentence. Therefore, any of the statements listed above for describing infractions of the turn rule, including "noncontinuous turning action", are acceptable for USMS competition.

For any questions about backstroke turn infraction language contact:
Kathy Casey, Chair, USMS Rules Committee rules@usms.org
or Charlie Cockrell, Chair, Officials Comm. officials@Usms.org

DUAL SANCTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN USA SWIMMING and USMS
Combining USA Swimming and USMS meets is now an official option as a result of an agreement signed by USA Swimming and USMS July 30, 2008. A number of inquiries have been received asking how to run such combined meets. A document from the signed agreement describes three methods for running combined meets. Note that the term "organization" refers to USA Swimming and/or USMS throughout the document.

COMBINED, PARALLEL, and INTERWOVEN MEETS
The number of inquiries as to what mechanisms are available for combining USA Swimming and USMS swimming meets has been increasing. The reasons for combining these meets are many, ranging from the limited availability of pool time and officials to the desire to promote the sport as a lifelong activity. There are several ways of accomplishing this goal within the rules and insurance policies of each organization. This document outlines these options.

It is assumed that all competitors are a member of either USA Swimming, USMS, or both. Those that are members of both must select one organization with which to compete for the entire meet. Dual membership cannot be used to exceed the daily event limits imposed by either organization. Automatic recognition of times achieved by a USMS swimmer competing in the USA-S portion is still available.
Any of the joint meets described below must have sanctions from both USA Swimming and USMS. Both sanctions must be held by the host organization. The host organization cannot be required to accept a participant from either USMS or USA Swimming that would otherwise be barred from participation by their respective organizations. USMS Record and Top Ten submissions must comply with all USMS documentation requirements.

Combined Meets
With the consent of all (co-)hosting teams and the LSC and LMSC, a combined meet may be sanctioned by both USA Swimming and USMS and all swimmers competing according to USA Swimming rules. This mechanism allows the meet host(s) to seed the event as they normally would, based upon times, with USA Swimming and USMS members combined in heats without specific lanes allocated to one organization or the other. There are restrictions however. A divider must separate members of each organization. A lane line is sufficient to achieve the separation. This does preclude, for example, swimming two-to-a-lane with a member of each organization in the same lane. Warm-up and warm-down should be conducted in separate lanes. Relay teams must consist of members of the same organization.

Parallel Meets
The two meets may be swum in parallel by assigning some number of lanes to USMS competitors and a different set to USA Swimming competitors. If possible, separate stroke and turn officials for each set is preferred. It is permissible to adjust, for example, the makeup of the USMS heats so that competitors in a given heat have approximately the same seed times. Each organization's rules would apply to their members.

Interwoven Meets
The two meets may be swum with complete heats of swimmers from both organizations alternating. There would be no need for separate stroke and turn officials. Each organization's rules would apply to their members.

For any questions about combined meets contact:
Kathy Casey, Chair
USMS Rules Committee
rules@usms.org

Congratulations

2008 SCM Preliminary Top Ten
Hi All, Please look through the preliminary SCM Top Ten listings on www.usms.org . Fresh eyes may spot a problem so we can correct before the Final top ten.
Thank you so much for your assistance!

