hmmmmm something looks familiar

Look who is in the Eastern Courier!!!!!

This is Tony's son, Stuart.

This Week's Happenings

Hi all

Over the last few months some of you have been asking about the drills suggested in the programmes, e.g. what are they, how do you do them and what's the purpose of them? We thought it would be good to run a session to explain one or two of them, so…

This Sunday (6th), we'll use the relay time for Tony to explain one of the drills (or two if there's time). Deryn will be a demonstrator/guinea pig.

Two lanes will be set aside for 'free' swimming for those who prefer to continue training.

The drill we'll cover will be "Long Dog", with Tony explaining (a) its purpose(s), (b)  how to do it well and (c) some fine points. Please don't think that this is just for learners - drills like Long Dog have layers of detail that can help swimmers of all levels.

Afterwards, let us know what you thought. If you want more we can do that, or if you don't, we won't.

Finally, just a reminder that Wednesday this week is race night, with 25, 50, 100 & 200 m of any stroke.

Happy swimming

Tony

Another Successful Club Picnic

How many swimmers does it take to change a light bulb? I have no idea but it takes roughly 8 to put up a sun shelter.

Yesterday we held our annual picnic and handicapped sea swim. Little Bucks was a good choice as we had perfect conditions for swimming with little wind and a bit of cloud covering.

As per usual there were 1km and 2km options and either wetsuit or non-wetsuit so there was plenty of choice.

Here are a few statistics for those that like that sort of thing:

• 7 swimmers swam the 1km race compared with 17 swimming the 2km race (24 total)
• 8 women/girls took part compared with 16 men/boys
• 3 children swam in the races
• 6 swimmers went non-wetsuit, 18 swimmers wore a wetsuit
• everyone had a great time

Thanks to absolutely everyone who made it happen. It is easy for us swimmers to just show up at the beach and it is all there and we swim, get out and grab a sausage. It is never that simple. There is always a lot of planning that needs to go into these things and people need to pull together and help on the day, spouses at times. Some members chose to be support on the water or cooks or fill other roles rather than swim. You may not get thanked personally but please know that we do all notice and really appreciate it.

First male home in the 1km was Martin Ellis.
First female home in the 1km was Angela Oliver.
First male home in the 2km was Lapo Nustrini.
First female home in the 2km was Deryn McGregor

Times were taken this year so below is a table with everyone's times.
 

Swimmer	Wetsuit	Go time	In time		Swim time
1 km
Angela Oliver	X	16:00	33:57	1st Female	17:57
Martin Ellis	X	16:00	35:16	1st Male	19:16
Ross Faulkner	X	16:00	35:35		19:35
Kendall Oliver	X	15:30	35:47		20:17
Yoko Otani	X	11:00	36:43		25:43
Kyle Hughes	X	13:30	37:41		24:11
Barry Davies	-	10:00	39:46		29:46
2 km
Lapo Nustrini	X	08:40	38:24	1st Male	29:44
Dave Walker	X	02:30	38:42		36:12
Mark Clavey	-	07:15	38:46		31:31
Tim Aitchison	X	07:15	38:48		31:33
Dave Donaldson	X	08:00	38:50		30:50
Ron Tomlinson	X	08:40	39:10		30:30
Deryn McGregor	-	05:30	39:21	1st Female	33:51
Mark Cowling	X	09:00	39:25		30:25
Ryan Oliver	X	07:40	40:10		32:30
Dawn Walker	-	06:30	40:13		33:43
Giles Walker	-	07:40	40:15		32:35
Avy Judleson	X	05:00	40:23		35:23
Liz Hayes	X	05:00	40:37		35:37
Mike Harrison	X	07:15	41:55		34:40
Sharon Hewettson	X	00:00	41:57		41:57
Stuart Bell	-	06:30	45:01		38:31
Dave Bradding	X	08:00	DNF

Race Night Results & Other Related Info

We had a very successful race night last Wednesday with a turnout of 20 swimmers having a crack at 15 events plus the relays (not 15 events each, that would be exhausting for anyone).

There were also 7 new records set so we are either getting faster, older, smarter or all of the above.

A couple of you have very young ages next to your results. This is not because we didn't have your birthdate and so just plonked any old age next to your name. No, no, no, it is because you look so fabulously young. Far too young to belong to a Masters club.

Jess Hughson was named Swimmer of the Month. Jess has done a fabulous job, training very hard and putting many hours into training up to swim Taupo's Epic 10km event which she did in the excellent time of 2 hours 49 minutes. Great work Jess, you can have a little rest now. Just a little one mind.

The wooden spoon was given to me (again!) for, well, being a dufus. It's a long story. I think it's about time someone else did something silly, it's me far too often.

Club Picnic, FREE Togs

Firstly though it  is RACE NIGHT on Wednesday. Yes it is the start of another month. What, already? Don't tell me Christmas is coming again! Wednesday 3rd February will be the day to take to the start blocks. You can do 25m, 50m, 100m or 200m and you can do any stroke you like so long as it is a recognisable swim stroke.

Club Sea Swim & Picnic
This is only 2 weeks away now so if you don't have your entry in yet you better hurry up. Here is a message from Tony:

"Hi all

You probably know we have our annual BBQ & swim set for Sunday 14th February and we're starting to get things ready.

