Champion's Mojo for Masters Swimmers

In this compelling interview, Allison Hayden, a 53 year old multi-national champion swimmer with the St. Pete Masters, shares her journey and triumphs as a versatile athlete excelling in multiple disciplines. Known for her prowess in the 200 butterfly and middle-distance freestyle, Allison dives into her unique training regimen, discussing the mental challenges of training alone in the Maine winter and her approach to maintaining motivation.Allison’s swimming story is as multifaceted as her strokes. From her college career at UNC Wilmington, where she studied marine biology and trained alongside future Olympic coach Todd DeSorbo, to her post-college transition as a professional triathlete and open-water swimmer, she has consistently pushed boundaries. A defining chapter of her journey includes swimming with a college club team at age 34 while coaching and training alongside younger athletes, proving age is no barrier to high performance. Her passion for open-water swimming shines, with her favorite event being the 10K, a challenge she embraces for its mental and physical demands.Top 5 Questions Answered in the InterviewHow do you win a high-point award at a meet?What’s the secret to training alone and staying motivated?Is it possible to train effectively in unconventional settings, like a small pool or alone at sea on a ship?How can a swimmer transition between sports or stages of life and maintain peak performance?What draws swimmers to open water events, and why is the 10K Allison’s favorite?Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Whether you’re a coach, swimmer, or simply a sports enthusiast, this episode will inspire you with insights into the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and connection.Dive into this episode as Jonathan Kaplan, the visionary behind SwimRVA, Rapids Swim Team shares how he turned a small swimming program into a thriving community of over 580 passionate swimmers. Discover the secrets to creating an environment where swimmers, from kids to adults, feel empowered, responsible, and excited to return to the pool. Learn how fostering fun and mentorship builds a lifelong love for swimming and strengthens communities. What’s the secret to turning casual swimmers into lifelong enthusiasts? Join us to uncover Jonathan Kaplan’s innovative approach that blends fun, responsibility, and mentorship to create a ripple effect in the swimming world. From inspiring stories to actionable strategies, this episode is your lane to transforming the way you think about swimming, coaching, and building a vibrant swim community. Don’t miss it—dive in now!Check our Jonathan's Inspiring Sports Nation Channel https://www.isnation.com/coach/642/bioEmail us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Swimmers are more likely to get eczema because of the drying nature of chlorine. 31 Million Americans have eczema, an itchy skin condition. What if the solution to your itchy skin is causing more harm than good? Join me, Kelly Palace, for an authentic look at my chilling encounter with topical steroids. It all began with a little tube of ointment prescribed for the eczema caused by my swimming goggles—a quick fix that spiraled into a full-blown nightmare. As I navigated through this ordeal, my reliance on stronger steroids grew, leading to a debilitating condition known as topical steroid withdrawal syndrome. My story sheds light on the often-hidden dangers of these treatments and challenges the notion that they are a cure-all for eczema and contact dermatitis.This episode is more than just a personal cautionary tale; it is a wake-up call for anyone who trusts topical steroids to treat their skin conditions. I reveal the sobering truth about how these medications merely mask underlying issues like allergies or stress and the lack of awareness in the medical community about alternative treatments. Through personal anecdotes and insights from medical professionals, we expose the urgent need for change in how eczema is treated, impacting millions of lives. Tune in to discover the real story behind topical steroids and why it's crucial to look beyond the surface.Kelly's experience with eczema due to swimmingThe role and risks of topical steroidsUnderstanding topical steroid withdrawal syndromeKelly's connection with Dr. Rappaport, DermatologistCo-Founding the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network www.ITSAN.orgEncouragement to seek non-steroidal alternativesPreventable: A Documentary about TSWS by Briana BanosEmail us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Elite masters champion Britta O'Leary, a member of Georgia Masters, joins us to share her inspiring journey as she transitions into the 40-44 age group. Britta offers an inside look at her recent experiences at the South Carolina Short Course Meters Championships, revealing the delicate balance she maintains between her swimming passion and her bustling personal life. Despite a hectic year filled with extensive travel and family commitments, Britta's story is one of resilience and adaptability. She candidly discusses the challenges she faces and how she manages to keep her training on track through it all. Britta emphasizes the true essence of master swimming—having fun, setting diverse goals, and most importantly, listening to one's body as we age. Britta swam in college at the University of Miami, Florida.Swimming as a lifelong sport is a central theme in our conversation, with Britta highlighting the flexibility it offers. The episode underscores that it's perfectly fine to step away when life demands it, knowing that the pool is always there when you’re ready to return. The beauty of master swimming lies in its accessibility, allowing enthusiasts to re-engage at any time, whether it's once a week or more. Britta's insights remind us of the profound fitness and community benefits that even a small connection to the sport can provide. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Britta for sharing her experiences and wish her the best in her ongoing swimming journey and future pursuits. Tune in to be inspired by Britta’s unwavering commitment to keeping the joy of swimming alive.Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.