Mary Beth Windrath
National Swims Administrator
USMS Records and Tabulation

Humor

Meet News

Swim in the New Year - 12/31/08

Allie Hall - San Francisco		Alvin Russell - ANCM

Allyson Adams- TERR		Jeff Roddin - ANCM

Hugh Harris - UNAT		Elliot Rockler - ANCM

Bob Park - DCM		Kathy Kirmayer & Carol Kammel - ANCM

Jim Nealis and friend - TERR		Julie and friend

Susan Main - UNAT		Margot Pettijohn - ANCM

Records Rule at Tropical Splash by Ray Novitske "This is what a meet should be." "...the atmosphere was fun with much esprit and camaraderie." "It was my first competition in 30 years, and I really enjoyed it" "It is a great meet and lots of folks agree with me!" A packed house from a record turnout greeted Alexandria Masters meet workers early morning on Super Bowl Sunday at the George Washington Rec Center in Alexandria. The 5th annual Tropical Splash had 168 swimmers entered; 22 more than last year, and surpassing the 2005 "snowstorm" meet. The competition also had a record 30 newbies swimming in a Masters meet for the first time. The relaxed tropical atmosphere with steel drum calypso music at warmups, pink flamingoes in the pool gutters, and fruit and baked goodies in the luau hospitality room all served to put swimmers in a record-setting mood. Tropical Splashers set 99 meet records, including one national USMS record. Joann Leilich (WMST) returned to the meet this year and demolished the USMS 200-breaststroke record by 14 seconds. Neil Williams (DCAC) and Shirley Loftus-Charley (SMAM) set meet records in all five events they entered. And Kirill Choulga (RMST) tore up the record book with a 22.32 time in the 50-freestyle, the fastest 50 the meet has seen. Other notable swims include Alyssa Lengle (ARMS) in the 100, 500 freestyle, 200 back, and 200 IM; Beth Eldridge (MOVY) in the 50 free and 50 breast; Margaret Connor (CUBU) in the 200 back; and Beth Schreiner (VMST) in the 50, 100, and 200 free. Top swims for the men include Brad Oglevee (FXCM) in the 500 free, Andrew Killian (ALEX) in the 50 breast, and Keith Harries (MARY) in all three backstroke events. Ten teams entered the coconut relay to "swim with the nuts" this year. Relay team "Really Fast" of Jen Brielmaier, Jennifer O'Reilly, and John Carlson chugged to the best coconut relay time, but only by an eyelash over "Stafford Piranha B." The meet results and photos for the meet scrapbook are at www.AlexandriaMasters.com/meet .		VMST - Chin

		Ellen, Alyssa, Pat

Kerry Mulholland, Pat Miller		Sue Marchetti, Susan Taylor

Jim Sebben, Don Edgell, Lou Brown		David Deitch, Stan Galvert, David Varner

Stafford Piranhas		Ozaki family

Craig, Shirley, Kurt		Manabu, Monte

Ray, Dave Tomblin		Erin Smith, Jan Stevens

Jonathan Short, Preston Burke, Patience Burke		Michelle, Kim

Reston "JV" relay team		Reston "Varsity" (self-described (-: ) relay team

Announcements

May 17, 2009 Benefit Swim & Patapsco/Back River Tributary
Team Picnic & Wade-In

On Sunday morning May 17, 2009 Joe Stewart will swim from the mouth of the Patapsco River to the mouth of the Back River in the Chesapeake Bay and is now raising pledge funds to benefit our urban watershed organizations. At noon that day, Patapsco/Back River Tributary Team (P/BRTT) will host its annual picnic and wade-in at North Point State Park (NPSP) along Joe's swim course.

The public is welcome to participate in the celebration! Directions to NPSP can be found at: www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/northpoint.html

Tax deductible pledge checks payable to Greater Homewood Community Corporation or to GHCC can be mailed to Joe Stewart, 3212 Avon Avenue, Baltimore MD 21218. Please note "Urban Watersheds" in the memo of the check. Thank you to everyone making a contribution which GHCC will divide up among our local area watershed associations after the event. Thanks especially for helping out during these troubling, difficult economic times when every donation makes a huge difference to these small grassroots groups!

For more information about the event, contact Joe Stewart: 410.767.1354
jstewart@dat.state.md.us

Government agencies and non profit organizations will highlight regional water quality initiatives at the event under the old Bay Shore Park trolley barn and local historian Steve Takos will offer a guided tour.

Waders will include representative of environmental groups, elected officials and other celebrities.

Note: Joe swam across Patapsco River 5 times in 2002-2006. P/BRTT began having wade-ins in 2004 at Venice on the Bay, then at North Point State Park in 2005 & 2006. The 2007 wade-in at Fort Smallwood didn't include a swim. The 2008 event had a benefit swim in Back River and wade-in at Rocky Point Park.

Frank Murphy Award
Frank Murphy had a saying, "Spare me from the person who doesn't have a passion for something." Frank had many passions-ballet, symphony, tending his roses, his wife Lorraine-but one of his greatest passions was swimming. He gave his heart and soul to it, literally-in 1996 he suffered a massive heart attack during practice at Hains Point and doing one the things he loved most. He began his competitive swim career in the mid 1970's at Fun �n' Fitness in Arlington with coach John Flanagan and DC Masters. His passion was infectious-- Lorraine soon joined him in the pool. His passion in swimming was distance-the longer the better-and he excelled at it, placing in the USMS National Top 10 in freestyle events every year and establishing local meet records, some of which still stand.

