Happy New Year, AGUA Masters! |
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2021 has been a strange ride filled with peaks and valleys. But as I reflect on this past year, I keep thinking of one thing that has helped keep me afloat, the water! Pun intended.
There is a zen-like quality to water. Perhaps it is the silence wrapped in the rushing water’s white noise that creates a meditative state. Maybe it is the weightlessness of being suspended in water that brings a sense of relief from gravity’s grip. We all feel it when we swim. And, in my opinion, it’s a feeling that connects us in a very real sense.
For my own part, I like to think that swimming helps me find the best version of myself, the funnier, kinder, gentler me. Swimming has served as a great relief valve, so as I prepare for 2022, I’m going to try and harness those same feelings I have when I’m in the water, out of the water.
As athletes, our mental state should be trained and cared for just like our physical state. Practice, practice, practice. And while I won’t be writing any meditation workouts on the white-board, I encourage you to practice mindfulness. Unleashing this tool can help you feel as good as you do when you are swimming, even when you are not.
I look forward to a great 2022. See you at practice.
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Due to the spread of the Omicron variant in New York City, for the safety of our members and staff, Asphalt Green has reinstated many of our COVID-19 policies both on campus and when returning after illness or exposure.
In the new year, we will be experiencing staff shortages, and as such, will have modified space allocations. There will be no 50 meter practices on the Upper East Side until further notice; all practices will be 25 yards. Additionally, we may have to run coach-less practices.
I know none of us are excited about this change, but health and safety are our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and support.
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Welcome Back, Coach Nate!
On a positive note, AGUA Masters is thrilled to announce the return of Coach Nate Freeman to the Upper East Side pool deck! After completing a busy final semester of graduate school for sports management at New York University, Coach Nate is back to coach AGUA Masters practices on Thursday evenings and Fridays at noon. Welcome back, Nate! We are excited to see you on the pool deck this winter.
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Virtual Cocktails With Coaches:
Sunday, January 23
With the health and safety of our community in mind, morning Coffee with Coaches will become virtual Cocktails with Coaches in the evening, over Zoom. Please log in to chat about all things AGUA Masters. With the new year in mind, we would love to discuss cross-training and its impact on an athlete's overall health and wellness.
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When: Sunday, January 23 at 5pm
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Where: Zoom, stay tuned for the link
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Let's Take a Swimming Trip
Thank you to those who have responded regarding the proposed training trip. I’m eager to hear from the rest of you. Please respond below to let me know whether or not you would be interested in swimming in sunny Mexico in May 2022. I certainly understand hesitations due to COVID-19, but can confirm that the Global Swim Series races are incredible events, and have proven to share our vested interest in health and safety.
I would love to know if there is any additional interest. Check out the event webpage here: El Cruce. Picture us at a beautiful beach resort, training in crystal clear water, and swimming from Cancun to Isla de Las Mujeres, an ancient Mayan world heritage site.
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Are you interested in participating in El Cruce in May?
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Reminder: Per City mandate, Asphalt Green members ages 12+ are required to have both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to visit our facilities. Masks are required for all visitors in all common areas at Asphalt Green, including lobbies, stairways, elevators, and locker rooms. Please continue to practice social distancing and stay home if you are feeling sick. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Lane and Practice Etiquette
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Full capacity and no reservations: We ask for patience and cooperation in maintaining proper spacing at practice, especially now that we are operating at full capacity. Please note that you might not always be in the same lane each practice.
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Welcome new swimmers: Please be welcoming and courteous to all new Masters swimmers.
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Workouts: Please participate in the assigned workouts during practice.
COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
As we monitor the Omicron variant, Asphalt Green has updated some of our policies to help keep our community safe which we shared with you in an email earlier today. You can view our updated COVID-19 policies here.
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Masks are required throughout Asphalt Green's facilities including the fitness center, locker rooms and the pool deck. Face coverings may only be removed when a swimmer is entering the water. Swimmers are responsible for bringing their own bag to store their face covering in designated areas on the pool deck.
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If you are feeling unwell, please stay home. Visitors experiencing symptoms must obtain a negative COVID-19 test and be completely symptom free for at least 72 hours before returning to Asphalt Green.
- After illness or exposure to COVID-19, a negative rapid or PCR test must be obtained no sooner than three days after exposure. At-home tests will not be accepted.
- If you or someone you’ve had contact with tests positive for COVID-19, you must report it by emailing notify@asphaltgreen.org.
Team Unify Account Access – If you are having trouble accessing your TeamUnify account, please reach out to Coach John directly at jbeck@asphaltgreen.org.
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Asphalt Green has helped thousands of children stay active through free programs in schoolyards, gymnasiums, and pools across New York City. Today, the organization is focused on providing a critical mental and physical outlet for kids in a socially distant world.
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