Pacific Update
Week of February 15, 2021 |
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In this issue you will find information on upcoming swimming events and other information of interest to the local adult swimming community.
The next issue of the Update will appear on March 1, 2021. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
Stay fit,
The Pacific Masters Swimming Committee
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TAM's Miracle Mile Postal Swim
January 1- February 28
Swim a mile in your own pool and help find a cure for lung cancer. TAM's Miracle Mile is unique because what you pay to participate is completely up to you. 50% of your payment is tax-deductible and will go to the Go2Foundation for Lung Cancer. Join us and swim for a cure! Information and registration. |
Splash & Dash Postal Sprint Pentathlon
February 1 - 28
To kick start the new year, Albany Armada Aquatic Masters will host the 5th annual Splash & Dash Sprint Pentathlon. It's short, fun and a bit speedy. In 2021, this tradition will be continued by switching to an online postal format. To participate, swim and get timed for any of the five sprint events (50 Butterfly, 50 Backstroke, 50 Breaststroke, 50 Freestyle and 100 Individual Medley) within the month of February. At the event's conclusion, we will host an online event for all participants and announce award winners. More information and registration. |
USMS 1-Hour ePostal National Championship
February 1 - 28
There is less than one month left to participate in the USMS 1-Hour ePostal National Championship! See how far you can swim in one hour. Upon completion of the event, you will be able to compare yourself with others across the nation. More information and registration. |
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Pacific Masters Community Talk and Social Hour
March 10, 2021 at 7 pm
Join us on Wednesday, March 10th at 7pm PST for our first virtual community talk and social hour. We'll first share some tips and recommendations on how to write your own swim workouts (since many folks are now swimming on their own), followed by time to socialize and catch up with your swim buddies. We'll have a Q&A session and then break into small groups for connecting with friends new and old. More info and registration here
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MEMO ePostal Meet
March 1 - 31
MEMO is hosting an ePostal meet that has something for absolutely every swimmer! The new THRICE event allows you to enter just your favorite events or all of them, in any competition pool that you choose. Each event consists of three swims: composed of all the races in that stroke (50, 100, 200 fly/back/breast; 100, 200, 400 IM). There are also Sprint (50, 100, 200) and Distance (200, 500, 1000) categories for freestyle. This event will take place the entire month of March, with great awards and cool t-shirts for purchase. Preliminary meet sheet
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Dryland Training for Pacific Masters Swimmers
February 7- March 28
Steve Trutane will kick off a new dryland instruction for mobility and strength. This program is a free benefit to USMS-registered swimmers. Movements are swim-specific with an aim to increase strength and improve efficiency without risking injury. In the past, Steve has offered regular dryland training to members of Albany Armada Aquatic Masters, YMCA of Berkeley, and Albany Community Triathlon. This program will run on a trial basis for Pacific Masters swimmers during the months of February and March. Go to Athlete Body Shop and click on the Zoom link every Sunday from 4:30-5:15 PM. |
Last Call for 2020 Coach of the Year Nominations
Deadline: February 19
In 2020, many Pacific Masters coaches found ways to provide unique alternatives to our normal pool workouts despite challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions. When clubs did start up again, our coaches worked hard to get as many of us into the pool as possible.
Do you have a coach that went above and beyond in 2020? Please consider recognizing their efforts by nominating your coach for the Pacific Masters Coach of the Year Award. Submissions should include a nomination letter along with a maximum of four support letters. A description of the award along with the nomination and selection process can be found here. More details can be found here. Nominations for Pacific Masters Coach of the Year are due Friday, February 19, 2021 and should be sent to the Chair of Pacific Masters.
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Pacific Masters Monthly Meeting
February 17, Doors Open at 6:45; Meeting at 7:00pm
The meeting will begin promptly at 7pm via the Zoom platform. If this is your first time Zooming, we suggest you sign on a little early to ask questions and address technical issues. Even if you are familiar with Zoom, sign on early to say "hi" to your fellow swimmers. All members are encouraged to participate. Our monthly meeting reminder email will provide the Zoom link. If you are not on that list and would like to attend, please contact Chris Ottati, Administrator, for details.
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Adult Learn to Swim (ALTS) Grants
Application Window: January 20-February 28
Even in the midst of a pandemic, learning to swim is important. In fact, the state of California considers swimming lessons essential. If you're looking to offer adult learn to swim lessons for your club, you can apply for a grant to get started.
Grants can help you get a new ALTS program up and running or help you restart or expand an existed one. 2020 grants ranged from $250-$4000. There is a cap of $5000 for any single grant. Please check out the link for more information on how to apply and for answers to questions about ALTS.
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In Memorandum: Donna Monroe
 When I was a young Masters swimmer back in 1981, I was inspired by a cadre of 45-55 year old women who swam for Walnut Creek Masters. Masters swimming was such a unique concept to me - that one could swim - let alone compete! - into your 50s, 60s, 70s and up!
Sadly, on February 2, Pacific Masters lost one of these icons. Donna Monroe, 87, passed away after a brief illness. Donna competed into her 80s, both in the pool and in open water. In fact, Donna inspired many of us to think outside the pool and try Open Water swimming for the first time. Donna's open water swims included the Golden Gate, TransTahoe, Escape from Alcatraz, and Maui Channel relay in addition to all our Pacific Masters Open Water events. When she stepped away from competition, her focus shifted to volunteer service with the many meets that WCM hosted. She also became a staunch member of the "Breakfast Crew" for the Walnut Creek Masters Intensive Training Camp.
Donna always had a ready smile and kind word for all of us. Like so many things that COVID-19 has robbed from us, her Creeker family was cheated out of the last year of her extraordinary life. She will be sorely missed by WCM and all of Pacific Masters.
By Chris Ottati
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Beneath the Surface: My Story
By Michael Phelps
 We all know Michael Phelps is the most successful Olympian of all time. We are now learning about his struggles. Swimmers sometimes experience an identity crisis when they stop competing, and some even experience debilitating depression and partake in risky behaviors. The two DUIs Phelps received reflect his own struggles post-competition. He is working to overcome his obstacles and is also an advocate for mental health awareness, helping others through their dark times. This memoir tells the familiar story of Phelps' successes, but shines an important light on his struggles.
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Black History Month
February is Black History month and Pacific Masters Swimming would like to recognize Black swimmers. From Jeff Commings to Simone Manuel, these swimmers have helped inspire a new generation of Black athletes.
We also recognize that many in the Black community do not know how to swim. Historically, Jim Crow laws caused segregation of Whites and Blacks, which contributed to the lack of pool access to the Black community. According to the USA Swimming Foundation, 64% of African American children have little to no swimming ability. It is never too late to teach someone to swim. USA Swimming Foundation and USMS' Swimming Saves Lives have partnered to help with learn-to-swim outreach.
Why not apply for an ALTS grant to start a learn-to-swim program at your club? Together we can work to save more lives and promote water safety.  |
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