CuttingWater

Thursday, March 31, 2011

18: Happy Birthday Jon

Young Jon Burr turns 18 today. a strong, dedicated student-athlete, who has been with our LEHY family for 10 years. I am sure Jon will swim well at YMCA Nationals next week and be a wonderful asset to the university he will attend this coming September. I am confident, Jon will carry on the torch to coach the future of the sport we share and love.

2's and fly for Jon

Tube: 18 x 50 (alternate breathing pattern, 3 on :45, 3 on :50)
Swim: 9 x 200 (***3:05, 25 fly/175 free, the fly moved around the 200)
Tube: 18 x 100 (1:35)
Swim: 9 x 200 ***
Tube: 18 x 50
= 7,200 Happy Birthday yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Looking forward to my massage

I decided to swim real easy today, in that I've been feeling some muscle twitches in the past couple of days. I know it's mostly an over use syndrome, so I don't want to do any more damage, it's time to listen to the body and BACK OFF!

I have a massage scheduled for later today and I must get that perk back into my program.
Tonight, we (the LEHY coaches) are having dinner with the swimmers who are competing at this year's YMCA Nationals, down in Fort Lauderdale, Florida next week. I wish them good weather, good swims and hope they meet some nice new friends. This is a very competitive swim meet, they have all worked very hard to get this privilege to race down south.... GOOD LUCK!!!!

Easy Does It
- all swimming, no drag, no toys

19 x 25 (:03 rest, alternating 1 drill: 2 easy full stroke)
19 x 50 (:50)
19 x 25 (same as above)
19 x 100 (1:30/1:35)
= 3,500 Birthday yards for LEHY alum: Zack Francis... have a safe and happy day and year.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Easy week, watching the muscles

Sometimes you just have to listen to the body and back off, I feel a tenderness in my lats, so tomorrow I will go real easy.

Monday was fun, I spoke with my pilot and friend, Mike Oram, it's so good to hear his wit.
My swim application is complete and I had to give Mike some payment information, yes, there is a lot money exchanged for these dreams to come true.

Monday, Monday

Fulcrum: 250 Modified Catch up
Buoy 5 x 50 (:50)
Swim: 3 x 1000 (14:30)
RevPad: 15 x 50 **(2 on :45, 3 on :50)
BigPad: 15 x 100 (1;30. 1:35, 1:40)
Pad:   15 x 50 **
Swim: 3 x 500 (7:15)
Tube: 5 x 50
Fulcrum: 250
= 8,500 yards

Tuesday, feeling the muscles

Buoy: 1000
Swim: *** 3 x 50 (:45) / 3 x 100 (1:30) /  3 x 200 (3:00) / 3 x 100 / 3 x 50
RevPad: 5 x 200 (3:05)
BigPad: 4 x 250 (3:55)
Pad:   5 x 200
Swim: ***
Tube: 1000
= 8,000 slow yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Happy Birthday and Good Luck at New Englands

I started my early day with a strong workout in honor of my 2 young swimmers, Julia and Charlie, who were competing in the afternoon at New England Championships.

It was a tough ride to Boston, feeling pretty sleepy. The meet woke me and I was much better on the ride home, listening to the UCONN/Arizona Basketball game on the radio.

Julia and Charlie did great, not all best times, but it was a long day for an 8 year old. Julz swam the 25 fly (PBT), 25 back (PBT) and 100 IM. Charlie swam the 50 free (PBT) and the 25 Breaststroke.

They will keep me coaching for another few years. The future looks GOOD for LEHY.

IM and Breaststroke, gotta do it sometimes

Tube: 1000
Swim: *** 100 IM / 6 x 50 (:50) Br/Fr / 100 IM
RevHansPad: 1000
Swim ***
BigPad: 1000
Swim: ***
Pad: 1000
Swim: ***
Buoy: 1000
= 7,000 FUN yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Hope today is the final snow day

Eagleville Dam
Actually it was nothing, a 1/2 of snow, just enough the make everyone in the northeast to say "come on, enough is enough".
Driving to the pool was easy, the lakes are clear of ice, so it won't be long to enter the cold.

