Elizabeth Artley's Posts - Leimert Park Beat2024-03-29T11:07:35ZElizabeth Artleyhttps://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profile/ElizabethArtleyhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/61122775?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=2z200rnzutamv&xn_auth=noSwimming With Hearttag:www.leimertparkbeat.com,2016-11-17:677129:BlogPost:1641532016-11-17T22:30:00.000ZElizabeth Artleyhttps://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profile/ElizabethArtley
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70838212?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70838212?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="212"></img></a> After suffering a heart attack six years ago, Jerome Smith’s heart only pumps at 34 percent of a healthy one. But that hasn’t kept the 73-year-old from blasting away at <a href="http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm" target="_blank">SCAQ Masters</a> swim workouts. And now he plans to compete in his first swim meet in 15 years.</p>
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<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70838212?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="212" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70838212?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="212" class="align-center"/></a> After suffering a heart attack six years ago, Jerome Smith’s heart only pumps at 34 percent of a healthy one. But that hasn’t kept the 73-year-old from blasting away at <a href="http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm" target="_blank">SCAQ Masters</a> swim workouts. And now he plans to compete in his first swim meet in 15 years.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> Smith said he is looking forward to completing a goal, as well as the experience of swimming against himself and the clock.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> After his 2009 heart attack in Bikram Yoga, Smith went three minutes without a pulse. But one week later he was back in the water.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> And his healthy lifestyle will go far in keeping him out of the ambulance; a Mayo Clinic study showed that only by moving at your VO2 max (the maximum volume of oxygen that an athlete can use) does your body generate certain metabolic enzymes and hormones that are so beneficial to health and longevity. It goes back to our genetics for survival: we needed something extra to escape the lions and tigers and bears. Oh my!</p>
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<p> “It’s so good for you,” Smith said. “But it only happens when you push yourself to the max. Anyway, it seems to be working well for me. God knows I hate doing anything at a slow, plodding pace.”</p>
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<p> So get out and get moving today! Start the blood pumping for healthy heart. You can join Jerome at one of his regular workouts at Southern California Aquatics. We hold workouts all over the L.A. area including downtown, Echo Park and the Westside. Come out for a swim today! Swim.net, SCAQ@SWIM.net.</p>Swim meets open to all adultstag:www.leimertparkbeat.com,2016-04-21:677129:BlogPost:1580532016-04-21T19:51:46.000ZElizabeth Artleyhttps://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profile/ElizabethArtley
<p>Many remember scoring that goal or winning a race fondly from childhood. But growing up doesn’t have to mean the end of team sports! Two swimmers, Rossella Pescatori and Chris Wall, have kept competing as adults, which helps them both remember how they fell in love with the water in the first place.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837768?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" height="204" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837768?profile=original" width="306"></img></a> Pescatori, 45, was heartbreakingly close to competing in the…</p>
<p>Many remember scoring that goal or winning a race fondly from childhood. But growing up doesn’t have to mean the end of team sports! Two swimmers, Rossella Pescatori and Chris Wall, have kept competing as adults, which helps them both remember how they fell in love with the water in the first place.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837768?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837768?profile=original" width="306" class="align-left" height="204"/></a>Pescatori, 45, was heartbreakingly close to competing in the Olympics for her native Italy. She placed third in the 200-meter breaststroke in the trials both in 1988 and in 1992-just missing the team by one spot! Now, the mother and part-time swim coach approaches competitions differently.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The atmosphere at the local meets is friendly, and there is no pressure,” Pescatori said. “Anytime you finish a race you win. I should’ve taken that attitude when I was younger. I would’ve performed better.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Pescatori coaches twice per week for <a href="http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm" target="_blank">Southern California Aquatics</a> (SCAQ) in El Segundo. A group of her swimmers are interested in competing, and she is creating a blog to encourage more to join them: <a href="http://competitivescaq.blogspot.com" target="_blank">competitivescaq@blogspot.com.</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chris Wall, 54, who came into SCAQ with no swimming experience, said the environment at the meets is “very encouraging” for all levels of swimmers. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837842?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837842?profile=original" width="421" class="align-right" height="561"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Wall started working out with SCAQ at USC in 2007 and credits the club with changing his lifestyle. Though he used to run track in college, he found he could no longer run the way he used to and decided to try swimming, an exercise that does not put weight on the joints. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Wall realized that he missed competing, and he’s now participated in about 25 meets. Despite picking up the sport in middle age, he has had several breakout performances. In 2013, he placed third in his age group for the 50 free at Nationals, and in 2014, his relay placed first, also at Nationals.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Both Wall and Pescatori view swimming as a stress-reliever from the busy day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“I swim when I need to vent my pent-up energy. It’s exercise for every part of the body. You work out everything in an hour, and when you’re done, you’re also clean,” Pescatori said.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Swimmers interested in competing, visit Pescatori’s blog at <a href="mailto:competitivescaq@blogspot.com">competitivescaq@blogspot.com</a> and post a reply with her contact information. You can also email her at rpescatori@gmail.com.</p>
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<p> </p>Cold, Dark, Rainy...Even Olympians Struggle to Exercisetag:www.leimertparkbeat.com,2016-02-26:677129:BlogPost:1569022016-02-26T02:00:00.000ZElizabeth Artleyhttps://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profile/ElizabethArtley
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837766?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="313" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837766?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="487"></img></a></p>
<p>Two swimmers, Bob Beresh and David Walters, are opposites when it comes to skill-level. Beresh, a beginner, started attending organized, coached workouts about two months ago. Walters, a national standout, competed on the U.S. 4x200 freestyle relay with Michael Phelps in the 2008 Olympics.</p>
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<p>But they both share a struggle that anyone trying to exercise can…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837766?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="594" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837766?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="487" class="align-full" height="313"/></a></p>
<p>Two swimmers, Bob Beresh and David Walters, are opposites when it comes to skill-level. Beresh, a beginner, started attending organized, coached workouts about two months ago. Walters, a national standout, competed on the U.S. 4x200 freestyle relay with Michael Phelps in the 2008 Olympics.</p>
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<p>But they both share a struggle that anyone trying to exercise can relate to: getting moving during the winter months. In particular, jumping in the water in weather that makes most people want to grab a sweatshirt or umbrella.</p>
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<p>“Just show up. That’s my advice,” Walters said. He also holds the American Record in the 100-meter freestyle. “The relief of accomplishing it motivates you to make it to the next workout.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After his last competition in 2012, Walters took a break from swimming. Although he enjoyed surfing, he found that it did not provide the same intensity he was used to in a workout. Finally, as a New Year’s resolution, he started swimming with the Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ) club at the University of Southern California.</p>
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<p>Walters said when he returned; he was not in the fast lane. “I’m taking it one day at a time. It seems like everyone at SCAQ is trying to improve so it’s very motivating. We push each other.”</p>
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<p>Even though Beresh is new to the water, he has already found a home with SCAQ. When he first started attending workouts, around the same time as Walters, he couldn’t make it to the other side of the pool without getting winded, such that he had to stop and couldn’t make it back. Now he can swim 1000 yards without stopping. His wife, Robyn, is a “superstar swimmer” who has been with SCAQ since 2009. At first Bob was worried that he would be invading her territory, but now they can attend workouts together.</p>
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<p>Winter may seem like an odd time to pick up a water sport, but Beresh has friends who keep him grounded.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“All of them are open-water swimmers who don’t wear a wetsuit, so they would’ve laughed at me if I complained,” he said. “There’s a real beauty to swimming in conditions that aren’t ideal.”</p>
<p>To sign up or find out more, email: news@ swim.net </p>
<p> </p>Triathletes 'Lap Up' Organized Swim Workoutstag:www.leimertparkbeat.com,2015-06-24:677129:BlogPost:1510572015-06-24T22:30:00.000ZElizabeth Artleyhttps://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profile/ElizabethArtley
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837266?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="455" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837266?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="303"></img></a> Jason May and Melanie Webber, two local triathletes, have excelled in competition and both started out in the pool. One has reached the elite level and the other is a novice swimmer, but they both enjoy the sport and the time they spend swimming laps.</p>
<p>Triathlon season is approaching! And they’re gearing up again.</p>
<p>Melanie Webber has competed in nine triathlons, but…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837266?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837266?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="303" class="align-full" height="455"/></a>Jason May and Melanie Webber, two local triathletes, have excelled in competition and both started out in the pool. One has reached the elite level and the other is a novice swimmer, but they both enjoy the sport and the time they spend swimming laps.</p>
