GLA Masters may swim as many or as few times per week as their schedule and motivation allow.  Most of our adult athletes train during the morning sessions, with goals ranging from basic technique improvement to hard-core race training.  Numerous area triathletes visit GLA for both technique and aerobic training.  Whatever your level of interest and ability, GLA is a welcome environment in which to hone swim skills.

        GLA enjoys a reputation for having fun working hard.  The youthful environment is invigorating and enjoyable.  The coaching staff provides timely feedback on technique and training paces.  Individual goals are recognized and supported. 

    

        GLA swims year round.  During the traditional school year, Kalamazoo College Natatorium is the training ground; the summer months are spent outdoors at the City of Kalamazoo’s Kik Pool.  GLA also runs a dryland strength training program to complement the water works.

        For more information about the program, contact                

                        Great Lakes Aquatics

                        Coach Vince Gallant

                        phone/fax: 269-349-9873

                        vincegallant@gmail.com

www.michiganmasters.com

GLA Master’s Update

May 2, 2011

Congratulations to Frank Cody on his great performances at both the Michigan State Championships and USA Masters Nationals!  See the GLA Update for more details.

Best wishes to all of our triathletes preparing for summer races, including Megan James in this week’s Kalamazoo Marathon, and Marty Mann at the late-June “Escape from Alcatraz.” 

GLA Masters Profiles

               Frank Cody

Age: 70                                      Occupation: Professor

Participation:

    3 practices per week, normally in the morning.

    # of years swimming: 61 years

    # of years with GLA: 2 1/2 years

Goals:

    Frank’s primary aim is to be in good physical condition.  Since he turns 70 for meters competition on January 1 and for yards on September 13, 2010, he has a shot at high ranking in national and world competition.  He would like to find himself in the world top ten in a number of events such as the 200 fly, 200 breast, and 400 IM by the end of next year and also get some high places at the biannual World Masters Championship Meet in Sweden in August, 2010.  He says, “It would also be fun to attain individual All-American recognition from placing first in the U.S. in an event for a swim season; something I have a shot for in the above events in my new age group.” 

Question: Why do you like to train in a team environment?

Frank: I feel a tad guilty if I miss a practice and find I push myself harder than I do when swimming alone.  I also like the camaraderie and the chance to interact with swimmers of all ages.

Question: What do you feel are the benefits to training with GLA?

Frank: Good coaching, which includes individualization and personalization.  Encouragement and cheers on the side. 

               Doug Williams

                 (picture not yet available)

Age: 50                            Occupation: Chemist

Participation: 3 times/ week, normally mornings

# of years swimming: 35 years

# of years with GLA 13 years

Goals:

    Doug wants excellent aerobic fitness and a friendly level of competitive achievement.  He also uses swimming to help him manage personal stress.  By improving swimming skills, he strives to maintain personal discipline and health, both physical and mind-body aptitude. 

Question: Why do you like to train in a team environment?

Doug: Motivation through association and friendly competition.  Objective assessment of my technique and conditioning.

Question: What do you feel are the benefits to training with GLA?

Doug: Knowledgeable and positive coaching provides achievable goals and maximizes my efforts.  Community of fellow swimmers creates motivation and opportunity to help others achieve and grow.

Doug hasn’t competed in a masters swimming meet since 2005, but he has recently completed his first triathlon.  On July 19, 2009, he competed in the men’s 50-54 year-old age division at the Minnesota State Triathlon Championships.  He finished 2nd in his age group in the swim with a time of 13:24 for the half mile open water course.  Great Job, Doug!

                   Martin Mann

Age: 61                       

Occupation: Regulatory Affairs Manager

Participation: 2-4 practices/ week, normally mornings

# of years swimming: since 1982

# of years with GLA: since 1996

Goals:

    From swimming, Marty wants fitness, enjoyment, and the ability to compete from time to time in open water events, such as the Alcatraz swim in San Francisco, CA.  By improving his swimming skills, he hopes to prevent injury and get faster and more efficient.

Question: Why do you like to train in a team environment?

Marty: I would not push myself otherwise.

Question: What do you feel are the benefits to training with GLA?

Marty: Great coaching staff, convenient workout schedules, and the support of fellow team members.

                Megan James

                  (picture not yet available)

Age: 38

Occupation: Principle Engineer Stryker Instruments (designs drills and saws for orthopedic, neuro and spine surgery)

Participation: 1 practice/ week, normally mornings

# of years swimming: 30 years

# of years with GLA: 11 years

Goals:

    Megan wants to maintain decent speed for triathlons as well as general fitness, especially in the upper body.  By improving her swimming skills, she wants to stay fit and happy for a long, long time.

Question: Why do you like to train in a team environment?

Megan: Much more motivation to work hard and swim more.

Question: What do you feel are the benefits to training with GLA?

Megan: I love the mix of age group and masters swimmers of all levels.  There are people who can challenge you in any set and lots of people who are doing incredible things with their swimming.