Several years ago Lorraine gave DC Masters a generous donation in Frank's memory, and last year the team established the Frank Murphy Long Distance Award to the Potomac Valley swimmers who share his enthusiasm for the sport and particularly those who competed in the long distance events, both in the pool and open water, he so loved. Swimmers were awarded points based on their age-group finish places in USMS-sanctioned events from 1500m to 10,000m or more. Swimmers either nominated themselves or were nominated by a friend. The winners of the first annual Frank Murphy awards were Julie Oplinger, of Fairfax County Masters, and Jeff Roddin, of Montgomery Ancient Mariners.

Award goes to folks who swim USMS-sanctioned races 1650 yds or 1500m or longer including the 5 USMS Postal National Championships (One Hour--ends tomorrow; 5K & 10K; and 3000-yd & 6000-yd) (Info on 2009 events are at www.usms.org/longdist/ldnats09 ). Points are given for age-group/gender place.

Aqua Moon Adventures - Open Water Swims
ELANS 19th Annual Bermuda Round the Sound
10K 7.25K 4K 2K and 0.8K Open Water Swims
October 18, 2009

The 9th Annual Bonaire EcoSwim
Saturday, December 5, 2009
10K, 5K, 3K, 1K

For more info, contact
Randy Nutt info@randynutt.com
www.aquamoonadventures.com

Swimmers & Volunteers - Bud Beatty Swim
Hello all. I just wanted to let everyone know that I have set up a website for the swim in August. It is very basic but I hope to add on to it. My hope is to allow us to have registrations thru the site and be able to sell merchandise. For the time being add it to your favorites and stay tuned for further news. www.budbeattyswim.org

We also have our Myspace website. www.myspace.com/budbeattyswim

You can also join us on Facebook under THE ANNUAL BUD BEATTY SWIM group.

We are holding a T-shirt / Logo contest. Submit your ideas and if your idea is chosen you can win a $25 gift certificate to Dicks Sporting Goods and a free 2009 Event T-shirt.

Next years 2 mile event will take place:
Sunday August 9, 2009
9:00 AM Start
Rocky Point Beach (Baltimore County)

Please put it on your calendar and spread the word. If you would like to volunteer for a particular task let me know. ie; publicity, fundraising, support coordination (boat / kayak / USCG).

Our registration website is now active. http://pancan.kintera.org/beattyswim Even if you dont swim you can donate securely online or sponsor someone else.

Have a great day! Tim Beatty, organizer, dolphinbrew@hotmail.com

Clay Britt Swim Clinics
Single Day Clinics
The goal of our clinics is to help you swim faster. Our approach to instructing will teach you the proper swimming technique necessary for dramatic improvement. The clinics include classroom discussions, underwater videotaping, our "feel for the water" tools and in the water instruction from Clay and his experienced coaching staff. At the end of the day, you will have had the necessary instruction and drills to begin improving your swimming. You will also receive a list of swim drills, techniques and our "Swim Drills On Video" DVD that you can use to improve your technique during your workouts. Within two weeks after the clinic you will receive a copy of your swim on DVD with voiceover critique. Our clinics are small in size and our coaching approach is very personal, thus ensuring high quality clinics.
Dates:
March 7 4:30-7:30pm
May 3 6:30-9:30pm (Power Clinic)
June 20 4:30-7:30pm

The single day clinics include underwater videotaping with on the spot critique, freestyle instructional DVD, 3 world class coaches and in the water instruction. A maximum of 15 swimmers per clinic. The May 3 clinic is a "Power Clinic" and we only have 6 spots available. Come get ready for the Triathlon season at one of our single session clinics. You can get more detailed information at the following website.
www.claybrittswimming.com

Clinic Series
Due to popular demand from swimmers who want more than one session to improve their swimming, I am announcing the Clinic Series. These clinics will consist of three 2 hour sessions and is designed for those who want to improve their swimming through a progression of steps. Each session will build on the previous clinic with the goal of having each swimmer swimming dramatically better after completing the third session. The sessions are spread out enough to allow you to practice what you learn before the next session. Also, each swimmer will be extensively videotaped and critiqued and will receive a copy of all the taping at the completion of the clinic. The 3 series will be limited to 5 swimmers to each coach, so please email for more details or to register. These clinics are held at the Lab School from 7-9pm on the following dates:
March 15
April 19
May 10

Thank you and I look forward to helping many of you continue to improve your swimming.

