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Archive for August, 2009
Day 43: Getting Ready For Phase Two
Monday, August 31st, 2009Reporter Paul Tenorio beat his uncle in their race on Saturday, but it wasn’t Paul who was most impressive. Now six weeks into this project, Paul prepares for Phase Two of his training: stepping it up a notch.
Moses Goes From Laps To Links … And Back?
Sunday, August 30th, 2009When Lake Braddock High graduate Ed Moses retired from swimming in the summer of 2005, he began chasing a brand-new goal: becoming a professional golfer. He’d already reached his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal despite not swimming seriously until his junior year in high school. Why, he figured, shouldn’t he be able to make the PGA Tour, too?
High School Officials Don’t Have Suit List
Friday, August 28th, 2009With the swimming season already underway in 18 states and the National Federation of State High School Associations’s decision to ban high-tech, long-length suits just over two weeks old, the organization is trying to help its member states navigate the new dress code without providing a formal list.
Day 40: Setting Up a Fun Race
Friday, August 28th, 2009Washington Post reporter Paul Tenorio enjoyed an off day on Friday thanks to Coach Jeff King, but sets up his fun family race against his Uncle John, who is back on 10-days leave from service in Iraq.
Day 39: A Sense of Accomplishment
Thursday, August 27th, 2009Reporter Paul Tenorio races a 50 and leaves with some sense of accomplishment: “Up until now, the fastest I had gone out was 15.8. Today, I went out in 14.6 to my feet. That means to the point where I had flipped and my feet hit the wall. For most of you, not that great. For me, it’s huge.”
Despite Suit Ban, NCAA Keeps Fast Standards
Thursday, August 27th, 2009Athletes who want to qualify automatically for this season’s Division I NCAA swimming championships will face a steep challenge: They will have to meet the record-low time standards created for the 2009 championships, which took place before full-body technical suits were banned. Sound impossible? It might be.
Day 38: Female Muppets and Stupid Flip Turns
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009Reporter Paul Tenorio discusses the lack of female characters on Sesame Street (huh?), swimming a 400 with no help from fins or paddles and messing up a 50 race … again!
Masters Athletes Split Over High-Tech Suits
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009Many of the nearly 50,000 masters swimmers — non-elite adult swimmers — in the United States have no grudge with the high-tech, full-body speedsuits that have been banned at virtually every level of international swimming competition. The result: A U.S. masters governing body uncertain whether to fall in line with the rest of the swimming world in regulating the controversial suits.
Day 37: ‘Now That’s A Wide Shot.’
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009Reporter Paul Tenorio talks about what he thinks makes a good coach, breaks down his 200 progression, and says he’s working now on fine tuning some things that can help cut more time off his swims.
Day 36: Six Stages of Swim Workouts
Monday, August 24th, 2009Reporter Paul Tenorio takes you through his six stages of swim grief, talks about this morning’s practice and shows his newest chart (minus body fat percentage).
Aqua Hoya Club Folds; Curl-Burke Takes Over
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009Curl-Burke Swim Club founder Rick Curl said he wasn’t sure whether to call it an acquisition or take-over, but his club added a coveted location to its already expansive program when it stepped in after the Aqua Hoya Swim Club folded this month.
Coach With Local Ties To Manage Talent And Egos
Friday, August 21st, 2009Centennial High graduate Sean Hutchison figures he will be walking into an exciting, worthwhile and, perhaps above all, complicated challenge. Hutchison won’t merely be kicking off a new U.S. Olympic Committee training center for swimmers in September, he will also be entrusted with managing the egos and psyches of a small group of the sport’s biggest stars.
Day 33: Breaststroke = Embarrassment…Again
Friday, August 21st, 2009Reporter Paul Tenorio has a haunting experience with a noodle and the breaststroke, his most hated stroke. He also knocks out another decent workout and is starting to feel better about his freestyle as the workouts with Jeff King continue.
Day 32: Ring the Alarm
Thursday, August 20th, 2009For the first time since getting back into the pool, reporter Paul Tenorio sleeps through his alarm and misses a practice. He does some dry-land workout in the afternoon, but still feels guilty about not waking up in time to swim.