<p>Triathlon season is approaching! And they’re gearing up again.</p>
<p>Melanie Webber has competed in nine triathlons, but has no swimming background. She describes herself as a “complete amateur” in the water, but says that since she joined the adult swim club <a href="http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm" target="_blank">Southern California Aquatics</a> (SCAQ) in 2008, her technique has improved.</p>
<p>“Being at the Plunge is an integral part of my training,” she said. “In fact, it’s the only way I’ve ever trained.”</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837303?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837303?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="354" class="align-full" height="440"/></a></p>
<p>SCAQ offers workouts at nine locations in the Los Angeles area, including <a href="https://www.clubassistant.com/club/facilities/facility.cfm?c=1&fid=5" target="_blank">Echo Park</a> and <a href="https://www.clubassistant.com/club/facilities/facility.cfm?c=1&fid=106" target="_blank">USC</a>.<a href="https://www.clubassistant.com/club/facilities/facility.cfm?c=1&fid=3859" target="_blank"><br/></a></p>
<p>Jason May, a firefighter and beach lifeguard of 22 years, has competed in three Ironman triathlons. This race consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run; it is the longest of the triathlon competitions. He has held the fastest swim split in each of his races, an accomplishment he attributes in part to time at the Plunge and specifically with SCAQ Swim Club.</p>
<p>“I think coached, organized workouts has gotten me there,” he said. “I would absolutely recommend it to anyone training for a triathlon. It has great coaching, flexible practice times, and open water swimming practice.”</p>
<p>Webber attends the SCAQ workouts or lap swims even when she is not prepping for a race. She said any triathlete would find the club “invaluable” because of the discipline and the chance to learn from a variety of coaches.</p>
<p>Webber just began training for the Nautica Malibu Triathlon in September 2015. It’s not too late to join her!</p>
<p>Come take the plunge. Get your laps in. There are no shortcuts to accomplish what you want. And to maximize your time and help you hit your goal, you’re welcome to attend a free, coached workout to find out what it takes to get started, or to reach a higher level: SCAQ@SWIM.net</p>2015 Ocean Swim Seriestag:www.leimertparkbeat.com,2015-05-08:677129:BlogPost:1502042015-05-08T23:30:00.000ZElizabeth Artleyhttps://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profile/ElizabethArtley
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837176?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="279" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837176?profile=original" width="455"></img></a> <span>This year, Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ) has expanded its</span> 2015 Ocean Swim Series to include safe, high quality; affordable and fun swim options during the week as well as both morning and evening sessions. <span>SCAQ is an adult swim club that also offers pool practices at nine locations, including USC and Echo Park. Ocean swimming is great workout for…</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837176?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70837176?profile=original" width="455" class="align-full" height="279"/></a><span>This year, Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ) has expanded its</span> 2015 Ocean Swim Series to include safe, high quality; affordable and fun swim options during the week as well as both morning and evening sessions. <span>SCAQ is an adult swim club that also offers pool practices at nine locations, including USC and Echo Park. Ocean swimming is great workout for triathletes, surfers, and lap swimmers who'd like to look at something other than the black line at the bottom of the pool!</span> But first, please make sure you can swim 1000 yards in 20 minutes. These workouts are not for beginners! Also, fill out the free workout form online at <a href="https://www.clubassistant.com/club/tw.cfm?c=1" target="_blank">https://www.clubassistant.com/club/tw.cfm?c=1</a><a href="https://www.clubassistant.com/club/or.cfm?c=1" target="_blank"><br/></a></p>
<p>2015 CALENDAR</p>
<p>Tues Morning - 6am - Hermosa Beach - 13th Street Tower, STARTING May 12</p>
<p>Thurs Morning - 6am - Santa Monica Beach - Tower 26 STARTED this morning May 7</p>
<p>Fri Evenings 6pm - Sunset Swim Series - Alternating between Santa Monica Tower 2 May 22 & Hermosa Beach 13th Street Tower May 29 </p>
<p>After these evening swims there will be happy hours! If you do not want to swim, come anyway around 7pm! </p>
<p>SAFETY. We opted to renew our Tuesday & Thursday morning permits from 2014, and Friday evening permits were secured. This means permits, lifeguards and insurance in place so the highest level of safety net available. We greatly respect the power of the ocean and you can never be too safe. </p>
<p>AFFORDABLE. The Ocean Swim Series will remain free due to the generosity of SCAQ, California Triathlon & Xterra Wetsuits who are underwriting the costs of the permits, lifeguards, insurance, coaching time and other resources.</p>
<p>FIRST EVENING SWIMS: We are pleased to offer a great swim option for Friday night at the Annenberg Community Beach House. We offer both swim and swim/run options. Everyone is invited to stay for some post training refreshments. Join us for a happy hour at Back on the Beach Cafe. </p>
<p>The 2014 Ocean Swim Series was a major success and your call for more swim options were heard. Dust off that wetsuit and get down to the beach pronto! <span><br/></span></p>
<p>Join CalTri - free at <a href="http://www.californiatriathlon.org/">http://www.californiatriathlon.org/</a> </p>