Clay Britt
www.claybrittswimming.com
clay@claybrittswimming.com
301-996-7946

Health Network - Professionals Wanted!
The Sports Medicine and Science Committee serves to educate USMS members and the public on topics of sports medicine and science. The committee maintains a Health Network of professionals willing to serve as resources to Masters swimmers. Members of the Health Network respond to questions sent to the Healthy Swimmer section of USMS Swimmer magazine. We would like to continue to expand the network. If you or someone you know is a medical or science professional and would like to join the network please contact Sports Medicine and Science Committee Chair Jane Moore at SportsMedicine at usms dot org for further information.

Registration Notes
by Jeff Roddin

This is your last issue of The Swimmer's Ear unless you have renewed your registration for 2009. If your email address was on file you received instructions on how to renew. If you are Internet challenged please either speak to your club rep or send a self addressed stamped envelope to the PV Registrar (Jeff Roddin) and ask for a paper renewal form.
If your household is receiving more than one copy of The Swimmer's Ear and you would prefer not to receive the extra copies, please email Jeff Roddin (jroddin@pvmasters.org) and let him know which registered PV swimmers wish to be "unsubscribed." Please note the newsletter may also be viewed online at www.pvmasters.org so if you wish to save us mailing costs please also contact Jeff to "unsubscribe" to the printed issue. Likewise you may contact Jeff to unsubscribe from Swimmer magazine.
Online registrations are up and running. We are far ahead of last year in terms of how quickly the first 1000 people were to register. That is either due to growth or simply because more people renewed earlier because of the convenience of doing so online. Needless to say there have been some growing pains with this new system with some users having trouble, but for the large part most swimmers have found the process to be quick and efficient.
Club status: As of the printing deadline the following clubs have not renewed for 2009: Potomac Marlin Masters, Worldgate Tri Masters, Streamline Swim Club.

THIS IS YOUR LAST ISSUE UNLESS YOU HAVE RENEWED FOR 2009. PLEASE RENEW UNLESS YOU HAVE DONE SO ALREADY.

Opt-Out of Paper Newsletter/ Opt-In for Web Version
If you would like to save paper (by opting out of the printed version of the newsletter) and receive an email notification when the Potomac Valley newsletter is available online, please notify Jeff Roddin, .

Most Beautiful Open Water Swim
Greetings from St. John in the US Virgin Islands, home to Virgin Islands National Park and site of the Friends Beach-to-Beach Power Swim, described by Swimming World Magazine as the most beautiful open water swim in the world. Caribbean sun, azure water, white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs all await competitors as they swim along the course set in the protected waters of Virgin Islands National Park, home to many sea turtles and exotic fish that will entertain participants as they swim from bay to bay along St. John's spectacular north shore.

May 24, 2009 will mark the 6th Annual Friends Beach-to-Beach Power Swim on St. John. This is a great start to the open water swimming season and ideal for your open water and long distance swimmers.

Please visit our website at www.friendsvinp.org/swim for complete information on this event and to register. Registration opens March 1, 2009 but, it is not too early to make travel arrangements.

Please feel free to contact me by email (jkessler@friendsvinp.org ) or phone (340-779-4940) should you have any questions.

Regards, Joe Kessler, Race Director

Mini Freestyle Clinic with Aquatic Edge:
Karlyn Pipes Neilsen & Eric Neilsen
hosted by Alexandria Masters Swimming
Using simple terms, in-water drills and a lot of FUN, we will teach you how to have a faster freestyle. The clinic will feature the following:
� Step-by-step freestyle stroke progression
� Emphasis on correct head and body position
� Focus on a faster more efficient stroke
For beginner and advanced swimmers alike.

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30-9:30 PM
Lee District Rec Center, Alexandria, 3 miles from the beltway
$60 cost.

For more information and entry form, see the Alexandria Masters web site:
www.alexandriamasters.com

VMST 1st Annual Spring Meet 3/15/09
We are having a swim meet March 15th in Warrenton at our new pool. Please pass the word and encourage people to sign up as soon as possible as it is our first meet.

Everyone that wins an event will get an official proclamation from our Mayor for owning a Masters Pool Record in our facility. Link to meet information is
www.warrentonmasters.org

Thanks and I hope you and your team can make it!