Phelps Limps Into Pool; Mulls Suit For World Cups
Thursday, August 20th, 2009A sore right foot from last week’s minor car accident forced Michael Phelps to delay his return to training by a day. But after X-rays showed no break, Phelps limped to the pool Tuesday and got back in the water, beginning what his coach Bob Bowman said would be his most important year of training leading up to the 2012 Summer Games in London. It also signaled his return to an old, textile jammer for competition — at least if Bowman has his way.
Day 31: Wow, It’s Been a Month
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009Reporter Paul Tenorio marks his one-month anniversary of swimming with local club Curl-Burke and celebrates with another practice that focused on correcting his form in hopes of making him a more efficient swimmer.
Lee’s Big Move Pays Off
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009Four years ago, Felicia Lee moved from New Jersey to train with North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Lee’s performances this summer validated that decision, and her two individual gold medals at last week’s U.S. junior championships hint that she could be among the next great swimmers to train under Bob Bowman.
Hoff Leaving NBAC
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009Katie Hoff, 20, feels comfortable with her decision to leave the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, her training home for the past six years, to join a start-up, post-graduate swimming group in Fullerton, Calif., for this reason: She’s excited about swimming for the first time in a long, long time.
Day 30: Christmas Come Early
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009Washington Post reporter Paul Tenorio gets a few gifts from Coach Jeff King at the start of practice, but perhaps the best one is that King videotapes him during practice, allowing Paul to see what he is doing right and wrong for the first time.
Home-Grown Coach To Lead New Training Center
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009UPDATED: Years ago, few swimmers continued their elite careers beyond college, but now the bulk of Team USA’s top swimmers are either post-graduates or professionals, creating a growing training issue: Where do these athletes go? USA Swimming can now make three specific suggestions: the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, the Fullerton (Calif.) Aquatics Sports Team — led by Centennial High graduate Sean Hutchison — and SwimMAC in Charlotte, N.C. One of the first swimmers to join Hutchison is Katie Hoff, who has been at North Baltimore for more than six years.
Day 29: Up in Weight, Down in Everything Else
Monday, August 17th, 2009Reporter Paul Tenorio has his first weight gain since starting his swim workouts, though he sees a decrease in his waistline and body fat percentage. Coach Jeff King returns from vacation and gives Paul a tough pyramid workout while also planning out Paul’s first meet.
Locals Score Medals At Eastern Zone Meet
Sunday, August 16th, 2009All-Star Aquatics Caroline McTaggart, 12, led Potomac Valley swimmers by earning six medals — four gold and two silver — at the 2009 Eastern Zone Long Course Age Group Championships in State College, Pa., that concluded Saturday. Other local standouts included Curl-Burke’s Jessica Chen, 12; Rockville-Montgomery’s Devin Truong, 10; and Fairland Aquatics Michael Stevens, 12, all of whom won multiple medals.
Yetter Goes From NBAC To Auburn … Quietly
Saturday, August 15th, 2009When former North Baltimore Aquatic Club Coach Paul Yetter accepted an assistant coaching position at Auburn University in May, he knew he would be leaving behind the youngsters he had brought from incredible potential to incredible results. But Yetter, who had guided Katie Hoff to her first Olympics at 15, had no idea just how abrupt his departure would have to be.
NBAC Racks Up Medals At Junior Championships
Saturday, August 15th, 2009The North Baltimore Aquatic Club capped a stellar week at the U.S. junior swimming championships in Federal Way, Wash., with gold-medal performances on the last night of competition Friday from Camryne Morris, 14, and Drew Cosgarea, 16, in the women’s 1,500 and men’s 800 freestyles, respectively; Felicia Lee, 17, grabbed another medal with her second place in the 200 individual medley.
Day 26: Send Me to the Retirement Home
Friday, August 14th, 2009Washington Post reporter Paul Tenorio feels his energy level dropping, but after trying to talk himself out of going to the pool, he sucks it up and hits the water for a workout. Just a few days away from the return of Jeff King, Tenorio tries to re-energize so he can impress his coach on Monday.
Phelps In Minor Car Accident; Not Injured
Friday, August 14th, 2009Less than two weeks after winning five gold medals at the world championships in Rome, Michael Phelps was involved in a fender bender in downtown Baltimore but was not injured. There was no evidence of the use of drugs or alcohol.
Day 25: Postie(s) in the Pool!
