LC Champ/Sectional review

Last week we had our two "big" summer championship meets. We had 6 kids at Senior Sectionals in Gresham, OR and about 40 at LC Champs.

We had a marginal meet at Sectionals. There were some best times, but not in our biggest events. It was very warm at the meet...deep into the 100's, but I think that was only part of it. I think that we could have done some more yardage to prepare and build up confidence. I also think that we need to be more mentally tough.

Long course champs was a good meet from the perspective that we had some solid swims and I really got to know some of the kids. It always takes a while to build a relationship. It definitely takes work to keep it up. A championship meet really gets the blood going and works those relationships. We did a good job here in Anchorage.

My Silver swimmers had 3 records and an NRT. John set the state record in the 400m IM and achieved an NRT on the way to a state record in the 200m Breast. Jesi broke her sister's record in the 200m Fly.

Now it is time to prepare our kids for Zones and/or High School season. We have 7 kids who made the Alaska Swimming Zone Team. The meet will be at altitude, so we will be using the center mount snorkels with the cardio caps in practice. I have also ordered some special devices to help train their lungs while out of the water too. Hopefully it will make a positive impact.

Just three weeks left until Zones and HS season!

Powerline Pass

Powerline Pass is my favorite hike during the summer. It is picturesque with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.

Yesterday I took JD and Rory for the walk. I have been dog-sitting Rory for a few days and I needed to tire the two of them out a bit. We took the trail out to the lake at the base of the pass. I think the lake is Ptarmigan Lake, but I am unsure.

We saw some small birds, a Cow Moose and her two young calves, and a Bull Moose. I did see some bear scat, but fortunately never saw one. The dogs chased ground squirrels the whole time.

Toward the end of the trip Rory was beat, but JD pushed on playing the entire time.

The Calm Before the Storm

We have been working hard and I am exhausted. I just got up for Saturday practice today, after about 6 hours of sleep. I came home and slept for another 5. I did not realize I was so tired. I wonder how the kids are.

We have two championship meets this weekend. Six of our swimmers are competing at Sectionals. A step down from Jr. Nationals, but a big meet non the less. The rest of the kids (42 of them) are swimming at the Alaska Swimming Long Course Champs with AK Zone Team positions on the line. Last year we had only 26 swimmers at the meet, so this is pretty good considering 6 of our fastest swimmers won't even be in town.

The taper is the best and worst part of the training. Everyone gets anxious. The kids have more energy and the coaches worry more. I feel pretty confidant. I will be glad when this week is over.