PCA Masters Swim Team - pcamastersswimteam

If you haven't already done so, please renew or sign-up for United States Masters Swimming (USMS) and Pacific Masters Swimming (PMS) registration for 2012.

This year, you will be able to register or renew online.
The cost is $31 for USMS plus $15 for PMS registration.

Please click here to register online (opens in a new window)

When filling out the form: Our club's official abbreviation is PCAM.

Good Evening Marvelous Masters:

 

Great news, the pool temp is now 77 and rising, and will be open for business as usual tomorrow morning, 5am.  I expect the temp to be a normal 81 degrees.

 

Our expert Commercial Pool Maintenance Guru Paul Dau, of Dau Products came in this morning and rebuilt a pump that had broken down on our heater.  It is now functioning normally, and all systems are on track.

 

Thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding during this time.

 

See you all very soon,

Coach Mike

 

As those swimmers experienced yesterday, the pool heater was not operating and the pool got cooler as the morning progressed.  The swimmers found it beneficial as the distance increased, so it was not to much of an issue.  But now, the pool is 75, and I decided to keep it closed today for repairs to the heater.

 

THE POOL WILL REMAIN CLOSED TODAY, AS THE HEATER IS REPAIRED, AND HOPEFULLY TO RETURN OPERATIONAL TOMORROW.  I WILL PROVIDE YOU UPDATES VIA EMAIL OF OUR PROGRESS!

 

Thank you for your consideration during this down time.  I suggest some “dry land” alternatives today, or just take a day of rest.

 

I hope to see many of you very soon,

Coach Mike

More pics have been added!

Trans Tahoe relay pics from team Cinco Sinko have been added to the pictures page!

Pictures from our Sunday swims in Aquatic Park have been posted and can be found on the pictures page.

Pictures from the Lake Del Valle open water swim have been posted!  Please visit the pictures page to view.

Marvelous Masters and Friends:
 
The first event of the Pacific Masters Open Water Season is Spring Lake One Mile and 500 Meter swim, Saturday May 21.  Visit www.lifeguardsforlife.org for more info, directions, or to register for the swim.  Let me know if you are planning on going, and I will hook you up to others to carpool if desired.
 
Lake Berryessa 1 & 2 Mile Swim is on Saturday June 4.  This is a very popular swim and well attended by many.  Download an official entry form, or register online at www.damfast.org under Lake Berryessa Swim.  Early registration before May 19 for best prices  for either or both events.  Again, let me know if you will be attending, and I will gather the swimmers for the trip.
 
Lake Del Valle .75 and 2.5K Swim is on the following Sunday, June 12.  I have previously sent a notice out and there are 10 swimmers registered already.  We make a nice day of this event, and after the beautiful lake swimming, we proceed over to Garre Winery for some lunch and a bit of wine tasting.  Makes for a very nice day.  Again, I have a van reserved for this event, and will provide two if necessary.  Carpooling is also desired.
 
There are a couple of other swims later in June, along with some Long Course Meet Competitions.  I will profile those a bit later.
 
The Olympic Club 2011 Trans Tahoe Relay is being conducted on Saturday, July 23rd this year.  PCA Masters has 10 teams of six swimmers each signed up and ready to rumble.  I have made some substitutions to a few teams and it is possible that others may be necessary, but unlikely.  All the elements and logistics are coming into place, and I will be contacting those involved in another email shortly.  All teams and the entire field are posted at the club.
 
The weather is great, the pool is perfect, and the swimmers are getting faster.  I hope to see many of you very soon here at the club.
 
Stay Fit!   Have Fun!   Get Wet!
 
Coach Mike

We've added a lot of new pictures for you to take a look at!

• Additional pictures from the Triple Crown on January 1
• Rinconada swim meet on March 12th (also, see video to the right)
• Bunk's birthday party at Sancho's on March 14th
• Pictures from a swim practice on March 18th when it hailed!

Good Morning Marvelous Masters:
 
Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the Last Saturday of the Month, and with that comes Teacher Tom’s Clinic at the 8:30am workout, along with the Bagels and Bonding that take place in the Lobby of the Club.
 
Tom will go over the four basic strokes of swimming, and demonstrate how to properly do each.  For some of you, this will be pretty basic, since many of you have been swimming most of your lives.  BUT, for many of you who are new to swimming or have focused on freestyle due to your training focus on open water or triathlon, this will be quite informative.
 
