Training | Mediterra Swim & Run

Improving Stroke Timing

by Coach Mat | 21 Nov, 2012

I’ve been experimenting with a new way to use the Tempo Trainer in adjusting the stroke timing, in order to preserve a long stroke at faster tempos. In TI we use a Focal Point called the Patient Front Arm to help train this skill. This long stroke skill is...

Cool Discomfort Zone

by Coach Mat | 17 Nov, 2012

Last spring, as the cool Mediterranean Sea was gradually warming up under the sun, I noted this observation: I was more chilled in 23 C (74 F)water than in 22 C (72 F). I had started swimming in March when the water was 19 C (67 F) and used my quickjohn sleeveless...

Freak or Heroine?

by Coach Mat | 17 Nov, 2012

Here is a recommendation for you: On the topic of cold water swimming I think Lynn Cox’s book Swimming To Antartica is really informative and inspirational. She is, afterall, the modern pioneer in extreme cold water swimming. And from my impressions in the book,...

Easing Into Cool/Cold Water

by Coach Mat | 9 Nov, 2012

I want to launch a little discussion (in your head at least) about how to get acclimated to colder water. Let me review my proposed temperature grades: Cool Water = 20 C to 16 C (68 to 61 F) Cold Water = 15 C to 10 C (60 to 50 F) But really, what matters is how you...

Cool/Cold Water Planning

by Coach Mat | 25 Oct, 2012

Since there are quite a few of us who are interested I am going to start a series of articles to stimulate our thinking about adapting to cool/cold water swimming. Here is the objective of our conversations: to maximize our safety, our enjoyment and our longevity...

Is Your Open Water Season Closing?

by Coach Mat | 24 Oct, 2012

It is near the end of October, and so many regions in the northern hemisphere are considering the wild water closed until next spring. I had the privilege of helping ‘close’ the season for TI Coach Tracey Baumann’s ow venue, Taplow Lake in London,...