2023

What shall it be, twenty twenty-three?

Insanity. Prosperity. Integrity.

By Carol Nip, V.P. Clubs & Coaches, Pacific Masters Swimming

Insanity is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results

As a coach and swimmer, I know that struggles will come up again and again. An important lesson I learned throughout January is that no matter how tough the obstacle might be, it can be overcome with the right mindset and the help of a few key elements.

In recognizing this, I hope to offer some insight and advice for those who may be struggling with getting over their own challenges.

My struggle stopped me in my tracks. Literally, I felt paralyzed and spiraled into a cave, avoiding commitment, people and added responsibilities. Avoidance is a difficult thing for a coach to do - to hide from the necessary tasks of our work. Beneath the exterior, I struggled to get over the gloom. During this time, I discovered 15 ways to get over my hurdles, listed below. As a result, the winter of my soul has passed, and I now see brighter days ahead.

15 Ways to Get Over Your Struggles

1. Push Through  
2. Practice acceptance
3. Exercise to release endorphins
4. Decommit to things you don't have to do now, or ever
5. Meditate, pray
6. Practice gratitude
7. Succeed in something you’ve avoided because you think it’s too hard 
8. Listen to an inspirational talk: Warren Buffet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h89uOvUDVO4 
9. Write nonstop for 10:00 about your hump, what-when-why-how
10. Get this app: Think Up. Listen to affirmations.
11. Do a Juice Fast
12. Unload on a listener who offers no judgment - friend, counselor
13. Do something really kind for someone, repeat kindness again
14. Play with a child for an hour
15. Listen to uplifting music

Two Clubs to host their First Masters Meet

Hosting a masters meet is no mean feat and takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It's an incredible act of service to the swimmers in our community, to clubs, and other related organizations. We are so grateful for all those who take on this challenging task.

When attending such events, we encourage everyone to show their support and gratitude for the organizers. It is only through their hard work that these meets are made possible, and it's important to show them how much we appreciate what they do. So please take the time to thank them and let them know their efforts are appreciated. Together we can make masters swimming a success.

Two weeks out, and Vacaville is at 18% registration capacity. Send swimmers here!!

Saturday, February 11 - Vacaville Super Bowl Masters Meet

Sunday, March 19 - Clovis Masters Spring Open, Clovis North High School

WOWSA Open Water Clinic

February 14 - March 7, 2023

At the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA), we are committed to education and helping swimming coaches and swimmers alike learn how to use open water swims to enhance their experience. This is why we're excited to be hosting a virtual coaching clinic led by Marcia Benjamin, the Founder and Head Coach of MEMO - the 2021 USMS Club of the Year. In this online workshop, coaches will learn from Benjamin's expertise in open water swimming and receive great insight into how they can incorporate these skills into their coaching practices. We hope all participants leave this clinic feeling better equipped with tools that help make open water swims easier, safer, and even more enjoyable.

Marcia will lead 4 virtual discussions on Tuesday evenings as you work your way through WOWSA's open water certification course.

Coaches who pass the program will become open water certified by WOWSA (and ASCA) and be able to safely coach swimmers in short introductory open water swims as well as coach elite swimmers in national and international 5k, 10k & 25k competition.

The virtual sessions will also be recorded to view later if you can’t attend the live sessions.

WOWSA

The World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) promotes open water swimming worldwide and is committed to helping coaches like you achieve your goals. 

USMS Coaches Committee

Third Monday, Monthly, 5:00 pm (PST)

The USMS Coaches Committee is an invaluable resource for coaches in Pacific, providing the opportunity to network and learn from one another.

The zoom meetings take place on the third Monday of every month and cover a range of topics relevant to all USMS local Masters swimming committees. These include topics such as education, mentoring, peer-to-peer calls, awards, Adult Learn to Swim and Try Masters Swimming. It’s a great place to gain insight into USMS from a national level.

All coaches are welcome, regardless of experience or skill level. If you’re interested in attending the monthly USMS Coaches Committee meeting, to let us know - coaches@pacificmasters.org - as we welcome you!

Minutes from USMS Coaches Committee meetings - January Meeting

Diversity & Inclusion Webinar for Coaches