General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swim Coach in Bucks County? Rss Feed  
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2009-07-07 7:58 AM

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Subject: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
Good morning all. I live in Doylestown PA and was wondering if anyone has any swim coach recommendations for someone in the Bucks County area. I am contemplating joining the YMCA, but want to see what private coaches credentials/prices are in comparison. Any advice would be appreciated.


2009-07-07 8:11 AM
in reply to: #2266736

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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
Laurie Hug is a local tri pro and swim coach.  She's based out of the Germantown Academy in Fort Washington and coaches the masters program there (MWF evenings).

I took a a group clinic with her and thought it was excellent.  I had some really good and measurable results (I wish i took some instruction a long time ago, as i did the Y thing on my own, too).   She also does private lessons. Here's her email and a little bit of info:

 Laurie Hug (hug_l @yahoo.com)

USAT Certified Level II Coach and USA Swimming Coach (since 1989), US Masters Swimming Coaches Committee member, Head Coach of GAAC Masters Swimming and Professional Triathlete


2009-07-07 9:00 AM
in reply to: #2266736

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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
Thanks for the tip! I will email her.
2009-07-09 10:16 AM
in reply to: #2266736

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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
Thanks again for the tip on Laurie. I contacted her and will be taking my first lesson with her next Monday.  Cheers 
2009-07-09 10:24 AM
in reply to: #2266736

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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
heard good stuff about laurie's program froma coworker and she's very cool (and wicked fast)

other options:
http://www.nutrition-in-motion.net/swimlessons.htm

http://www.twileysports.com/coaches.html
2009-07-09 2:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?

Todd is my coach, great guy!  I just met Joanna the other day for some nutritional advice. I hear she does great swim instruction.  I have also met Laurie Hug and hopped in with the master swim one time.  Seems like a good group just a little too serious for me.  My masters swim team is much more social and fun.  Her group was hard core!! 
Best of luck with your swimming lessons



2009-07-13 4:35 PM
in reply to: #2266736

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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
Thanks for the other options. My first session with Laurie is this evening. I'm stoked - even though I'm completely wiped from my triathlon yesterday + no sleep.

I'm thinking to really improve I'll have to join a masters class once I get my stroke down. 
2009-07-13 7:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
Let me know how it goes with Laurie. I took a class with her through Cadence bike shop a couple years ago. it helped a lot. I need a couple of refresher classes. Where does she do the classes?
2009-07-13 7:34 PM
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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
gergzos - 2009-07-07 9:11 AM Laurie Hug is a local tri pro and swim coach.  She's based out of the Germantown Academy in Fort Washington and coaches the masters program there (MWF evenings).

I took a a group clinic with her and thought it was excellent.  I had some really good and measurable results (I wish i took some instruction a long time ago, as i did the Y thing on my own, too).   She also does private lessons. Here's her email and a little bit of info:

 Laurie Hug (hug_l @yahoo.com)

USAT Certified Level II Coach and USA Swimming Coach (since 1989), US Masters Swimming Coaches Committee member, Head Coach of GAAC Masters Swimming and Professional Triathlete




Did u take her class at GA through Cadence? if so, when did u go. I went from Dec-Jan (I think) 06 into 07.
2009-07-15 7:44 AM
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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
Thanks for the tip on Laurie!  Wow what an improvement. Being my first swim lesson, I have no measure for comparison, but I will say that a 50 minute session with her has already made a night and day difference.  She had me get in the pool and swim freestyle for 300yds.  Through that time she took notes on a variety of measures... head/body position, entry, exit, recovery, kick, you name it.  We then reviewed and it became increasingly apparent to me that I had a TON of work to do on my stroke - a bit demoralizing.  She recommended that we start by fixing the biggest problem first: pulling too soon creating a tremendous amount of drag.  We did the catch up drill.  To make a long story short, 30 min later I had gone from a 24 stroke count in 27 seconds to a 16 stroke/21 second.  Incredible. I still have a ton to work on but I already feel confidence building.  Time to take it easy and work on form.  Again, even though I haven't been coached by anyone in the past, I'd highly recommend Laurie!

And on top of it she's a sweetheart - looking forward to potentially joining her MWF masters swim in the fall (630-8PM
2009-07-15 7:44 AM
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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
sgillen - 2009-07-13 8:31 PMLet me know how it goes with Laurie. I took a class with her through Cadence bike shop a couple years ago. it helped a lot. I need a couple of refresher classes. Where does she do the classes?
I think you already got this - but its Germantown Academy (GA) in Ft Washington


2009-07-15 8:10 AM
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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?


Did u take her class at GA through Cadence? if so, when did u go. I went from Dec-Jan (I think) 06 into 07.


No - not through Cadence.  Laurie is active in the Philly Tri Club and I saw her post (below) which details the clinic and has prices.  Not sure how often she holds these.  But she is always at the GA for the masters workouts.

http://phillytriclub.com/?q=node/66


Edited by gergzos 2009-07-15 8:10 AM
2009-07-15 8:26 AM
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Subject: RE: Swim Coach in Bucks County?
ironman2284 - 2009-07-15 8:44 AM Thanks for the tip on Laurie!  Wow what an improvement. Being my first swim lesson, I have no measure for comparison, but I will say that a 50 minute session with her has already made a night and day difference.  She had me get in the pool and swim freestyle for 300yds.  Through that time she took notes on a variety of measures... head/body position, entry, exit, recovery, kick, you name it.  We then reviewed and it became increasingly apparent to me that I had a TON of work to do on my stroke - a bit demoralizing.  She recommended that we start by fixing the biggest problem first: pulling too soon creating a tremendous amount of drag.  We did the catch up drill.  To make a long story short, 30 min later I had gone from a 24 stroke count in 27 seconds to a 16 stroke/21 second.  Incredible. I still have a ton to work on but I already feel confidence building.  Time to take it easy and work on form.  Again, even though I haven't been coached by anyone in the past, I'd highly recommend Laurie!

And on top of it she's a sweetheart - looking forward to potentially joining her MWF masters swim in the fall (630-8PM


 Glad you had a positive experience.  You're doing the right thing by getting the foundation early.  I think I may do a few private lessions as well now based on your feedback!

Start keeping track of your times and you'll see they will drop quickly and your endurance will go way up.  

Just as a point of comparison, I did the Philly Olympic in 2008 in 29 min and did it this year (after the clinic) in 24 min on less training yardage.  Now, there was a huge current that was helping this year, but most say it only helped by about 2:xx min so it's pretty solid improvement I can attribute to the clinic.  Saw my times in the pool drop by about 10sec per 100 almost immediately.

Form is everything in swimming.  Will also help you on the bike & run when you come out of the water feeling fresh and not gassed.

nice job!
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swim Coach in Bucks County? Rss Feed