Thursday, August 13th, 2009On a day when he focused on recovery and trying out some new stuff while sorta-kinda racing, reporter Paul Tenorio was joined in the pool Thursday by Washington Post columnist Mike Wise, the first Post colleague to join him in the pool since the project started.
How Will Gibson Do Against The Big Boys?
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009As a 12 year old, Andrew Gibson would be a top-seeded swimmer at the Eastern Zone Championships that start today. But on Aug. 1 Gibson turned 13, and as a 13 year old, he will be fighting to reach the finals in his six events, competing against more seasoned swimmers as he represents Potomac Valley Swimming at the meet in State College, Pa.
Day 24: A Very Good Day
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009Paul changes up his schedule to avoid a crowded pool and has a great day, finally getting through an entire workout left for him by his vacationing coach.
High Schools Ban All Long-Length Swimsuits
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009The National Federation of State High School Associations decided Tuesday afternoon to ban all non-textile, long-length swimsuits immediately, saying it was acting to preserve the “integrity, tradition and heritage of the sport.”
Day 23: Mother Always Told Me to Share
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009Reporter Paul Tenorio continued to be frustrated by sharing lanes with more than one person, though surely he’s slowing people down, too. He also talks about learning to extend his stroke when he’s tired, and his ongoing battle with flip turns.
Lee Gets Off To Fast Start
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009Towson’s Felicia Lee on Monday kicked off what could be a coming-out meet for her as she won the 200-meter butterfly at the U.S. junior nationals in Federal Way, Wash., and smashed the meet record in the process.
Day 22: Kids, Don’t Cheat.
Monday, August 10th, 2009For the first time since starting this workout, Paul cheated on his diet beyond the one allowed “cheat” meal per week and paid for it with a smaller, one-pound weight loss. He also worked out alone for the first time with Coach Jeff King on vacation.
Open-Water Phenom Sutton Now A Pool Star
Monday, August 10th, 2009UPDATED Chloe Sutton was once a member of the local swim club Fish, maturing in Kate Ziegler’s shadow. Now California-based, the open-water specialist has branched out to pool swimming, making her a potential threat to Ziegler’s distance-swimming records.
In the Nick of Time, A New Place to Splash
Sunday, August 9th, 2009The cavernous Wilson Aquatic Center opened on Thursday in Northwest D.C. Swimming lessons and master’s practices officially begin today at the $34.7 million facility, which is a short walk from the Tenleytown-AU Metro station in Northwest. The facility is open year-round and has four indoor pools (a 50-meter racing pool, a kids pool, a leisure pool and a whirlpool). It’s free for District residents, and nonresidents can purchase daily and monthly passes.
Eight Men Don Briefs, Make Statement
Sunday, August 9th, 2009The entire field in the men’s 200-meter medley final got a standing ovation at the U.S. Open in Federal Way, Wash., Saturday night when the eight finalists paraded out wearing briefs rather than high-tech suits. The finalists made a pact before the race to compete in the traditional suits — knowing full well the gesture would hurt their times and bodies.
High School Officials Uncertain About Ban
Friday, August 7th, 2009UPDATED: A rules committee for the National Federation of State High School Associations decided Friday to recommend that non-textile suits be banned for the 2009-10 school year, but it gave the organization’s board of directors the option of outlawing long-length suits this year or next. The board will consider the issue and announce a decision by Tuesday.
Chapter Two Begins: Endurance Training
Friday, August 7th, 2009Today, Washington Post reporter Paul Tenorio moves on from the early part of his training. His reintroduction to the pool is complete. Now it’s time for the next chapter — endurance training. He knew it was coming, but that doesn’t mean his body was ready for it.
High Schools Officials Might Allow Long Suits
Thursday, August 6th, 2009Area athletes might find themselves donning long swim suits for high school competitions and short suits for club events in the coming months if the National Federation of State High School Associations bans non-textile suits as expected but does not prohibit long-length models. The organization’s rules committee meets Friday to consider what action to take.
Day 18: A Valuable Lesson
Thursday, August 6th, 2009Washington Post reporter Paul Tenorio does his third timed swim since the start of the “Diving Back In” project and learns a valuable lesson as he falls short of his goals and must deal the with disappointment.
20 21 Questions: Elizabeth Pepper
Thursday, August 6th, 2009Three weeks ago, Elizabeth Pepper, 16, flourished at the PVS Long Course Senior Championships at the University of Maryland, winning two events, the 400-meter freestyle and the 200 butterfly. Before traveling last weekend to Federal Way, Wash., for the U.S. Open, Pepper discussed how she prepared for the meet, why she loves swimming (and a certain boisterous country musician) and why staying in the pool is necessary to her health
Day 17: Mmmmm, Donuts…
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009Washington Post reporter Paul Tenorio gets a donut after practice, starts to learn how to race and prepares for another timed swim on Thursday — again in a metered pool. Also, he complains too much about being busy all day and thus filing this entry so late.
NBAC’s ‘Last Meet’ Attracts Local Stars
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009The first-ever Far Eastern meet begins today at the Meadowbrook pool, home of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Many local swimmers will be competing in the meet’s 118 events.
Day 16: Jeff King Is Kicking My Butt
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009Jeff King is kicking my butt. There’s no other way around it. He knows it, and I know it. I mean, honestly, it was the next logical step in the workouts. He had integrated me back into the pool, and now it was time to really start pushing me. Get me tired and see how I respond. Try things I’ve never tried before. Make me really earn that post-workout satisfaction.
Ziegler Tries To Get Back On Track At U.S. Open
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009After a disappointing summer in which a bout with swine flu kept her from defending her back-to-back world titles in the 800-meter freestyle, Kate Ziegler is getting back to the basics. The 20-year-old Great Falls native is getting back to the basics this week, competing in the U.S. Open in Federal Way, Wash. The U.S. Open is a meet typically for swimmers aiming to make their first ascent to international relevance, not for those searching for their second.
Day 15: Old Ribbons and Weight Loss Surprises
Monday, August 3rd, 2009It’s crazy to think that I’m already starting on Week 3, and word has certainly leaked out about this “little” swim project I’m doing.
I’ve had several reporters approach me at Redskins Park to say they’ve followed this blog, and the Redskins Executive Director of Communications, Zack Bolno, has taken to calling me “Aquaman.”
Monday Pool: All Stars
Monday, August 3rd, 2009The summer league all-star meets provide a unique opportunity for the top-tier swimmers from across the league to compete directly against each other. No more duals, no more checking the Internet to compare times, just straight-up competition. Here are some of the highlights from the MCSL and PMSL individual all-star meets that were held this weekend.
‘The Plastic Meet’ Wipes Out 43 World Records
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009When it was all over, when the last of the 43 world records had fallen at the Foro Italico during the eight-day swimming world championships, it was remarkable how little anybody actually learned. As swimmers in glossy polyurethane bodysuits obliterated virtually all of the sport’s records, times became meaningless, and achievements hazy and unclassifiable. This “will be remembered,” USA Swimming National Team Director Mark Schubert said, “as the plastic meet.”
Phelps Takes Fifth Gold; Lochte Wins 400 IM
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009Michael Phelps set another world record and won his fifth gold medal in the last event of the swimming world championships Sunday, swimming the butterfly leg for the U.S. 4×100 medley relay team that scored a dominant victory in 3 minutes 27.28 seconds. Earlier, Ryan Lochte hung on for victory in the 400-meter individual medley final on the last day of competition at the swimming world championships, giving him gold medals in both medleys. American Tyler Clary overtook Laszlo Cseh to get the silver.
Phelps Catches Cavic Again in 100 Butterfly
Saturday, August 1st, 2009Michael Phelps ran down Serbian Milorad Cavic from behind again, setting a world record in the 100-meter butterfly with his finish in 49.82 seconds at the swimming world championships. After the race, Phelps ripped off his cap and raised his arms with defiance. Cavic, who led after 50, also went under the world record he set Friday, touching the wall in 49.95.
Pelton Grabs 6th in 200 Back After Relay Disappointment
Saturday, August 1st, 2009Towson’s Elizabeth Pelton, 15, finished sixth in her first world-championship final, the 200-meter backstroke, hours after a huge disappointment, leading off a the U.S. 4×100 women’s squad that failed to advance to Saturday night’s final at the swimming world championships. In other news, Dara Torres changed suits and squeezed into Sunday’s 50 freestyle final; and Brazil’s Cesar Cielo added the men’s 50 free title to go with his world championship in the 100 free.
