Depending on how you look at it, Old Man Winter has come and gone, though it seems he didn't make much of an appearance this year, and Summer is right around the corner. I can tell Summer is almost here by all the June-Gloom fog we've been having lately. That, and the fact that lately I seem to be eating more and more bugs when I go running, but that's another story... Nonetheless, it's time to start getting the word out about all the exciting activities we have planned for the Summer...and if you like eating bugs and seaweed, you're going to be in for a real treat!
First off, let me just stress how important it is to keep an eye on our CIM Blog, and not just this page, but all the links to the various CIM sites. We have a ton of pictures and helpful hints and tips on the site that I hope everyone has a chance to checkout, and I'm planning on putting a lot more up over the next few months, so please STAY TUNED. In addition, the site serves as a quick source of information in the unlikely event of a workout change or pool malfunction...knock on wood that we don't have too many "code brown" alerts or "pump grump" this year. So without further ado, LETS GET STARTED!
~~SOUND OF MUSIC~~
Yes, the rumor is true...In April we are going to introduce something quite new to a select number of workouts. For the first time in CIM history we're going to swim to the soothing background sounds of "easy listening" instrumental and motivationally uplifting music. In other words, definitely not elevator music, but something everyone can be comfortable listening to during the workout. This is just something we're experimenting with, and I realize that not everyone likes to listen to music while exercising. But I thought it would be fun to every once in a while try something a little different. Besides, it gets kind of old just hearing me all the time =) The down side to this is that it may not work at the YMCA just because the indoor setting of the pool results in a poor sound quality. But, I have a brand-spankin new boom box, so we'll give it a try. OUR FIRST WATER WORKOUT WITH SOUND WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 (at both pools). BRING YOUR 'EASY LISTENING" OR INSTRUMENTAL CD'S TO WORKOUT!
@@VIDEO TAPING STROKE ANALYSIS SESSIONS@@
I'm planning on doing a couple of these during the Summer season, with the first one coming up in early May. All the details will be posted on the Blog, and announced at workouts. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the underwater system put together for this season, but it is still in the works.
^^OCEAN SWIMS^^
This season is going to be a very interesting and exciting year for ocean swimming. I can say this without a doubt based on all the enthusiasm and anticipation that has been expressed regarding the upcoming season. We are so fortunate to live in an area with almost perfect conditions for open water swimming, and it is exciting to hear people getting fired up about getting back in the ocean. In fact, quite a few of you have already expressed an interest in jumping in NOW (despite the temperature being a "brisk" 55 degrees on the average, but now starting to warm-up!) So here's the scoop. Traditionally, our Sunday swims start in early June, when the water temperature has reached 60-62 degrees. That also coincides with the start of the beach concessions season, and the availability of kayaks. So we probably won't change that start date (tentatively set to start the second Sunday in June). BUT, we've been invited to join the OCEAN DUCKS for a swim on Sunday mornings at Butterfly Beach. They typically swim year-round, so for those interested in getting in the ocean now, here's your chance. Butterfly Beach is located across from the Biltmore, and they meet next to the steps at the bottom of the hill (just look for the Ocean Ducks banner). They start around 9ish, and swim anywhere from 1000 meters up to a 5k. I've been in the water with them a couple times already this year, so if you're interested in going let me know and I'll meet you there.
**OIL-RIG SWIM**
This was one of my highlights of 2006, and I'm definitely hoping to have the opportunity to get out there and do the swim again this year, provided we can line-up the resources. Organization for this type of event starts NOW, so if you're interested in doing the swim, or would like to volunteer as part of the support crew or kayakers, let me know. We're also looking for boaters to join us as well, so if that's something you would like to do, please please please contact me. I cannot thank everyone enough for their generous support and efforts in last year's event, so lets continue the tradition and make our 2nd annual Oil-Rig swim even better this year! Details on the swim will be posted on the blog as soon as they become available (tentatively scheduled for 1-2 weeks before or after the Carpinteria triathlon).
==SWIM MEET==
Our next planned meet is the Reg Richardson Memorial LCM swim meet in July. This is the local meet held at the Los Banos pool, and is always one of our most enjoyable swimming events of the year...definitely something to train for and look forward to! Details of the meet and links to entry forms will be posted on the blog as soon as they become available.
Hmmm, there's something missing...ah yes, a PARTY! It wouldn't be CIM without a little shin-dig or two in there somewhere. We'll officially get the Summer season rolling with a little get-together sometime in early June. As soon as the date gets finalized, I'll put all the details up on the Blog.
So from the looks of things, I would say we're off to a good start. Of course we have a whole lot more going on that I haven't even mentioned, such as the Santa Barbara and Carpinteria Triathlons, maybe a 10k workout or two, Brick workouts, Saturday morning breakfasts and of course our end of the year party. Did I miss anything? If there's an activity or event you would like to see suggest for our CIM group, let me know and I'll post it on the Blog.
Here's to another great Summer of safe and
(in)sane swimming - cheers
~Vic