During our regular workout sessions, I try to provide a varied and challenging workout each time, and spend very little time on stroke technique.  This clinic will provide you the “basic” and “proper” way to do the different strokes.  Obviously, refinements and practice over time will improve each of your techniques.
 
I do hope to see many of you at the 8:30am clinic, as we can all use some excellent instruction when provided.
 
Stay Fit!   Have Fun!   Get Wet!
Coach Mike

METER MANIA MONTH kicks off on February 1, 2011.
Similar to last month’s FITNESS OLYMPICS,  there is a tote board and daily tracking of your progress.
Put your name on the board, record you daily total of meters that you swim, and try to swim as often and as far as possible during the entire month of February. 
In past years, there have been over 140 swimmers in total that have participated.  The total collective miles approached 2900 I believe, and I am sure we can reach or exceed that total this year.
The tote board will be available to record your meters first thing Tuesday morning, so do not delay in getting your bodies wet and doing the wall to wall, back and forth thing as soon as possible.
As in past years, everyone will be a winner and will earn some very valuable prize for your efforts.
See you all at the pool!!!!!

Good Morning Marvelous Masters and Friends:
 
Just a quick reminder that the last leg of the Triple Crown will be conducted here at our spectacular PCC Pool on January 1, 2011 officially beginning at 6am for you early birds, and then officially again at 9am for you late risers.
 
I will be opening the pool at 5am that day, so if there are some that want to get a jump start on their Triple Crown goals, have at it!!!
 
As is the normal case with this event, there will be plenty of after swim treats in our beautiful lobby for your noshing enjoyment.  Pot luck dishes are always welcome, so feel free to contribute if you so choose.  Bagels, Bonding and Bragging Rights will be plentiful in any case!!!!!
 
The lovely and stylish Triple Crown Garment this year was a bit more $$, so you will be seeing a $35 charge for the event show up on your statement.
I am sure you will be pleased, and if not, tough!!!!! J
Register for USMS before tomorrow midnight, and receive numerous shopping discounts at major swimming retailers.  PCAM is our  club, and use that when signing up.  A $44 yearly investment in your health and fitness, not to mention a whole lot of fun and laughs at no extra charge!!!!
 
Happy New Year to all, and see many of you very soon.  Remember,
 
Stay Fit!   Have Fun!   Get Wet!
 
Coach Mike

Dear Marvelous Masters:
 
Thank you one and all for blessing me this morning with a collective gift of your appreciation at our Annual Tuesday/Thursday Morning Gang party which was held in the lobby of the Community Center right after our 6am Tuesday Practice Session.  Significant contributions were made by Michelle Glaubert, Harriet Anderson, Denise Carr, Ann Arshakuni and a number of others, and my heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every one.  A weekend getaway to beautiful Pacific Grove was arranged, and Marilyn and I are looking forward to returning to that wonderful area.  Thank you all for making this morning very special.
 
During this week and next, we will be having our regularly scheduled workouts, with the exception of the next two Saturdays.  The first is Christmas Day, and please enjoy that day with your families and friends. The following  Saturday is January 1, 2011, and the last Leg of Triple Crown 2011 will be held.  The start times of 6am and 9am will be the target, and 3500, 6500, and 10000 meters are the goals of Bronze, Silver, and Gold Levels  respectively.  If all goes accordingly to plan, a delightful brunch will be offered in the lobby after our swim, and the lovely item of clothing will be provided to each swimmer at the completion of their effort.  It will be a great way to begin the New Year.
 
As we embark upon a new year, it is always a good time in which to reflect upon goals, resolutions, and opportunities that may present themselves to each of us.  I am very pleased that our membership is quite strong and there are many among us that have set our sights on certain events and challenges that will be forthcoming quite soon in the new year.  I will be detailing those events before next week, and I hope to put together a good list of folks who have an interest in these pursuits.
 
Registration in United States Masters Swimming is a requirement of our PCA Masters, and I am very pleased that many have renewed their membership for next year already.  If you have not, you may do so before 12/31/10 and receive discounts from major companies  that enable you to save $$$ from major suppliers.  You may register on line at www.pcamasters.com or at www.usms.org .  Our team name is Peninsula Covenant Aquatic Masters or PCA Masters and our abbreviation is PCAM.  Please indicate this when you register.  This is a one time annual fee, and well worth the investment in your future.   We also have a hard copy form at the front desk of the club, if you prefer this method.
 
