Hi Folks & GTD Fans,
The USMS Fitness Committee has asked me if the USMS fitness event "Go the Distance" should be offered next year (2008) ... Hmmmm? I promptly responded with I'll try and find out!
I'm interested in what aspects of the event you like and don't like if you are currently participating. If you aren't a GTD participant - it would also be extremely beneficial to hear why not- or better yet - what could be done differently so that you would want to participate!
If you would like this fitness challenge to be offered in 2008 - what would you keep the same? What would you like to do differently? Would you add/change the distance milestones? I'm interested in any and all ideas you have to offer. Now I can't promise that all of your ideas will be implemented - but let's see what you think!
I will compile all of your recommendations and offer them to the USMS Fitness Committee in September at the annual convention. This is when the committee will decide on the future of GTD.
Your help with this is greatly appreciated!
Your GTD pal,
Mary
Former Member
Mary,
Will you please explain what "Go The Distance" is for those of us that don't know?
Mary I think it is a great way to keep some of us solo trainers going regularly to the pool, and to eke out maybe a little more distance here and there.
Can't think of a way to improve the event...but maybe there could be some sort of designation of awards to show distance completed in OW and pool. Maybe some of the swimmers that do both would like a way to record, or display their multiple aqua-talents! ;)
Rich
Mary,
here is a copy of my email response to you earlier in the day:
we think the GTD event should be offered again next year. We are enjoying
the program and will plan to do it again next year, using the spreadsheet,
whether or not there is a coordinated USMS effort.
As far as milestones, that's not so interesting to us as just seeing where
we stand among other swimmers we run into at meets, so we don't have any
particular suggestions there.
Keep up the good work, though, because this is the ONLY one of these kinds
of programs that we have ever participated in!
-- mel & grace dyck
For those of you who are not already participating, Mary will still take input, I believe. So, if you are keeping track of your yardage, there's still time to jump in. Just fill in the Excel spreadsheet template available from the USMS web site.
Mary, I too love the GTD. I think the idea is great. It has made me get more motivated in the water. I think my age group coach loves it since I complain to him when I don't think we've done enough yardage. The age group kids don't like that hee-hee.
I love the 365 idea. I would do that one!!
Alison
If you aren't a GTD participant - it would also be extremely beneficial to hear why not- or better yet - what could be done differently so that you would want to participate!
I am not a participant. Most likely the requirment of writing down the distance of the workout would keep me from participating, however, that is not the reason that I did not join in. (of course, those who know me when I lead the lane know that I have a difficult time counting above three, let alone total up the daily yardage. Well, I have been known to over estimate the yardage done in one day). I dont recall hearing any thing about about the Go the Distance fitness program. It certainly did not rise above the noise of the other USMS programs that I hear about.
If I had, I would have promoted it in Pacific. If you are still taking new entries, it might be a good thing to do for the second half of the year.
michael
chairman, Pacific Masters
I am not a participant. Most likely the requirment of writing down the distance of the workout would keep me from participating, however, that is not the reason that I did not join in. (of course, those who know me when I lead the lane know that I have a difficult time counting above three, let alone total up the daily yardage. Well, I have been known to over estimate the yardage done in one day). I dont recall hearing any thing about about the Go the Distance fitness program. It certainly did not rise above the noise of the other USMS programs that I hear about.
If I had, I would have promoted it in Pacific. If you are still taking new entries, it might be a good thing to do for the second half of the year.
michael
chairman, Pacific Masters
Hi Michael,
YES - I am most definitely taking new entries at any time someone wishes to join the fun! It's pretty simple and easy to participate in - folks just need to send me an email with their name, age as of 12/31/07, usms id and the distance they swim each month. That's it and it's free!
Your comment begs the question though ... how do I (we) promote this event and let folks know 1) that it exists, 2) how to play with us, 3) what the goals are and 4) that they (you!) can join us at any time?
Originally an Tracy sent out announcement (12/30/06) for us to the LMSC chairs, Fitness Chairs, Webmasters and Editors. Bill Volckening put a blurb in USMS Swimmer. It's probably word of mouth that has extended the participation since the initial flurry of activity.
Would a follow-up announcement at the midyear point be worthwhile?
Any suggestions you might have as to how to advertise GTD at this point would be greatly appreciated!
Mary
gothedistance@swimoregon.org
Hi Mary,
I already emailed you my suggestions. Just like to add that I think everyone would enjoy it. The spread sheet is sooooo easy to use and you really do feel like you're accomplishing something even when you have a less than stellar day in the pool. I don't want to miss my swims 'cause I want to hit the 50 mile mark by early July. I REALLY hope you'll keep GTD for 2008. It's just an awesome event!!!!:cheerleader:
