Swim coaching

Masters swim coaching is the answer ... and getting your happy rear out of bed early enough to get there

Not sure where you are in Gwinnett but I believe that Lifetime Fitness on Sugarloaf Parkway has a program (as does the one in Alpharetta).  Dynamo has one at each location (Alpharetta/Johns Creek and Chamblee).

Since most start early, it pays to bring your work clothes to change so that you can go to work straight away.

There are some that have evening swims - Dynamo/Chamblee comes to mind.

For a listing, see: http://www.usms.org/placswim/

Another alternative is to do individual lessons.  The masters swim coaches typically do that on the side for an hourly rate (usually range $35-70/hour).

Both are worthwhile expenditures.

Last I heard, the LTF at Sugarloaf does not have a program, yet. I'm still waiting.

There is also a Swim Atlanta on Sugarloaf and a new Swim Atlanta in Dacula, they both have Master's programs. 

Early evening master and one with those qualities are few and far between ... and difficult to find.  Nicely done.

I have been trying to get the aquatics dept at LTF/Sugarloaf to get the Masters program going. I even went as far as putting a sign up sheet out. After getting over 30 signatures - they are still dragging their feet. Supposedly they will have it going by Sept 1.

 I am going to go to Swim Atlanta - Sugarloaf beginning on August 18. They have a tri-specific Masters program there as well.

Fixed that for you, Brian.

Huh, too bad. I bet my name's on that list! Was it on the cardio floor? I was excited because of the prospect of maybe having their Master's program in the evening when my husband and I could both go. As much as I'd like to go to SA, the practice schedule is definitely not easy for me to get to ever gonna happen.

Thanks for the input guys!  Tridawg, i will be hitting the Tuesday morning Tri training at Swim Atlanta starting next week.  i talked with the coach Deb today and she said that it should be VERY beneficial.   Looks like I am not the only one who is not impressed with Lifetime either.  Those guys just can't make it happen.  i have requested new batteries in the rowing machine for 2 weeks.....4 AA batteries. 

mshore - I talked to deb as well. I think I am going to do the regular Master Class that starts at 5:45 instead of the tri-specific. The time works better for me and she said there was a group of triathletes in the early session.

I have been going to Lifetime Sugarloaf since it opened. I really liked it in the beginning and now it has become THUG CENTRAL. Things get stolen out of lockers, all of the good trainers have left and the staff in general is pathetic. I usually workout now at John's Creek and it is a much nicer crowd and staff. They don't have any masters program planned either..

I recently went to a Lunachix swim clinic with the coach of a Master's swim program.  They do what swim teams ddo in HS and college.  They do work outs and drills.  Occasionally they participate in meets.  In fact, I was just reading that Dara Torres got back into Olympic shape by swimming, competing and winning master swim competitions.  I think the article said the she won the national championships. (???)

Anyway, I live WAAAY out towards the Dawson Outlet malls.  My closest possible MSP would be at the Cumming Y if they had one.  I'm trying to get one started there as well.  I asked the pool program director about it and she said that it was "in the works".  I also heard that Swim Atlanta is building a facility in Cumming and will offer a MSP.  Can't wait!

Pro-triathlete and uber swimmer Carole Sharpless is hosting a swim clinic on September 7th if you are interested: http://www.swimfastnow.com/

It is a comprehensive class where they video tape your swim, do a stroke analysis and the prescribe drills to help you perfect your form.  Little tweaks learned from the time I went improved my per 100yd pace measurably.

I've done the swim clinic offered by Carole & Tim (mentioned by Brian in his post above) and it is worth every penny.

I swam with the tri group at Swim Atlanta Sugarloaf for 2 months leading up to Escape From Alcatraz this year.  I wanted to swim with a tri group and I wanted to swim in the 50M pool.  You will get going faster if not because the group and human competitive nature will force you to get going.  There wasn't really any instructing (i.e. stroke mechanics) going on, though.  That being said, I also never ASKED for any nor did I see others ask for stroke help.  Deb the coach is very cool and if you asked her for some stroke advice I am sure she would give it.  I stopped going because the location was a major inconvenience - I am in Alpharetta.  I would have continued swimming there if I lived closer.  All the swims were right at 3,000 yards or meters, depending on the pool set up. (25 yard X 50 M pool)

Andi

How far is resonable to drive to a masters swim? How far do you guys drive?

I guess this could be the thing that gets me back in the pool regularly and working out in the morning. I'm trying real hard not to be a lazy triathlete. *sigh*

well that's not bad. according to the ymca map, the y with the masters swim is 8 miles from me.

 It's not so much I'm lazy, but I have to work really hard at being consistent. sad but true. and i know it.

That's not too far away.  The Swim Atlanta at Sugarloaf took me about 25 minutes to get to in the morning.  The problem was when I left at 8:30 am in heavy traffic - it took up to 1 hour to get home.  Crazy!  I guess everyone needs to decide for themselves what is a long commute to masters swimming.  I hate driving and with gas being so expensive, that was too much for me, even though I loved swimming in their 50M pool.

I don't think you are lazy.  But I am!  I have the hardest time being consistent with swimming.  Don't have that problem with biking & running.  There is a masters program about 10-15 minutes from my house at Dynamo Alpharetta.  I have planned to visit since leaving Swim Atlanta and I have yet to get my butt there.  Usually a looming race is the motivation I need with swimming. (Like my Escape from Alcatraz race in June - the prospect of swimming the bay will motivate anyone!)  I dont have another race until May '09.

Andi