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<p>ONE DAY OCEAN SWIM CLINICS with SCAQ Coach and English Channel Swimmer Mallory Mead, an open water swimmer with over 18 years of racing experience. Among Mallory's open water swimming credits include the English Channel, Catalina Channel, and racing professionally on the FINA Open Water Grand Prix circuit.</p>
<p>BEGINNER OCEAN CLINICS are for swimmers that can swim at least 500yds non-stop, or those who suffer from anxiety. The clinic will emphasize instruction in stroke technique and open water specific skills in the pool portion, while the ocean portion will focus mainly on safety and entering and exiting the surf and preparing for open water races. Offered Saturdays 5/16, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11 and 8/1.</p>
<p>Only 4 spots remaining for 5/16 clinic!</p>
<p>ADVANCED BEGINNER OCEAN CLINICS are for swimmers that can hold 1:45/100 yards or better and can swim a mile nonstop. The clinic will emphasize instruction in stroke technique and open water specific skills in the pool portion, while the ocean portion will focus mainly on safety and entering and exiting the surf and preparing for open water races. Offered Saturdays 5/30, 7/18 and 8/15.</p>
<p>Both Clinics are 8am-11am. They begin at Westwood and then move down to the beach. Cost is $85. Register on line <a href="http://www.swim.net/triclinics.cfm">http://www.swim.net/triclinics.cfm</a></p>
<p> <a href="http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm" target="_blank">SCAQ Swim Club</a></p>Swimming Strokes the Strokes Awaytag:www.leimertparkbeat.com,2015-02-06:677129:BlogPost:1461972015-02-06T20:30:00.000ZElizabeth Artleyhttps://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profile/ElizabethArtley
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836766?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="487" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836766?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"></img></a></p>
<p><span>Lewis Carter, 77, (right) and Jerome Smith, 71, (left) discovered a passion that boosted their health.</span></p>
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<p>State University of New York says swimmers have lower heart rates compared to those of non-swimmers. Swimming was also found to be a viable workout for people in cardiac rehabilitation and recovering from heart failure or artery disease. …</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836766?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836766?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650" class="align-full" height="487"/></a></p>
<p><span>Lewis Carter, 77, (right) and Jerome Smith, 71, (left) discovered a passion that boosted their health.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>State University of New York says swimmers have lower heart rates compared to those of non-swimmers. Swimming was also found to be a viable workout for people in cardiac rehabilitation and recovering from heart failure or artery disease. In fact, churning it up in the water is impact-free and is good for everything: obesity, bad backs, hips and your heart.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One swimmer, Jerome Smith, 71, can certainly attest to that. He suffered a heart attack in 2009, and though he could “barely make it across the pool,” he attended practices with Southern California Aquatics Club (SCAQ) 3-4 times per week.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>SCAQ is an adult swim club that offers workouts for every skill level, even if you can’t swim. Practices are held at nine different locations in the Los Angeles area.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Smith said he would recommend swimming to anyone with a heart condition.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It’s the best exercise in the world. I notice clearly the blood pumping through my system after a workout.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>According to SCAQ swimmer and cardiologist Robert Merz, who works at Pacific Heart Institute, coronary disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Regular aerobic exercise is a big step towards prevention, as well as a healthful diet and abstaining from smoking. Merz said swimming is an exercise people can continue into mid-adulthood and beyond, unlike injury-prone sports such as football and basketball. It is also an alternative for those who have joint problems from other activities such as jogging or riding a bike.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lewis Carter, 77, is another who reaped the health benefits of swimming at a later age. Three years ago, he started having heart problems, but that hasn’t stopped him from practicing with SCAQ.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It makes me feel visible in nature, and like I belong here,” he said. “It makes my whole body feel good.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So find a SCAQ workout at USC and eight other area pools at: <a href="http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm">http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm</a> and sign up for a free trial! You find a spot for your speed between the Olympians and beginners.</p>
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<p> </p>New Year's Resolution: Swim Like A Penguintag:www.leimertparkbeat.com,2014-12-15:677129:BlogPost:1439152014-12-15T23:00:00.000ZElizabeth Artleyhttps://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profile/ElizabethArtley
