I remember in college when I would get up @ 5:45am for morning practice.  I used to dream about sleeping in later and I’m sure there are many of you who share the same dream.  Well, all those early morning practices prepared my body for such a time as this.  These last few months, I’ve had to get up around 4:00am to make my flights.   Remember me telling you that what you’re doing now will ultimately prepare you for something in the future?  Well, here’s a prefect example…don’t hate morning practices.  They might just be preparing you for something in the future.

Today I’m off to Rangely, CO.  How many of you know where Rangely, CO is?  Well, you’re not alone.  I had no idea where this little town was hiding.  Tucked away about 150 miles East of Provo, UT and 300 miles west of Denver, this small town boasts about its population of a little over 2,000.  I land in Grand Junction and then I rent a car and drive 2hrs. to Rangley.

Here’s a little history of this small town I thought you would enjoy.

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Okay, I couldn’t wait to write to all the BREAKout! swimmers!! 

This past weekend I enter the Masters National Swim meet in Austin,Tx.  I thought it would be fun to race again.  Although I haven’t had a chance to train in the last couple of years, I’ve really been trying to apply all the Seven Habits that I teach in my clinics.   I average about 1hr. in the pool a week.   Because of my travel schedule, I usually have to break this 1hr. up to about 10 minutes a day.  I jump in my pool with my shoes on and put my swim-in-place belt around my waist and swim like I’m on a treadmill for 10mins.

By the end of the 10 minutes, I’m pretty tired.  I do my best to maintain great technique the entire time.   Then, the rest of my swimming is done on the weekends when I race you guys. 

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First of all, I wanted to thank Jenny Thompson and Kim Vandenberg for making the clinic in Livermore, CA and Hartland, WI very special.   We had a great time and the clinics went well.   

Dave and Dee were a blast to stay with in CA.  I think I’ve met my match when it comes to projecting on a pool deck!  Dee I think we could go head-to-head on voice projection.  Streamline winners went to boys Alex and Alex and Choki and Kylie.  Great job Aquacowboys! I know all you guys are now Kim Vandenberg fans!  Good luck Kim and we wish you the best @ Trials! 

I flew through the night to WI and made it in time for the clinic that morning.  I think I’m actually getting pretty good at sleeping on planes.   Unfortunately, I have a terrible twitching problem.  While sleeping, I’m sure I probably smack the person next to me a few times before I wake.   I think I must be training in my sleep.  Maybe this could be considered one of my other “hidden training” methods.   Swim while you sleep!

Well, I met up with the legendary, Jenny Thompson, and the clinic went well.  I was proud of Jenny for taking the time to prepare to speak to you guys!  I also really enjoyed being the keynote speaker at the banquet afterwards.  I always feel like I wish I had more time to share with you and your families so I really enjoyed speaking at the banquet.  It is always a pleasure meeting all of you and the letters and comments are so touching.  I wish you the best and will be cheering from a distance!  A special thanks to Ruth Ann who always makes my time in Hartland well worth it. Congrats to Haley, Molly, Zach and Trevor! You’ll go far streamlining! Here’s a great pic with the folk from the Lake Country Swim Team.