Louis 'Dewey' Slater, 65, Dies After 1500 at U.S. Masters Swimming Nationals
www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/.../35580.asp
Dewey & I had agreed to count for each other during the 1500 at Nationals but I ended up not entering the meet. I feel guilty for not being there with him, but also relieved that I did not have to witness the death of a friend.
I don't think he ever posted on this forum, but he did lurk a lot and was a regular reader of pwb's High Volume workouts.
At 2009 SC Nationals, he tackled the ultimate double, racing the 1000 and 1650 on the same day, placing top 3 in both. The next morning, he came back and finished 3rd in the 400 IM.
Several years ago, our main coach commented that he would prefer to die either on his bike, or while coaching a hard swim set. Dewey said he would want to go during a race.
Mike, thanks for raising this preparedness issue.
It was difficult coming to the conclusion to be more forward and open about this very private matter. But, coming from a family with members who wear the titles of RN, physical therapist and athletic trainer, prevention, preparedness and proactivity are key, cultural operatives for minimizing traumatic events.
In the recent past few years since I have returned to swimming with USMS, I informed my current coach and lane mates about my condition. I do this mostly with the ultra-competitive sorts I train with, so they don't heckle me too much when I sit out an interval or back-down in intensity--this is out of necessity for managing my condition.
Not to mention, this way they are apprised and more aware about the potential, and will likely be more aware and prepared to deal with the situation if it ever presents, again. Additionally, my hope and aim by empowering them with this information will minimize any emotional shocks, too.
I also carry around a copy of my DNR order in my wallet, in the event my heart stops or I stop breathing while swimming. I have also showed this document to my coaches, so they are apprised of my wishes, and so any confusion is minimized.
I reiterate, if I have to leave our 'space ship' prematurely, I can think of no better way than while I am swimming.
NB: I entered a few meets in the recent past , but posted NS, mostly because I was terrified of 'hurting' myself. And altho I finally got around to taking the plunge in October 2012, 31 years since I had competed in any swimming events, I reluctantly raced ultra-conservatively, posting rather slow times. Overall, it was fun and memorable. A good introduction back. On-the-fly, at the last minute, my CALM teammates at the time, and I entered the 'low-hanging fruit' 4x100 IM relay. And to our surprise, altho much slower than what we set out to do, we posted a Top 10 time last year. The psychological aim to race again was to start taking baby steps back, commence progressively overloading and practicing consistency, variety and balance for life.
For me, on top of pain management and stress management, because I'm still possess the competitor's mindset, I require a goal to achieve. I need to race. But I need to do this mindfully and without reckless abandon now.
Mike, thanks for raising this preparedness issue.
It was difficult coming to the conclusion to be more forward and open about this very private matter. But, coming from a family with members who wear the titles of RN, physical therapist and athletic trainer, prevention, preparedness and proactivity are key, cultural operatives for minimizing traumatic events.
In the recent past few years since I have returned to swimming with USMS, I informed my current coach and lane mates about my condition. I do this mostly with the ultra-competitive sorts I train with, so they don't heckle me too much when I sit out an interval or back-down in intensity--this is out of necessity for managing my condition.
Not to mention, this way they are apprised and more aware about the potential, and will likely be more aware and prepared to deal with the situation if it ever presents, again. Additionally, my hope and aim by empowering them with this information will minimize any emotional shocks, too.
I also carry around a copy of my DNR order in my wallet, in the event my heart stops or I stop breathing while swimming. I have also showed this document to my coaches, so they are apprised of my wishes, and so any confusion is minimized.
I reiterate, if I have to leave our 'space ship' prematurely, I can think of no better way than while I am swimming.
NB: I entered a few meets in the recent past , but posted NS, mostly because I was terrified of 'hurting' myself. And altho I finally got around to taking the plunge in October 2012, 31 years since I had competed in any swimming events, I reluctantly raced ultra-conservatively, posting rather slow times. Overall, it was fun and memorable. A good introduction back. On-the-fly, at the last minute, my CALM teammates at the time, and I entered the 'low-hanging fruit' 4x100 IM relay. And to our surprise, altho much slower than what we set out to do, we posted a Top 10 time last year. The psychological aim to race again was to start taking baby steps back, commence progressively overloading and practicing consistency, variety and balance for life.
For me, on top of pain management and stress management, because I'm still possess the competitor's mindset, I require a goal to achieve. I need to race. But I need to do this mindfully and without reckless abandon now.