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836675?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="371" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836675?profile=original" width="560"></img></a> Most people ring in the New Year with champagne and a late night. But a group of dedicated “Penguins” choose to commemorate it with a cold dip in the ocean.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cecelia Kilger, a Los Angeles transplant, began the tradition in 1952. As a child, she swam in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. After getting caught in the surf off Playa del Rey, she got a tip to try…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836675?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836675?profile=original" width="560" class="align-full" height="371"/></a>Most people ring in the New Year with champagne and a late night. But a group of dedicated “Penguins” choose to commemorate it with a cold dip in the ocean.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cecelia Kilger, a Los Angeles transplant, began the tradition in 1952. As a child, she swam in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. After getting caught in the surf off Playa del Rey, she got a tip to try the Venice Beach backwater area.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There, she found other swimmers, and they met up throughout the year. One lifeguard suggested they start an informal club, and in 1960, the group became official. Since then, the “Penguin Club” has kicked off the year with an ocean swim. It is dedicated to Cecelia, who died at the age of 94 in 2002.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ), a Masters swim club, now runs the event. Participants can choose between courses: one for people who swim for fun, and another for those who want to compete. Everyone will receive a certificate, but the fastest male and female swimmer in the competition course are crowned prince and princess. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Longtime event organizer Mary McGurk selects the king and queen from the amateur course. The swim is dedicated to her as well.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This event has no entry charge, and snacks and hot drinks are provided courtesy of the Sidewalk Café. Commemorative T-shirts are available for $10. Sign up at Venice Beach at 11:00 am. The Penguin Swim begins at noon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We at SCAQ invite you to tune up for this event at a free Swim 101 workout, where a professional coach will look at your stroke and teach you how to train in your pool. For advanced swimmers there are intermediate and advanced options. Find a practice near you on our website: <a href="http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm">http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm</a>. RSVP at <a href="mailto:SCAQ@SWIM.net">SCAQ@SWIM.net</a>. See you underwater!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Aspiring Olympian Pushes Adult Swimmers As Coachtag:www.leimertparkbeat.com,2014-12-12:677129:BlogPost:1437852014-12-12T23:29:22.000ZElizabeth Artleyhttps://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profile/ElizabethArtley
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836679?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="338" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836679?profile=original" width="534"></img></a> Nineteen seconds. For most of us, that’s not a lot of time to accomplish much, maybe fill up a glass of water, walk up the stairs, or get a leash for the dog.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But for aspiring Olympian Derek Toomey, that’s enough time to swim two laps of the pool.</p>
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<p>Toomey, who just finished his college swimming career at the University of Minnesota, moved to Los…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836679?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70836679?profile=original" width="534" class="align-full" height="338"/></a>Nineteen seconds. For most of us, that’s not a lot of time to accomplish much, maybe fill up a glass of water, walk up the stairs, or get a leash for the dog.</p>
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<p>But for aspiring Olympian Derek Toomey, that’s enough time to swim two laps of the pool.</p>
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<p>Toomey, who just finished his college swimming career at the University of Minnesota, moved to Los Angeles this fall to train for the 2016 Olympic Trials. He swims with the Trojan Club at the University of Southern California (USC) under coach Dave Salo.</p>
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<p>He is aiming to compete in the 50 freestyle-an event in which he holds the school record and became the first swimmer in Big Ten conference history to finish in less than 19 seconds. Toomey also swam the race in the 2012 Olympic trials, and ended up tied for 36<sup>th</sup> place.</p>
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<p>When he is not pushing himself in the pool, he is inspiring others to do the same as a swim coach for Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ), a Masters swim team that holds practices at eight locations, including USC and Echo Park Plunge.</p>
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<p>The program holds weekly stroke clinics and ocean workouts as preparation for triathlons, ocean competitions and pool meets. And practices can fit many work schedules as they take place morning, noon and night.</p>
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<p>The average SCAQ coach has as much, or more, swimming experience as Toomey: five are Olympians and almost all had college All-American times. But the casual swimmer should not be intimidated; SCAQ has a workout for every level, from novice to Olympian. So even if your 50 free clocks in at more like a minute and 19 seconds, there’s a lane open for you at Southern California Aquatics.</p>
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<p>Find a practice near you on our website: <a href="http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm">http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm</a>. See you underwater!</p>
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