From the Swimming World website... By Edie Sawyer There are some things that just scream, “you’re a swimmer!” If swimmers had a starter pack, what do you think would be in it? Read along to see what critical items swimmers can’t live without, and what common looks identify a typical competitive swimmer. Read more >>

From the Swimming World website... By CARLY MCADAM When it comes time to race, many swimmers, especially those racing in high-level competitions, wear specialized knee-length swimsuits known as tech suits. They’re everywhere in the swimming world. But how do tech suits work? And do they actually make you faster? Read more >>

From the USA Swimming website... By Kristen Ziesmer, TrueSport Expert Fueling during training as a young athlete can be difficult. Often, practices are short and intense, and don’t include much time for snack breaks. However, your athlete will play their best if they are properly fueled for the work required of them, and that often means being able to sip a sports drink or take a quick bite of a banana between drills in practice or on game day. Read more >>

From the SwimSwam website... By Ari Meyer Oatmeal is one of my favorite satiating breakfasts to eat after a long taxing swim. This powerhouse breakfast choice has complex carbs to ensure energy is replenished post swim and fiber to aid in muscle function and digestion. The peanut butter and jelly toppings not only add a sweet, nostalgic flavor, but are a great source of protein, fats, and fruit! This meal will have you ready to tackle even the toughest of sets! Read more >>

From SwimmingWorld Magazine website... By Brad Jones, Swimming World Contributor One common trait that you will consistently see in successful senior level swimmers is that they have complete ownership of their swimming. Over my years of working with high school kids on the Bellingham Bay Swim Team, I’ve realized that the idea of ownership is frequently used but often misunderstood. Read more >>

From the USA Swimming website... By TrueSport Setting goals can be fun—or it can be a big challenge. Should you set goals that you know you can achieve, or make a season goal that's going to be a huge stretch? As an athlete, you likely want to win games or excel in competitions, but you also know that you can't control how the rest of your team plays, or which competitors show up on the start line. Does that mean you shouldn't set that goal? Read more >>

From the Swimming World website... By PETER MARTIN Among the most important things an athlete can do is set goals, and with these goals come standards. Proper training, sleep, and nutrition are vital necessities for success in any sport. But balancing these priorities can be challenging when jobs, schooling, and other obstacles come into play. Read more >>

From the Swimming World website... By ALYSSA BLAIR Like any sport, swimming has its own set of words. Here we have compiled a list of some of the most commonly used and commonly confusing terms and phrases swimmers use that non-swimmers may not understand. Read more >>

From the Swimming World website... By KRISTEN WAGNER Dear Coach, I would like to begin this letter by asking you a question. A simple, one-word question: Why? Why did you pursue this career? Why do you wake up at the most ungodly hours every day, just to inevitably scream at your swimmers for breathing off the wall? Why do you devote countless hours of your life to the fate of our swimming careers? Why do you care? Luckily for you, these are questions that I already know the answers to....

From the SwamSwam website... By Joey Puglessi Each swim season seems to begin the same way as the last. From goal setting, scheduling, getting back in shape and beyond, we plan on a smooth transition from the last season. All too often, we forget to consider the uncontrollable circumstances or events that could impact a season. Injuries, illness, mental health concerns, and other unexpected obstacles can greatly alter the course of a season, or multiple seasons. Read more >>