Loosen Up

by Coach Mat | 30 Aug, 2014

I have kept this self-help idea in my pocket for a couple years since a TI Coach friend referred me to a masseur, who in turn recommended this home remedy to relieve some muscle knots that were developing under my shoulder blades from extensive sprint work I was doing...

Me Hot and Slow, You Cool and Fast

by Coach Mat | 23 Aug, 2014

I have had low swimming ambition this summer, but it was expected – August is now my hardest month of the year. I partly blame it on my (modest) obsession with ‘cool’ water swimming. For the last two years I have forsaken the pool and stayed in the...

Welcome to the new Smooth Strokes blog site

by Coach Mat | 22 Aug, 2014

I am posting this message to test that you are receiving these it automatically through your email subscription to my Smooth Strokes blog. I used a tool to migrate all of your emails to this CMS and now I want to test that you are receiving it. So, are you reading...

Better Motivation For Sinkers (And Anyone!)

by Coach Mat | 16 Aug, 2014

I want to follow up with the latest posts (Part 1 and Part 2) on Remedy For Sinkers to acknowledge that dealing with the body is not the only part of the sinker equation. It is obvious in many cases that overcoming the sinking problem is not just physically...

Remedy For Sinkers Part 2

by Coach Mat | 6 Aug, 2014

Are you a sinking swimmer? I have published this second part a few days after the first part. From some comments received after posting the first part I want to clarify a few things:   First, Learn To Sink Evenly I would define a ‘sinker’ as someone...

Remedy For Sinkers Part 1

by Coach Mat | 3 Aug, 2014

Are you a sinking swimmer? I am going to share a little of my secret strategy, out of compassion for my swimming comrades who consider themselves ‘sinkers’ – I know a few many and a few less women who fit this category. I don’t know the overall...

Metrics In Open Water: How To Train

by Coach Mat | 20 Jul, 2014

For most swimmers who desire it training in open-water may still only be an occasional or seasonal experience. That means most swimmers practice in the pool, swimming and measuring things between walls – this is ‘normal’ while swimming without walls...

My Head Or My Watch?

by Coach Mat | 12 Jul, 2014

Should I count stroke in my head or can I use my swim watch? It’s a good question – you’re likely asking it because you own one of those expensive swim watches, and need to know what it is good for. I don’t want to discourage anyone from using...

Measuring Improvement

by Coach Mat | 5 Jul, 2014

In the Kaizen value system of TI we are devoted to continual personal improvement. In each practice we are inspired to pursue some piece of improvement in our swimming, and in our self. But, you and I live a real life in a real world. So often circumstances come up...

Open Water Sun Protection

by Coach Mat | 3 Jul, 2014

How do I protect myself from the sun while swimming in open-water? That’s a very important question, and one I hear often at this time of the year. Here are my two recommendations: 1) A rash-guard or swim-shirt. If you want no hindrance while swimming the fit...