Just a reminder it's at the southern end of Little Bucklands Beach (or if the wind is unfavourable, the contingency is the northern end of Eastern Beach.) The swim will start at 12:00 midday with the BBQ after it at 1:30 pm. We hope to see you all there.

Please note for the swim we need entry forms filled in so we can do the handicapping knowing who will swim what distances and whether or not they're wearing a wetsuit. John T is collecting the entries, but any of the committee will take them. If you don't get an entry in, of course you can swim for pleasure, but you won't be handicapped or eligible for a trophy.

We'd appreciate some people paddling the course to keep the swimmers company. We're not offering search & rescue support, but it's comforting to think there a few people able to spot anyone in trouble. Anyone interested let us know and bring your vessel!

The club will provide sausages, bread, etc., but please bring something salad or sweet to share.

We need to cook the sausages, so we're looking for a volunteer to lend a barbecue. Let any of the committee know if you can help.

Looking forward to another pleasant afternoon in good company!"

Thanks Tony. I'm glad you have ordered good weather for the event.

Free Togs

How often are togs being given away? Hardly ever, if at all. So be quick if you want to take advantage. 

John Trubnick has available, free to any club member, the following NEW unworn, men's swim togs.

2 pairs Speedo Endurance Jammers size 22 (100cm) and one pair Speedo Endurance size 22 (100 cm) club badged racing briefs. See John Trubnick - first in, first served.

Race Night Results

Results from the first race night of the year are now up. This was 400's night, any stroke so long as it was 400m. This would have to be the first night no records were broken though the relay team came very close.

Swimmer of the Month went to Fiona Little. Fiona had a rip roaring swim in the recent Harbour Crossing. At the time she was credited with a 3rd spot. However, after the 2nd placegetter was dq'd and then the 1st placegetter was tossed out for thinking it was ok to wear flippers in a race our honest Fiona was elevated to her rightful position on the top of the podium. Good job too.

The North Island Champs are still providing fodder for Wooden Spoon. This was given to Dawn W for thinking a tiny little toast rack might in fact be a dish rack (kind of like calling a thimble a trough). I'm not sure how the dinner plates were supposed to balance on a toast rack.

Annual Sea Swim, Club Hoodies

We have left just two club hoodies. Both are Men's Large, around 40" to 42". At $15 they are a bargain; reserve yours today.

The date for the annual South City Masters club BBQ and handicapped sea swim, (1 km and 2 km courses) has been set. Get your diaries out now and put a big mark on February 14th. This year the venue for the BBQ and sea swim is Little Bucks Beach (contingency at Eastern Beach). 

The swim is to commence at 12 noon (high tide) with the BBQ afterwards at around 1.30 p.m. 

Entries must be on the signed entry form which will be available at the pool in the middle of January. There is no charge and entries close on Monday 8th February. Late entries for the sea swim cannot be accepted due to the handicapped nature of the event. 

Santa Has Left the North Pole!

You may have noticed Christmas is coming. You may also have wondered what training you can do over the festive season to compensate for the expected over-indulgence. Well, we've confirmed that we can train our regular hours (except the extra 1/2 hour on Mondays), i.e.

Sunday 27th December 8:00 - 9:00 am

Monday 28th December 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Wednesday 30th December 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Sunday 3rd January 8:00 - 9:00 am

Monday 5th January 7:00 - 8:00 pm

We hope you all enjoy Christmas and wish you a very Happy New Year.

Tony Shacklock

for the Committee

And from the swimmers...........

A huge thanks to our very hard working committee for the endless, long, and often unheralded work done behind the scenes.

 

Message From Club Committee

Dear members

Following our committee meeting on Sunday, we'd like to point out…

Sometimes the numbers in each lane are quite unbalanced, crowded in some but empty in others. It's usually better for everyone if people move between lanes to even out the numbers. If your normal lane is crowded (8 or more) and you're one of the followers in the lane, consider moving to a slower lane. If you take the lead and aim to come in on a fast time you should still get a good work-out. If you're one of the faster swimmers, consider moving to a faster lane and try to keep up with them.

Just a reminder that annual subscriptions are due. Thanks to those who've already paid. Payments can be made to the club bank account:

Account: ASB 12-3089-0087168-02

Please clearly reference your family name so we can identify your payment.

Alternatively, a cheque or cash can be given to John or Sally.

We still have lots of our especially good South City swim caps. John will happily let you have one for $5.00.

Thanks

Tony Shacklock

for the committee

Update on the Last Post

Who's done their Christmas shopping? Me, that's who. Hah!!! I even have the Christmas tree up when I thought I wouldn't bother. I got the grandkids to do it though. I knew I'd find a use for the little blighters. Don't start screaming at me something about slave labour, I gave them some water and stale bread for their trouble.

Race night results out. There was a good turnout and it seems as if some members quite like having a go at the 200 anything with a few swimmers saving their energy for this event only. Out of 16 swimmers there were 7 new records set which are good odds.

Swimmer of the Month went to Diane Lane. Diane did a fantabulous job of training herself up to do the Russell to Paihia Ocean Swim race. She trained up to get not just stronger and fitter but the all important faster. Come race day she put in a mighty effort and completed the swim in a time that was rather staggering. Roll on Harbour Capital Classic.

The wooden spoon was also passed on. This was for another episode that occurred at the North Island Champs. Most of us wanted a little nap before getting ready for the evenings dine and dance, including Avy. Avy set her alarm clock for her nap; only she set it for next week!