Charlie Tupitza, Coach
Warrenton Masters Swim Team
www.warrentonmasters.org
703 989-8777 540 428-2035

USMS Video Library
The USMS video library has various titles to choose from and is available for all registered U.S. Masters Swimming Members. To rent a video from the USMS Video Library go to the link on the www.usms.org website at www.usms.org/coach/videos.php To rent a video from the U.S. Masters Swimming Video Library, please follow these steps:

- Choose up to four (4) titles from the Library Titles List
- Email Ashley Gangloff to request your chosen titles
- Mail a check equal to $10 x the number of titles you wish to rent to:
U.S. Masters Swimming
P.O. Box 185
Londonderry, NH 03053-0185

Once your check has been received, U.S. Masters Swimming will ship you the titles you requested. It is your responsibility including paying for return postage to return all titles within three (3) weeks of its original post date. Please return rentals to:
U.S. Masters Swimming
500 East Morehead Street, Suite 220
Charlotte, NC 28202

Potomac Valley LMSC Meeting Minutes
Preliminary - Subject to Approval

PVLMSC Meeting Minutes - October 26, 2008
GMU - Fairfax, VA
Recorded by Cheryl Wagner

Intro
Approval of last meeting's minutes.
(No "e" in Lynn Hazlewood)
Chair Convention report coming in next newsletter
Registrar
Online registration working
Used to send renewals via pdf file to clubs. This year we want to send emails. Each person will get a custom email with a link to renew themselves.
We have 1000 email addresses out of 2200 (post edit: we now have 1800 email addresses recorded)
Automated email process - can send out beginning Nov 15 (unless club wants a delay to prepare)
A lot of club rep's having trouble telling who's on their team and registered because members can now register themselves. There's an online link by club - where club people can check who's registered (just name & USMS #)

Registration stats:
end of October 2006 - 1950 members
end of October 2007 - 2103 members
today - 2210 members
PV has steadily grown, but USMS has actually grown by a larger percentage
Don't send cash to renew! If need be, have a teammate write a check to cover the payment.
Clubs cannot yet register online.
If club has not renewed, individual online renewal will not be allowed for that club.
Ray Novitske set up PayPal for Alexandria Masters team fee
Paper registrations will always be available (swimmers do not need to register online if they cannot or would rather not)
Can now send RE1 file to meet managers. All registration info loads into HYTEK to pre-populate the meet with names, DOB, teams, registration numbers.
Top Ten
Top Ten for LCM has been sent in to USMS.
Senior Olympics in Germantown applied for USMS recognition and got it. Times will count for 2009 USMS SC Top Ten.
IGLA meet - 200 entries came back w/ problem, lots of typos. Issue has to be cleaned up.
Sanctions
Two different pieces of paper:
2008 close-out and
2009 schedule
Evaluators Needed:
- Tropical Splash - Jeff Strahota,
- Albatross - 3rd week in March (SAT)
- Zone Meet
- DCRP & TERR - getting deposits back
New sanction form going on website in 2009
Treasurer
Doing great
> $35,000 in both accounts (total, combined)
Paid all convention expenses
Money from online registrations coming like clockwork
Coming into a season where there are a lot of registrations.
Taxes are easy - form to fill out each year - not a problem
No financial need to raise LMSC dues
USMS registration amount going up by $5 in 2010 - will result in higher registration fees because it will be passed through to PV swimmers
Secretary
Nothing to report
Newsletter
Still not exclusively online (will keep paper)
Will publish OPT OUT announcement in case readers don't want paper
Awards
SCY - swimmers of year:
Mark Liscinsky & Stacy Peterson (both from Curl-Burke)
Fitness
Nothing to report
Officials
Going to type up summary of major rule changes from convention to send to team rep's.
Long Distance
Make sure Long Distance awards people fill out the form.
Two postals: 3,000 & 6,000 - still can do for LD award.
Old Business
OEVT registrations
Reston already did form for the 2008 meet when USMS raised the fee. USMS kept fee down because Jeff petitioned for it, but it will increase by $5 in 2009. MSA to keep OEVT fee same for 2009 (PV will absorb extra $5)
PV Swim Series
Jeff Strahota will try to solicit venues
Probably in Spring
Possibly one location for whole series
Georgetown Prep, (near 270 & 495), can walk from Grosvenor Metro, SCY pool
Can't be free - charge nominal fee such as $5 for members, $10 for non-members
$2,000 rental for 5 hours
We can back it financially (PV)
We just need people to direct the meets (lot of work)
Continue to explore
Ad in newsletter - for meet directors
If new team will run a meet, PV will cover losses
Germantown Masters wants to host a SCM meet (2009 - Nov or Dec)

