The Feeling of Fit
I was swimming a series of 6 200 freestyles in my Masters workout this morning and relishing the experience of feeling fit. I wasn’t out of breath, my legs didn’t feel heavy, I didn’t...
Category: Competitive Edge
USMS Spring Swimming Nationals
I am home safe and sound after four exciting days of swimming in Mesa with 1817 other swimmers from all over the country. Among us were Olympians (including Gold medalist, Rowdy Gaines), USA National...
T minus 2 (days) and counting…
My count down began two weeks ago when I started tapering for U.S. Masters Swimming Spring Nationals. A decrease in yardage increased my excitement and anticipation of the event. Only “X” more days raced...
The Right Stuff
Having the right shoes, swimsuit, goggles or other piece of equipment or accessory can make or break your performance and comfort during training and competition. Here are a few athletic items I can’t live...
Stretching for Better Swimming Performance
If your pre-race prep consists of leaning over and reaching for your toes, think again. Performing static stretches, which involves lengthening any muscle and holding it, can actually slow your swim. Research shows that...
Clip from Personal Best Stretch: Move Better Than Ever
I am attaching a link to a short segment from my DVD for your viewing pleasure. To order Personal Best Stretch, please go to www.susandawson-cook.com You can also post comments or send me an...
Coming Soon…My DVD Personal Best Stretch
I am very excited to announce that I will be starring in a DVD, Personal Best Stretch: Move Better Than Ever, to be filmed next week at SaddleBrooke Ranch. Whether you are an athlete,...
Rest to Optimize Performance
Before competing in the U.S. Masters Swimming Summer Long Course Championship in Puerto Rico, I tapered or greatly reduced my training for two full weeks. The first week, I reduced my yardage by about...
Reasons for Poor Athletic Performance – Part III (Depression)
The shriek of your alarm clock jolts your brain. You groan. You don’t want to get up. Not now, possibly not ever. You want to go back to sleep because not only are you...
Reasons for Poor Athletic Performance (Part 2) – Injury
Performing poorly when injured is something very easy for me to write about today since I’m in the midst of it. In November, I swam four butterfly events at a swim meet in Phoenix...