Half Marathon Weekend

Tazi, Calire, and Teylor after the race

For the second year in a row, three Whitman swimmers took part in the Walla Walla half marathon and 10k run.  It was a beautiful fall day for a running race, with sunny skies and cool temperatures.  Senior, All-American, Claire Collins completed the half marathon for the second year in a row, this time with her Dad, Mike.  They crossed the finish line together in 2:06, personal bests for both of them.

Sophomores, Teylor Greff and Tazi Flory both took on the 10k.  Teylor's dad was in town for the race weekend as well, competing in the marathon.

Claire, and her Dad, Mike, just a few minutes from finishing the half marathon

Technique Week

Last week was all about swimming well.  We believe that fast swimming comes from sound stroke mechanics and self-aware swimmers.  We want our swimmers to train well, not just train a lot.

Throughout last week, we focused exclusively on the quality with which we were swimming.  Rather than worry about speed or yardage, we all focused in on the tiny details that allow us to swim fast and train at a high volume down the road.  We spent an entire 2 hour practice on each of the four strokes, plus a practice on turns, and, finally, a practice that pieced everything together.  After going through drills and beautiful, slow swimming in the pool, we transitioned to the weight room for a major increase in intensity.  The conditioning we missed in the water we made up for in the weight room!

Now that the team is swimming beautifully, we'll slowly start cranking up the intensity.  It's not just practice that makes perfect--good, intentional practice makes perfect!

Here's to a great 2013-14 season!  And here's to being the best technical swimmers around!

Focusing on breath-timing and high-elbow catch in Butterfly

First Day 2013-2014!

The pool is full of Whitman swimmers again!

We officially began the 2013-2014 season this afternoon!  It was great to see everyone back in the water together--and it was fantastic to welcome all of our new swimmers as well!  Just like last season, the 2013-2014 season is sure to be full of fast swimming, close meets, and, of course, all the antics and shenanigans that we have come to expect from the Whitman Swimmers.  Check in with the blog, Facebook page, and Twitter to keep in touch with us as we get rolling.  

Pre-swimming shoulder warm-ups

Here's to a great 2013-2014 season!