I felt better in the water today, still tired but better.

Alright

Swim:
20 x 50 (:45)
15 x 100 (1;30)
10 x 150 (2:10)
5 x 200 (2:55)

Tube with drag
20 x 150 (alternate, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25)
= 8,000 yards


Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Distracted and tight

I couldn't shake the tightness out of my shoulders, maybe I slept in a weird position, or maybe I'm just a bit tired from the distractions we'e going through at the office.
I got through this Wednesday practice, watching the clock and laps slowly tick off.
Happy it is over, and I hope tomorrow is better.

Distracted: all swimming, no toys or drag

1 x 50 (:45 sec intervals)
2x 100
3 x 150
4 x 200
5 x 250
6 x 300
7 x 350
1 x 400 / 350 / 300 / 250 / 200 / 150 / 100 / 50
= 8,800 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

I hope I feel like this in June

I could have swam all day today, the arms and torso were moving in unison, and the laps just flew by leisurely, a very good day.

55 + drag

Swim: No Drag
1 x 2000 (29 min)
2 x 750 (10:45)
3 x 300 (4:20)
4 x 150 (2:15)
5 x 100 (1:25)

Drag and Big Paddles ( 25 Modified Catch-up/ 75 free)
2 x 400 (6:30)
4 x 200 (3:15) 
8 x 100 (1:35)
16 x 50 (:45)
= 8,500 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

Monday, March 21, 2011

Girl's got to FLY somedays

Short day, but a good workout, adding some fly. Butterfly really raises my heart rate in a short time.
... and it's such a beautiful stroke.

Fly Baby

Swim 1000 (75 free/ 25 fly) (15:15)
RevPad: 10 x 50 (:50)
Swim: 2 x 500 (25 fly / 100 free) (7:40)
RegPad: 10 x 100 (1:35)
Swim: 4 x 250 (25 fly/ 100 free) (3:50)
RevPad: 10 x 50 (:50)
Swim 5 x 200 (3:15) (25 fly/ 75 free)
= 6,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Happy Birthday Janet

Thank you Janet Galya for always being there for me, we've seen a lot of water together and you've helped me reach my goals in a fun and relaxed manner.

Thank you accepting my obsessions and being my life partner and the BEST crew chief, you should write a book.
What's next?
Love you sweetie.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Sweet end of the week

My gal, Janet, is turning 52 tomorrow, so I had a an AWESOME swim today in honor of her birth. I usually dedicate my swims on the the birthday, but I really want to relax tomorrow...
but what a GREAT workout, thanks Janet.

Fifty-Two by 250: 
I varied my interval, but averaged the 250 's on 3:40

52 x 250 (3:40)
= 13,000

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Spring is in the Air ... happy birthday Meghan

Meg and Baby Marcella
The sun is shining brighter, the thermometer is rising and everyone seems A BIT happier. My niece Meghan turns 24 years old today, such a sweet spirit.

John showed up to the pool, looked at the work out and said, "who's turning 24?"

24 years

Swim: 2400
Tube: 1150
Swim: 24 x 100 (1:30)
Tube: 1150
Swim: 2400
= 9500 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

St. Patrick's Day

What a difference a day makes, I felt so much better today; was it the rest, the steak, the green suit, or just a sunny, clear day. Probably a little of both, but I could have swam forever today, everything was cooperating.

An Irish 10K

Swim: 2500
Big Pad: 4 x 250 (3:45)
Swim: 2000
Big Pad: 3 x 250
Swim: 1500
Big Pad: 2 x 250
Swim: 1000
Big Pad: 1 x 250
Swim: 500
= 10,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

So tired

I don't know if it's the gloomy weather or the decaf (I ran out of my Sumatra X-Bold coffee), but that's not going to happen again.
I was so tired, so I just decided to do the drill thing and get some rest tonight and start all over tomorrow.

I really thought I could close my eyes and doze off.

