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Pacific Update


 
   
Week of September 14, 2020  
In This Update
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In this issue you will find information on upcoming pool events and other information of interest to the local adult swimming community.
 
The next issue of the Update will appear on September 28, 2020.  The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, September 23, 2020. 
 
Stay fit,
The Pacific Masters Swimming Committee
EVENTS AND CLINICS
2020 USMS 5K/10K ePostal National Championships
May 15 -September 30
 
Two weeks remain to complete a timed swim of 5 kilometers and/or 10 kilometers in a 50-meter pool of your choice, then to submit times online. Some people swim for competition, some for the challenge, some for fitness, and others do it for fun. All who wish to participate are welcome. Hosted by Southern Oregon Masters Aquatics, click here for more information. 
Ross Yancher Brute Squad and Brute Squad Lite ePostal Swims
October 1- November 30 

Time again to challenge yourself with the 12th Annual Brute Squad e-Postal, sponsored by Davis Aquatic Masters! The event consists of a timed, continuous 200 butterfly, followed by a 400 IM, and finishing up with a 1650 freestyle. For those to whom these distances seem intimidating, DAM offers a smaller event called the Brute Squad Lite. This event features timed, continuous distances of 100 fly, 200 IM and a 500 free. Along with everything in 2020, the rules are a little different this year! Information. 
Go The Distance
On-going

Go the Distance is a USMS sponsored self-directed program intended to encourage Masters swimmers to regularly exercise and keep track of their progress. There's no time limit for distance milestones, only that they must be completed in this calendar year. Since most of us have been out of the water for a while, participating in this program could be a great way to track your progress as you get back into shape. 
Open Water Swim Season  
Just One For Now!  

July 1-October 31 Swim Across America Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge to raise money for cancer research. For more information click here.
Short Course Meter Cancellations 

Due to the continued restrictions and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we're sorry to announce that all of this year's in-person competitions have been cancelled:
  • MVM Alan Liu Memorial Meet
  • Sacramento Masters SCM Sprint Pentathon
  • Pac Masters SCM Champs
For those of you still looking for competitive opportunities, don't forget there are a couple of ePostal events starting soon: 
We share your disappointment and frustration with the impact that COVID-19 is having on our 2020 competition schedule. Stay safe and healthy. We look forward to racing with you when the public health situation clears up next year.
CLUBS AND COACHES
COVID-19 Relief Program

Pacific Masters is partnering with USMS in a COVID-19 Relief Program for our member clubs. An email with an application form and detailed grant information was sent to all Club Contacts on Monday, August 17. If your club is interested in applying for this grant and the appropriate contact did not receive our email, please contact the grant committee at [email protected]. The deadline for grant applications will be November 15.
 
Phyllis Quinn
Chairperson, Pacific Masters Swimming
Call for Volunteer:
USMS Adult Learn-To-Swim Program

Pacific Masters is looking for a volunteer to be our ALTS representative. More than a third of adults in the United States cannot swim the length of a pool, according to the CDC, which puts them at risk of being one of the 10 people who drown every day in this country. 

U.S. Masters Swimming's Adult Learn-to-Swim initiative is on the front lines to change this statistic. If you are interested in being the Pacific Masters' USMS ALTS representative or learning more about this volunteer position, please contact [email protected].

Pacific Masters Coaches Clinic
October 10

This is the only educational zoom clinic this year to learn about Masters Coaching during the time of COVID-19.  Please make it a priority. 

Kick off the day with a lecture and round-table discussion about keeping our teams together. The talk will be followed by appropriate dry land instruction.

After a break, jump start the afternoon with a discussion of the "new norms" for Masters Swim Coaching during the pandemic. We'll be finishing with words from a seasoned coach and pillar in our world of swimming. Register here. 
PACIFIC MASTERS NEWS
The Pandemic Video - How to Contribute
 
Pacific Masters is documenting how our members have responded to the Coronavirus pandemic. We want your stories! Show and tell us about your experiences, places you've swum, how you stayed in shape, connected with teammates, or anything else that memorializes this strange year.  
What to submit:
1. A photo with a caption.
2. A series of photos that tell a story with a written explanation.
3. A selfie with a written explanation.
4. A selfie video with voice comments.
5. A video clip of an experience that could only occur during a pandemic.

Include your name and club to Rich Burns. For larger files he'll send you his Dropbox credentials.   
Pacific Masters Monthly Meeting
September 16, Meeting at 7pm, Doors Open at 6:45

The meeting will begin promptly at 7 pm via the Zoom platform. If this is your first time Zooming, we suggest you sign on a little early to ask questions and address technical issues. All members are encouraged to participate. Our monthly meeting reminder email will provide the Zoom link. If you are not on that list and would like to attend, please contact Chris Ottati, Administrator, for details. 

Note: The September meeting will cover the 2021 budget. 
Nominations Open for Pacific Masters Awards
Due October 14

It's time to nominate recipients of Pacific awards to be conferred at our Annual Meeting.  We invite our members to nominate worthy candidates.
 
Pacific Masters Swimming is a vibrant community with many swimmers and non-swimmers who enjoy officiating, organizing or supporting the community in other ways.  At our Annual Meeting, we recognize those who participate or contribute in an exceptional fashion.  We convey:

- Personal Achievement Awards
- Nancy Ridout Awards for Distinguished Service
- Contributor of the Year Award
- Appreciation Awards
- Peggy Lucchesi Award
 
Nomination guidelines. To help with recall, past award winners are here.  Who do you know that is deserving?  Please think about this and send nominations to our Chair by October 14th.
Save The Dates!
Pacific Masters Annual Celebration and Meeting 
November 8  November 15
 
Save the Date for the Pacific Masters Annual Celebration and Meeting
November 8 and 15 from 1:15 pm to 4 pm both days. More information coming soon. 
SWIMMING BOOKS
Marathon Swimming
The Sport Of The Soul
by Paul Andrew Asmuth


We've been sharing some of Kate Matwychuk's favorite swimming books. Kate is one of the Update Editors for Pacific Masters Swimming.  Click here for the full list.

Pacific Masters' own Paul Andrew Asmuth, seven-time World Record Holder and Swimming Hall of Fame Inductee, has written a bold account of his summer job: professionally swimming marathons, following a decades long life path which he had not anticipated. 
Get a feel for the water and follow Paul as he fights hypothermia, is pummeled by waves, pushed by currents and stung by jellyfish - while competing against the best in the world. Be inspired by a true champion, as the elements test his resolve and strengthen his faith.
The Sport Of The Soul is a well-written, inspiring read. Stroke, stroke, breathe.
EDITOR'S NOTE
Basketball Great Challenges Phelps 

During this new reality of COVID-19, we can still enjoy ourselves by re-living some memorable moments in the sporting world. Michael Phelps, the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time, was challenged by a new competitor: Shaquille O'Neal, one of the greatest players in NBA history. Let's have some fun by watching this competition from 2015. Shaq vs. Phelps