Potomac Valley Clubs

ALL STAR AQUATICS

www.allstaraquatics.net

ARLINGTON MASTERS

www.arlingtonmasters.org

ALEXANDRIA MASTERS SWIMMING

www.alexandriamasters.com

CURL-BURKE SWIM CLUB

ww.cubu-masters.or

eric@principlefitness.com

www.cubu-masters.org

mconnor@sportfairusa.com

DC MASTERS

http://www.dcmasters.org

DC TRIATHLON CLUB

http://dctriclub.org

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AQUATICS CLUB

www.swimdcac.org/Home.html

DC DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION & PARKS

www.swimDCRP.org

FAIRFAX COUNTY MASTERS

www.pvmasters.org/~fxcm

fxcmnews@aim.com

FORT BELVOIR MASTERS

www.fbswim.org

GERMANTOWN MARYLAND MASTERS

www.germantownmasters.org

MARYLAND SUBURBAN SWIM CLUB MASTERS

wenhold@msscswimming.com

MASTERS AQUATICS AT SPRING HILL

www.pvmasters.org/~mash

MONTGOMERY ANCIENT MARINERS

www.ancientmariners.org

NATIONAL CAPITAL YMCA

www.pvmasters.org/~ncym/index.html

NORTHERN VIRGINIA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

www.kickasttri.com

PATRIOT MASTERS SWIM TEAM

RESTON MASTERS

www.restonmasters.org

RIPTIDE MASTERS

www.riptideswimteam.com

SEA DEVIL SWIMMING MASTERS

www.seadevils.org

TERRAPIN MASTERS

www.terrapinmasters.org

TRINITY AQUATICS CLUB MASTERS

www.trinitydc.edu/trinity_center/masters_swimming

YORK MASTERS

www.yorkswim.com/home.asp

Car-Free Meet Options
By Steve Strauss

Mar 7, 2009: Clay Britt Swim Clinic; www.wmata.com , Take D6 Sibley Hospital bus from downtown DC

Mar 15, 2009: 1st Annual Spring Swim Meet; Warrenton, VA - Gotta drive. www.zipcar.com

Mar 21, 2009: ANCM Albatross Open at MAC, Bethesda, MD; www.wmata.com Take Red line to White Flint Metrorail station, walk one-third mile southwest to 5900 Executive Blvd.

Mar 28, 2009: Carol Chidester Swim Series meet in Pasadena, MD - Gotta drive. www.zipcar.com
Apr 16-19, 2009: YMCA Nationals - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Southwest Airlines from BWI

April 24-26, 2009: Colonies Zone SCY Meet; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. Metro orange line to Vienna, CUE-Green Bus Route 1

May 3, 2009: Clay Britt Swim Clinic; www.wmata.com Take D6 Sibley Hospital bus from downtown DC

May 7-10, 2009: 2009 USMS Short Course Nationals - Fresno, CA www.travelocity.com

May 23-24, 2009 Jim McDonnell Lake Swims & Clinic; Reston VA; Gotta drive. www.zipcar.com

Jun 20, 2009: Clay Britt Swim Clinic; www.wmata.com Take D6 Sibley Hospital bus from downtown DC

Aug 6-10, 2009: 2009 USMS Long Course Nationals - Indianapolis, IN www.travelocity.com

Meet Directors and Sponsoring Teams Needed for PV Swim Meet Series

Classifieds

Trinity Masters Swimming: New Fees, Schedule, and Coaches!

Tuesday mornings 6a - 7a
Tuesday evenings 7p - 8p
Thursday evenings 7p - 8p
Friday mornings 6a - 7a

$20/mo for Trinity Center members
$40/mo for non-members
$2/swim for Trinity Center members
$4/swim for non-members

Stop by for an initial FREE swim to meet our coaches and see if our program is the right fit for you! The Trinity Center is located in the Brookland neighborhood in NE DC. Information on the Trinity Center and Trinity Masters can be found at www.trinitydc.edu/trinity_centeror by contacting Jamie Burket 202.884.9093 / burketj@trinitydc.edu

NVSL Head Coach & Assistant Coaches Needed
The Parklawn Piranhas are looking for a new HEAD COACH for 2009 and beyond. We are a NVSL Division 15 team with 125 swimmers. Our focus at Parklawn is on having fun! We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic Head Coach to provide our swimmers with expert instruction, leadership, encouragement, and a strong sense of team spirit.