Slow and Easy

Buoy: 800
Fulcrum: 200 (Modified Catch-up)
Rev. Hans Padd: 800
Fulcrum: 150
Big Pad: 800
Fulcrum: 100
Hans Paddle: 800
Fulcrum: 50
Tube: 800
= 4,500 easy yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The team is registered

I sent in the application to St. Vincent's Medical Center for our 2 person relay, this coming August.
I've teamed up with friend, Peggy Gaskill. Peg is from Washington State and is the sister of my swimming friend and SAS race director, Liz Fry. We have spent time in England together, me swimming and Peg being support crew for Liz's double attempts.

Peg likes open water swimming, but not as much as Liz and I do. So, Peg and I are teaming up for the 17 mike crossing of Long Island Sound, Port Jefferson, NY to Bridgeport, CT. www.swimacrossthesound.org

More to come as we get closer.

1's and 0's = 7

Swim: 10 x 100 (1:30)
Rev.Hans Pad: 1000 (25 Catch-Up/100 free)
Swim: 10 x100
Big Pad: 1000 (25 Modified CU/100free)
Swim: 10 x 100
HansPad: 1000
Swim: 10 x 100
= 7,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Day to pray

Today was a day off from the water, but I can;t stop thinking about Japan. The news only continues to get worse.

I find it difficult to smile and laugh, remembering all those in pain and who have lost their lives in this disaster in Japan.
I am blessed to be 'where' I am.
Thank you.
Peace and Love to all affected, we are praying for you.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

10 K for Japan

I am sad while driving to meet my swimming friends, Liz Fry and Jim Bayles at Brookfield, CT, for an early 10K.  


I'm distracted while thinking about all the horrific news from Japan, so many dead and the country destroyed. I, and so many, are praying for any hope and Japan will recover, someday. Earthquake, Tsunami and now Nuclear Breakdown.... tears keep flowing with every minute of news. Peace and Love to all affected. 

10K 4 Japan


Buoy: 1000
Swim: 4 x 500 (7:30) we were cranking these
RevPad: 4 x 150 (2:15)
Swim: 4 x 400 (6:00)
BigPad: 4 x 150
Swim: 4 x 300 Do you see a pattern?
RegPad: 4 x 150
Swim: 4 x 200
Tube: 4 x 150
Swim: 4 x 100
WarmDown: 4 x 150 1,3: Kick: 2,4 easy Modified Catch-up
= 10,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Happy Birthday Joanne

What a day for a Birthday, Joanne just arrived home in Kauai and she wakes to a Tsunami Warning. The wave and earthquake hit Japan, killing many and destroying much of the Japanese infra-structure.

54 of 6000

Fulcrum: 100 (Modified Catch-Up)
Swim: 15 x 100 (1:30)
F: 150 MCU
Swim: 12 x 100
F: 100 MCU
Swim: 12 x 100
F: 150
Swim: 15 x 100
F: 100
= 6, 000 Birthday yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Tired Week but getting through it

I don't know whether it's the dreary weather we've had recently, but my legs are killing me. They're very restles and my joints are feeling are few years older than they are.
Just keep going.

It was wonderful to see Joanne home in CT, but now she and Franci are heading back to paradise, Kauai, Hawaii... life is tough.

2 days of workouts

Wednesday: Drag to begin
Fulcrum 200
Tube: 800
RevPad: 16 x 50
Big Pad: 8 x 100
RegPad: 4 x 200
Buoy: 800
Fulcrum: 200

Swim: no drag
400 - 2 x 300 - 3 x 200 - 4 x 100 - 3 x 200 - 2 x 300 - 400
= 8,000 yards

Thursday: no drag
Swim: 2000 (30 min)
BigPad: 20 x 50 (:45) swim, no drill
Swim: 15 x 100
BP:  20 x 50
Swim: 1000
BP:  20 x 50
Swim: 500
= 8,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Spring is in the air

Tuesday, March 8th

It may not seem like spring is only 12 days away with the amount of snow on the ground, but you can smell the freshness and the melting of the snow banks is making everyone smile a little bit more.

