2010 Nationals is a year away, so what now?

Rich, can you add a practice in at the Gwinnett facility? I think their drop-in fees are reasonable. But I can tell you that I qualify for Nationals (usually LCM) and do fairly well when I go and I only swim 3 days a week most of the time. I cross train with spinning, yoga, pilates and weights. I swim with a team and coach on deck, which helps me a lot. As Jayhawk said, you can go in 3 events without qualifying. I'm in VA but my parents live in Duluth. I went to Norcross HS. My sister is a Killer Whale.

I just hung up my skis (78 days on the slopes this year). Hung 'em up already? Things are just getting rolling at A Basin! 78 days on the slopes is a commendable total, though, I must admit.

Hung 'em up already? Things are just getting rolling at A Basin! Yeah, though the action starts to move toward the parking lot later in the year at A-bay.

Swimshark - I was wondering how you knew about the Gwinnett facility when your brief bio at left said VA. I actually live in Duluth now less than a mile from both Norcross HS (the new one of course) and the new Gwinnett facility! In fact, there is a developmental meet there this weekend that I may try out to set a benchmark (a slow one). You aren't too far from my parents. They are right in that area. My dad swims at the Gwinnett facility or Dynamo. Good luck at the meet. It's a great pool!

hello figure out what you'd like to accomplish. Swim Faster Faster should help y'all Tip 247 Get your Gear When Meets Draw Near

I agree with Cream Puff. You can get excellent coaching at Swim Atlanta, Dynamo, and Emory. It is worth the drop in fees and give you a chance to meet other GAJA Masters. I was a GAJA swimmer for over 25 years and will be competing against you at Nationals for Colorado.I still wear my GA Masters t shirts and my Swim Atlanta Parka. I wear my Dynamo cap at practice. Cream Puff...I need another Swim Atlanta cap! Retired to Colorado 3 years ago. I just hung up my skis (78 days on the slopes this year). Will only ski 4 months next season so I can train for the ATL NAts. Hopefully I will see you at Swim Atlanta and Emory the last week of May when I visit my son in Lawrenceville .

Hey Rich, I am a lurker here. Your thread has brought me out. :) You've gotten great advice so far... the only thing I would add is that you need to get into the pool on Saturdays with us when your son is at practice! :) Seriously, though, if you are ever able to swim with Scot at noon during the week, I guarantee that you will get faster. He tailors the workouts to each person's strengths, and is especially great with freestyle workouts. You wouldn't believe the quality yardage we are able to fit into an hour. He is very good with stroke technique if you ask him as well. If you like, I can try to remember some of our sets and send them to you. I credit Scot (and Kim, too) with the improvement in my times. Hope to see you at West Gwinnett this weekend! Kristin

Thanks again for all of the feedback! This has been a great forum - very active! Swimshark - I was wondering how you knew about the Gwinnett facility when your brief bio at left said VA. I actually live in Duluth now less than a mile from both Norcross HS (the new one of course) and the new Gwinnett facility! In fact, there is a developmental meet there this weekend that I may try out to set a benchmark (a slow one). Learned tons about qualifying and greatly appreciate all of the tips. I may consider some technique training with someone that knows what they are doing. If anyone knows of someone in the Atlanta area that is a good teacher of technique, let me know. Thanks again for all of the great feedback!!

This gives you ample time to coordinate the party with S(he)-Puff. Ha ha. Rich, I'm Puff. Geek (Bill) knows that I'm in your neck of the woods (Atlanta) where the 2010 Nationals will be held. Geek is a part of the Colonies Zones/ Dixie Zone area (those in DC, North Carolina, Virginia, etc.) which is well known for it's fab parties that it throws after swim meets. So, I think he's hoping to continue the *party-on* tradition. I'm more boring than paint drying on walls, so I'm not sure I'm the best person to head this up. Geek, provided I'm not in Brussels, Vietnam, or Wellington that year (and all are possibilities at this point), I'll see what I can do! Rich, I second your focusing on proper technique as you can only practice 3 times a week. It's the easiest way to become faster with your limited schedule. I'd also recommend Swim Atlanta Masters (they have several pool locations) www.swimatlantamasters.com. There are a couple of good stroke coaches Debbie Cary and Scot Davis @ the Sugarloaf location. Scot coaches during the 12-1 lunch hour M-F and Debbie does the AM workouts and Saturdays. Kim Hurst is very good and she's at the Hamilton Mill location. Often, there is some really great one on one instruction (and ask questions and be specific as to what you want) as it's rarely overly crowded. I also agree in that Emory Sunday practices are great (especially when they are outdoors at the beautiful LC facility.) Although I've never really gotten stroke instruction while at Emory. But it's a great place to race and surround yourself with good swimmers. As Donna said, do some meets in our area by going to the Dixie Zone site. Good luck!!!

I've had two close friends do P90X and the results are pretty dramatic and impressive. However, neither could stick with it after the program ended, but looks great for a kick start.