Merry Christmas to all, and I will be back in touch very shortly.
 
Coach Mike
 

Good Afternoon Marvelous Masters:
 
Just a short little note to remind all of you that I will be gone for a few days to Chicago to share in my daughter Christy’s college graduation.  As some of you have mentioned, it will be very sweet, very cold, and a relief to have her off the payroll!!!
I am extremely proud of her, and she is a wonderful young woman.
 
Due to Christmas falling on the last Saturday of the month this year, our Monthly Mixer, Bagels and Bonding, will take place this Saturday, Dececmber 18, in our lovely lobby.  Please join us in the lobby after each of the morning workouts.  Our monthly coaching clinic with Teacher Tom and his able bodied assistant Zora will take this month off to rest and relax, celebrate Christmas,  and prepare for a New Year.  Just to confirm, there will be NO MASTERS WORKOUT ON CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!  Merry Christmas Everyone!!
 
Teacher Tom, Vanessa Lea, Audrey Ryder, and Rachel Yarranton will take over the coaching duties in my absence so please be nice and give them your full undivided attention, if that is at all possible!!!
 
A week from today, 12/21, the Tuesday/Thursday Gang of the Marvelous Masters will be having their annual Holiday Gathering in the lobby after the 6am workout.  We will gather at 7:15 or so, and share the holiday spirit with each other.  All are welcome to attend and join the festivities.
 
New Years Day, 1/1/11 will be the Last Leg of the Triple Crown.  It will be a great way to start the New Year and I look forward to seeing many of you here to “Ring”  in the New Year.
 
Have a great rest of the week, and I will be back with all of you on Monday, Dec 20.
 
Blessings to all,
Coach Mike

Greetings Marvelous Masters:
 
Please find attached the information on this year’s Triple Crown Holiday Swim Event. 
It is quite the same as in previous years, and you can choose for yourself which level, Bronze, Silver, or Gold you wish to pursue.
 
Please respond to this email with your intention to join us on the dates and times  indicated, so I may prepare accordingly.  The pool is quite busy during this event, and I hope to be able to limit the lane populations somewhat so all will be able to swim and get a good workout.  Please bring your patience and plan on having an eventful and fun time during the swims.
 
I look forward to hearing from each and every one of you, and all are welcome to join us for these swims.  Please confirm your attendance ASAP!!!
 
As a reminder, please renew your 2011 USMS Registration at your earliest convenience, and I would be very grateful.
 
If you have conflicts with the dates, alternative dates and times can be worked out,  and will be made to accommodate your needs.
 
Thanks to all, and I will see many of you very soon.
 
Coach Mike

Attachments:

Pictures from the Alcatraz Invitational have been added to the pictures page!

Click here to view

Pictures from the Trans Tahoe Relay have been posted on the pictures page!  More are being added as they come in.  If you took any pictures you would like to share, please e-mail josh987@gmail.com.

Mike's latest update has been posted to the website.  Click here to view.

Mike's latest update has been posted to the website.  Click here to view.

It's the time again, to register for the new year!

All Pacific Masters memberships expire on Thursday 31 December 31.

 

You can renew online with a credit card by clicking here or print the attachment and mail it in with your check.  If you register online, you can print out a card right away when you complete the online form.  A card will be sent to every Pacific Masters Swimming member as well.

 

Our club's official abbreviation is PCAM

 

The cost is $27 for USMS registration and $15 for PMS registration ($42 total).

Benefits

Attachments:

Marvelous Masters:
 
Way back when I first started coaching Masters, I did so only on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 6-7am.. This is how I got my start here at the club, and I did so for quite a number of years.
 
I have a special connection to this particular gang of regulars, and every year Denise, Harriet, and Michelle have a Christmas Party to gather and celebrate in the lobby of the club.
 
Attached is a flyer for this years gathering, and all Masters Members are welcome to attend.  Please call with questions, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
 
We will have a regular workout that day, and then end it a bit early to Partay Partay!!!
 
It is a sincere pleasure to be among such a fine and talented group.
 
Coach Mike

Attachments:

Click here to view the latest update from Mike.

Marvelous Masters:
 
Most of you have experienced the PCA Masters Triple Crown, but for those of you that have not, here is a brief rundown of the event.
 
The event consists of three swims, one each on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. There are three levels, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, which correspond to differing total meters for each swim.  Each swim will consist of a certain number of 100’s free.
 