Duties include directing morning and evening practices, Monday-Friday, coaching at A meets (Saturday mornings) and B meets (Monday nights), planning and leading spirit activities (Friday nights), managing the coaching staff, and seeding swimmers for meets.

Practices will begin the first week in June, and run through All Stars in early August. We are also hiring assistant coaches. Parklawn Pool is located on Crater Lane, near the intersection of Braddock Rd and Columbia Pike.

To apply for either position, please send your resume including references to Claire Gallagher at ClaireGallagher@msn.com .

Strengthen Your Core
USMS Coach, Tom Denes, offers on-on-one and small group strength training. Emphasis is on strengthening the core muscles to increase swimming power. All sessions are held at Rockville Fitness. Contact Tom at: waterprfch@aol.com or 301-564-4234.

Waterproof Coach & Triathlete

The Waterproof Coach & The Waterproof Triathlete
Tom Denes, waterprfch@aol.com
301-564-4234

Sport Fair
Proper swim equipment is vital to a successful swimming outcome. SPORT FAIR, an Arlington based swim store specializes in competitive swimwear and equipment. We are one of the largest Speedo dealerships in the country.

SPORT FAIR wants to help you achieve success. Please call me to arrange team discounts for your masters team or open water swim program.

Margaret, Director, Masters & Open Water Swimming
5121 Lee Highway
Arlington, Virginia 22207
703-524-9500
Fax: 703-524-9500
Email: sales@sportfairusa.com

Team in Training Program
Need some inspiration to get started training this season? Complete your next event for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT) program and your personal achievement will make a difference in the lives of thousands of others. As part of the Team, you'll receive expert coaching, a team to train with and you'll raise money to fund cutting-edge cancer research and patient support programs. We are currently forming teams to participate in The Nation's Triathlon (sold out to general public), Accenture Chicago Triathlon, Marine Corps Marathon (sold out to general public), Rock n Roll Half Marathon, Nike Women's Marathon (sold out to general public), and Sea Gull Century Ride. For more information, please call 703 960-1100 or visit www.teamintraining.org/nca

Kristen Avioli
Campaign Coordinator,The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
National Capital Area Chapter
Team In Training
5845 Richmond Highway, Suite 800
Alexandria, VA 22303
703.960.1100 x252 � (f) 703.960.5374
www.lls.org/nca www.teamintraining.org/nca

Coach Needed - Fairfax County Masters
Fairfax County Masters (www.pvmasters.org/~fxcm ) is looking to hire one or two coaches for the following days and times: Tuesday from 8-9 p.m. at Audrey Moore RECenter (Annandale, VA); Saturday from 7:55-8:55 a.m. at Providence RECenter (Falls Church, VA). Duties would include writing and coaching 1-2 workouts per week for anywhere from 5 to 30 swimmers with a range of abilities. Individuals with a strong swimming background and/or prior experience as a swim coach will be considered. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. For more information please contact Shannon Prendergast at swimXU96@yahoo.com or 703-403-3864.

New Edition of Triathlete's Training Bible
Boulder, CO, USA - February 6, 2009 - The Triathlete's Training Bible, just released in a completely revised third edition, will make you a smarter, stronger, faster triathlete. The book is available now in bookstores, bike and tri shops, and online.

The Triathlete's Training Bible is based on coach Joe Friel's proven, science-based methodology and his 28 years of experience equipping hundreds of thousands of triathletes for success in the sport. The Triathlete's Training Bible provides triathletes of all abilities with every detail they must consider when planning a season, lining up a week of workouts, or preparing for race day. Using this comprehensive guide, triathletes will develop a personalized, self-coached training plan that will guide them to success in the sport.

The Triathlete's Training Bible, 3rd Ed. by Joe Friel
8.5" x 11", 386 pp. | VP-TRI3, $24.95 | ISBN: 978-1-934030-19-6

PV Newsletter Editor Wanted
Do you enjoy writing and sports reporting?

You could be the next Potomac Valley Newsletter Editor for the Swimmer's Ear.

Contact Cheryl Wagner if you are interested: cherylw@crosslink.net.

