Category Archives: Swimming

Whip It. Whip it good!

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Jeff Mather

“Let’s race!” I arrived at the pool on Friday eager to learn a new stroke: the breaststroke. For my birthday last autumn, I received Sheila Taormina‘s Swim Speed Strokes book. I’ve been swimming freestyle for six seasons now, occasionally throwing … Continue reading →

Posted in Swimming | 4 Comments

Polar Bear Swim

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Jeff Mather

On Christmas Eve last week, Alex from the pool and I went for a little swim in the Ashland Reservoir. We had hoped to do the same thing on New Year’s Day this year, but we were frozen out. Twelve … Continue reading →

Posted in Swimming | 1 Comment

Wednesday, 5:45AM: Episode #213

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Jeff Mather

Things I can’t post about without seeming super creepy #37: Attractive people at morning lap swim. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Posted in Swimming | 2 Comments

Workout Power Mix… Not!

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Jeff Mather

Pool Guy has started to play music in the mornings over a loudspeaker on the pool deck. This is why last week I heard Katy Perry and other pop singers whenever I pushed off the wall. (Plus the beep-beep-beep of … Continue reading →

Posted in Swimming | 1 Comment

Fourth Grade Math to the Rescue!

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Jeff Mather

Earlier today, I found myself trapped in a “knowledge forum.” The meeting’s content wasn’t right for me, but I had picked a chair where I couldn’t easily leave. Worse, after returning home late from last night’s Emmylou Harris concert, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Reluctant Triathlete, Swimming | Leave a comment

The Dark Night of the Diabetic Triathlete’s Soul

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Jeff Mather

“You know what I’ve learned over the years?” Lisa answered her own question this afternoon as I was recovering from the Rev3 Maine half-iron triathlon. “Triathletes are never happy with their results.” There’s a lot of truth to that. I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in 101 in 1001, Cycling, Reluctant Triathlete, Running, Swimming | 3 Comments

At the Lake

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Jeff Mather

Here’s how I start a few mornings each week: (Click any picture for a larger view.)

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Foggy

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Jeff Mather

For unknown reasons the high school pool is closed until further notice. People who swam there while I was on vacation said it was especially chilly recently, indicating that perhaps the heater was broken. Maybe it will open in September. … Continue reading →

Posted in Life Lessons, Swimming | Leave a comment

Bike-Swim-Bike

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Jeff Mather

My exercise week during the summer (ideally) looks something like this: Monday: Swim in the morning Tuesday: Bike to work (about 18 miles), run off the bike (about 3-4 miles). Bike home from work. Wednesday: Swim in the morning. Run … Continue reading →

Posted in Cycling, Diabetes, Reluctant Triathlete, Swimming | Leave a comment

Executing My Plan: 2014 NE Season Opener

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Jeff Mather

I originally wrote this on the 13th . . . of May. Oops! Somewhere between drafting it and adding the pictures, a month passed. Sorry to keep you waiting. I love racing! That’s all there is to it. I’m pretty good (but not … Continue reading →

Posted in Cycling, Reluctant Triathlete, Running, Swimming | 1 Comment

Swimming to a Better Place

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Jeff Mather

After years of doubting and denying it, it’s time to fess up: I’m pretty OK at swimming. Sure, I can find lots of aspects about my technique and speed that I wouldn’t mind improving. Bilateral breathing and flip turns? Still … Continue reading →

Posted in Life Lessons, Swimming | 1 Comment

On Your Left

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Jeff Mather

Last week a few people I know linked to “The Great Bilateral Breathing Controversy.” (Hi, Céline!) For those who don’t know, most swimmers have a preference for which way they turn their heads when they breathe while doing freestyle. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Reluctant Triathlete, Swimming | 1 Comment

Jet Lag and Swimming Anxiety… Saturday 5:30AM

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Jeff Mather

It’s a bit after 5:30 on Saturday morning as I type this by tapping away on my phone’s little keyboard. Jet-lag has been working its power over me for the last hour and a half. Its mojo is strong this … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Life Lessons, Swimming | 1 Comment

World’s Best Swim Technique

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Jeff Mather

What does one of the best distance swimmers look like when setting a world record at the 1500m? I edited down the 20 minutes of television footage (of which 14:31.02 is actually the race) and it looks a little like … Continue reading →

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And So It Begins

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Jeff Mather

Today is the first Monday of the new year. What better time to restart triathlon training? Actually I was going to restart last week, our first week home after vacation, but I had a strange tightness in my hip, probably … Continue reading →