Triple Crown #1 will be on Thanksgiving Day, Nov 26, with two start times, 6 & 8am.
 
Triple Crown #2 will be on Saturday, Dec 19, with two start times, 6 & 9am.
 
Triple Crown #3 will be on News Year Day, Jan 1, with two start times, 6 & 9am.
 
 
There are Triple Crown Flyers at the Masters Bulletin Board near the Hot Tub.
 
Please e-mail Mike (mikel@peninsulacovenant.com) with your Shirt Size and the time you will be swimming. 
 
You will be automatically billed $30 for your participation, which will cover the event tee shirt (or similar), and contribute towards the end of swim parties.
 
This is a fun and community event, not necessarily a competition.  You will enjoy the experience, I promise.
 
See you soon, Mike

New weekly update from Mike, now posted on the "Weekly Update" page.  Click here to view.

New weekly update from Mike, now posted on the "Weekly Update" page.  Click here to view.

Mike's latest updates are now posted on the "Weekly Update" page.

This weekend, we celebrated the season with a party and a tribute to our coach of the year nominee, Mike Lynch!  A good time was had by all, with plenty of food, drink, and conversation.

Three short slideshows were shown, which have now been posted here on the website (see the right side of the page) ----->

Congratulations to all who participated in last weekend's Alcatraz and Tiburon swims!

First pictures from the Alcatraz swim have been posted.  If you have additional photos, please send them to josh987@gmail.com

 

 

Mike's weekly update has been added to the Weekly Update page.  Topics cover last weekend's swims as well as upcoming events.

A new journal entry from Mike Lynch has been added to the Weekly Update page.

The official commemorative Trans Tahoe Relay photo book is here!  -->
If you're interested in buying one, please contact Mike Lynch.

Books are available at a discounted price of $60 each.

Marvelous Masters:  
 
Teacher Tom Neuhold-Huber, our swim guru and resident expert of swimming strokes and fantastic teacher,  will conduct his end of month clinic on the last Saturday of the month, August 29th, at the 8:30am workout.
 
He has developed a brief survey for you to respond with your desires on topic to be covered.
 
Please click on the survey HERE, and submit your requests.   Tom will then focus on the majority needs from the survey.
 
Thank you Tom, and thank you all for being a part of the Masters Community.
 
Coach Mike
 

Mike's weekly update is here!  Click here to view, or visit the "Weekly Update" page.

27 video clips from the Wednesday night practice on August 12th have been added to the video page.  Thanks to Bob Anderson and Coach Mike for this footage!

Just added - pictures from the Sunday morning bay swim in Aquatic Park!

Join us next Sunday.  We depart the club at 7am, arrive SF 7:40, in the water by 8:00, swim about an hour, clean up, get coffee, and return to the club around 10:00 to 10:15

Did you know there are over 3,500 pictures and 30+ videos on this website from various events PCA Masters have participated in over the years?

Please visit our pictures and video pages to see them!

Just added, pictures from the Catfish Crawl and video from the Trans Tahoe Relay.

Pictures from the Catfish Crawl on July 26th have been added to the website.

Please visit the pictures page to view.

Pictures from the Trans Tahoe Relay have been added to the pictures page

Also, check out the videos!

 

• Pictures from Valera Fooksman covering the team "Mixed Bag" and others.
• Pictures from Josh Lee/Crissy Wong and mainly cover the "Cinco-Sinko" team, also covering the finishers for the "Tahoe Tessie Temptresses" and "Mixed Bag".
• Pictures from Ann Arshakuni, Bert Reed, and Sandi Smith covering team "AM Hotties"
• Pictures from Hilary Stevenson and Judith Wenz covering team "Tahoe Tessie Temptresses"
• Pictures and Video from Tim Mooney and Megan Tarzon covering team "Zola"
• Pictures from Mike Lynch covering team Awesome Audrey Ryder and others
• Pictures and Video from Howard Huang covering team "Mixed Bag"

 

More to come!

 

If you were at the event and took pictures, please send them to josh987@gmail.com so they may be included on the website and in the commemorative photo book that will be made.

Please let me know who the photographer was and which team you covered when you send me your pictures so I can give you credit!

Congratulations to all who participated in the Trans Tahoe Relay only July 18th.

We had a great showing and some amazing swims.  Thanks to all who helped out and supported the team, we couldn't have done it without you.

Swim Practice

A short video by Antonio Fuentes