Photo Credits

All photos by Cheryl Wagner except:
Photos of New Years Swim - Dottie Buchhagen

Events Calendar

2008-2009 Pool Event Calendar

Jan-Dec 2009
USMS Check-off Challenge National Fitness Event usms.org/fitness/content/fitnessevents

Mar 7, 2009
Clay Britt Swim Clinic; 4:30P-7:30P www.claybrittswimming.com

Mar 15, 2009
1st Annual Spring Swim Meet; Warrenton, VA � www.warrentonmasters.org

Mar 21, 2009
ANCM Albatross Open at MAC, Bethesda, MD; www.ancientmariners.org

Mar 28, 2009
MD-LMSC Carol Chidester Swim Series meet in Pasadena, MD www.mdusms.org

Apr 16-19, 2009
YMCA Nationals - Fort Lauderdale, FL www.ymcaswimminganddiving.org/2009Masters.htm

April 24-26, 2009
Colonies Zone SCY Championships at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA www.patriotmasters.org

May 3, 2009
Clay Britt Swim Clinic; 6:30P-9:30P www.claybrittswimming.com

May 7-10, 2009
2009 USMS Short Course National Championships - Fresno, CA www.usms.org/comp/scnats09

Jun 20, 2009
Clay Britt Swim Clinic; 4:30P-7:30P www.claybrittswimming.com

Aug 6-10, 2009
2009 USMS Long Course Nationals - Indianapolis, IN www.usms.org/comp/nationals.php

2008-2009 Long Distance/Open Water Calendar

May 23-24, 2009
Jim McDonnell 1 & 2 mile lake swims & open water clinic � Reston, VA; www.restonmasters.org

May 23 2009
Lady Liberty Swim - 1.3 Mile New York NY; www.nycswim.org

May 24 2009
Beach-to-Beach Power Swim - St. John, US Virgin Islands; www.friendsvinp.org/swim

May 30 2009
7.5 Mile Potomac River Swim, Point Lookout, MD; Info: cherylw@crosslink.net

Jun 6 2009
28.5 mile Manhattan Island Marathon Swim New York, NY; www.nycswim.org

Jun 14 2009
Great Chesapeake Bay Swim and Chesapeake Challenge Sandy Point MD; www.lin-mark.com

Jun 14 2009
Park to Park Swim 1.0 Mile New York NY; www.nycswim.org

Jun 14, 2009
Ironman Kansas Triathlon; Laurence KS; www.ironmankansas.com

Jun 20 2009
Against the Tide 1 Mile Swim-2 Mile Kayak-3 Mile Walk; Hopkinton, MA; mbcc.org/swim

June 20, 2009
Flowers One Mile Sea Swim - Grand Cayman Island (British West Indies) www.flowersseaswim.com

Jun 28 2009
Governors Island Swim 2.0 Mile New York NY; www.nycswim.org

Jul 11 2009
USMS 2009 1-3 Mile Open Water Championships (2 miles) - Canandaigua, NY; www.usms.org

Jul 11 2009
Swim for Life; Chestertown, MD www.swimdcac.org/Home.html

July 11, 2009
Chris Greene Lake Swim (1 & 2 mile); Charlottesville, VA www.cableswim.org

Jul 18, 2009
Aquathlon: Stars & Stripes Swim 1.5 K / Run 5 K, Swim 1.5 K New York NY; www.nycswim.org

Aug 1 2009
USMS 6+ Mile Open Water Championships (10 km) Harbor Springs, MI; www.usms.org

Aug 15 2009
USMS 2009 2-Mile Cable Championships - Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, NY; www.usms.org

Aug 15 2009
Against the Tide 1 Mile Swim-2 Mile Kayak-3 Mile Walk, Hopkinton, MA; mbcc.org/swim

Aug 16 2009
Pennock Island Challenge 8 miles Ketchikan Alaska; www.alaskateamada.com

Aug 22 2009
Clean Harbor Swim Gloucester MA ; home.comcast.net/~clean.harbor.swim/index.htm

Sep 12 2009
USMS 2009 3-6 Mile Open Water Championships (5 km) � Chicago, IL; www.usms.org

Sep 12, 2009
Brooklyn Bridge Swim 1 K New York NY; www.nycswim.org

Sep 26, 2009
Little Red Lighthouse Swim 5.85 Mile New York NY; www.nycswim.org

Sep 26, 2009
Chesapeakeman Aqua Velo 2.4 mi swim & 112 mi bike; Cambridge, MD www.tricolumbia.org