I'm feeling pretty tired today, this coming weekend, I'm going to relax.

Tube: 500
Swim: 5 x 50, 5 x 100, 5 x 150, 5 x 200
Rev. Pad: 10 x 100
Big Pad: 5 x 200
Reg. Pad: 10 x 100
Swim: 5 x 150, 5 x 100, 5 x 50
Tube: 500
= 8,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

I hate Fog

Monday, March 7th

It's just not worth an accident.
So, I stayed home this morning, caught up on 'Patty Duke' and Mister Ed, while working o the abdominals and doing some weight training (10 lb. dumbbells)

Sometimes, you just have to stay home.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Feel the Drag

Can I feel the extra drag, my knees and hips are suffering.
I'm only using it on sets with drill or on a slower interval.

Swim; 1000 (15 min)/ 800/ 600/ 400/ 200/ 1000

drag with toys
Buoy: 16 x 50 (:50)
Rev Pad: 8 x 100
Big Pad: 4 x 200
Hans Pad: 2 x 400
Tube: 800
= 8,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Happy Birthday Charvelle

Tom, Kassandra and Bday gal, Charvelle
March 1st
My niece, Charvelle turned 20 today. I hope she follows her dreams and finds her way in front of the camera.

I started wear my new Drag suit today, only for my sets with the toys. I make my a men's drag suit into a skirt, it fits better, for me, around my legs.
Boy, can I feel the difference, especially off the walls.

Twenty 200's, 100's
Fulcrum 200 (Modified catch-up)
Buoy: 20 x 50 (:50)
Swim: 9 x 200 (3:00)
Rev. Hans Paddle: 10 x 100 (1:35/1:40)
Regular Hans Paddle: 10 x 100
Swim: 9 x 200 
Buoy: 20 x 50
Fulcrum: 200
= 8,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

2015 ... Swimming for Homes for the Brave

After spending the past 20 years paddling from Dover to France, it is time to venture into new waters, while helping some special people.
Soon, I will be traveling with my A-team to Scotland to swim the length of the famous Loch Ness.
As always, I try to help a Foundation raise funds and awareness and I thank you for interest and support.
I am deeply troubled with the thought of homeless individuals, especially in our US Veteran population.

That is why I am teaming up with our Connecticut-based “Homes for the Brave”. Can you imagine not having a place to call home?

Here is more information about Homes for the Brave! -Facebook pages – https://www.facebook.com/pages/ABRIHomes-for-the-Brave/199613606735630?ref=hl

- Annual Appeal with more information about our financials and programs- http://www.homesforthebrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/HFTB-2014-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf

-Check donations can be mailed to the following address:
Homes for the Brave
655 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604

- Donations can be made online as well: https://homesforthebrave.isecuresites.com/products/index.php?type=1110

Please write “Loch Ness Swim/Marcy” to track your donation.


I will always be dedicating my swimming to all those battling cancer and in the memory of 4 special people in my life. Cancer first hit my family when I was young. My grand-aunt Eleanor Kersavage, passed away with uterine cancer and my Auntie Bea Halchak battled with brain cancer.

On January 1, 2002, our LEHY family lost Nikki Giampolo to bone cancer, just turning 16 years old. Her spirit still lives on in our East Hartford swim team.

In July of 2009, my brother-in-law, Gregory Allen Urban, who passed away, after a valient battle with lung cancer. I can see him now, talking about cars and projects around the house, music and his family.

I know Aunties, Eleanor and Bea, Nikki, Greg and all the angels will help me CUT through all this water this summer.

The St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation, based in Bridgeport, CT provides financial support for the needs that Health insurance companies don't cover, in addition to providing affordable cancer screening, wigs, medication and other things to make life easier for those suffering with cancer and their families.

Please make a donation, and thank you.

Online donations can be made at: http://give.stvincents.org

or you can send a check through the post to:

Swim Across the Sound
St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation
2800 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06606
(203)576-5451

Thank you so very much, peace and good health to all.