Coaching and Training Plans
Have anxieties about the creatures lurking in
the water? Miss the comfort of lane lines and a wall to hang onto? Hesitant about swimming in cold water? Can't quite get the hang of
sighting and swimming in a straight line? Need help with your stroke
technique? Preparing for your first open water swim? Or are you a
seasoned swimmer getting prepared for a long-distance marathon swim?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then let me help.
Coaching
Whether it's a one-time consultation or ongoing coaching, I will make you feel comfortable and effective in the open water.
One time consultations are $90 for one hour-plus
and include video-taped analysis of your stroke with a high definition
video camera (the video is downloaded on a disc and mailed to you with a
detailed written analysis - normally within 48 hours of our session). Ongoing coaching rates are based on the number of sessions, e.g. 2-5
60-minute sessions are $75. And all consultations come with a laminated
copy of my "12 Tips for Aqua-Dynamic Excellence."
All open water coaching is done at Aquatic Park
in San Francisco or at Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay. Coaching at other
locations may involve a nominal travel fee.
Training Plans
If you're a seasoned swimmer looking to swim a
long-distance event, I can develop a season-long training plan that will
give you the edge for a successful swim. Using your current training
regimen, I'll incorporate the same structure and methodology that helped
me successfully complete a 6-mile swim in Key West (6/20/08), a 9-mile
swim in Honolulu (12/9/08) and a 12-mile swim in Perth Australia
(2/21/09). Costs run between $100 and $200 depending on the nature and
length of your swimming goal and preparatory training period.
Testimonials
"Swimming is still not my favorite but I
definitely improved on my original [Wildflower swim leg] time. You were
great and if I didn't say it before...you made all the difference
between a long, panicked swim and a long relaxing one!" - Dawn K
"Had Wildflower Tri yesterday. My mental demons
appeared after 100 yards in the water but I blew out the "last candle
on the cake," sucked it in and completed the swim in 27:08. Thank you
so much for being in my corner!" - Dan B
"Thanks again for a great lesson and a fun
morning! I really appreciate your guidance through the water (sort of
like having a guardian angel in a kayak) and I was amazed how my
swimming improved." - Vickie S
"Thanks a lot Gary! I improved my time from
last year's swim by 10:33. That may not mean much since there was more
assistance from the tide this year but I sure felt great getting out of
the water and it helped me to do better for the rest of the [Escape from
Alcatraz Triathlon]. I know that my performance benefited from your
guidance and I hope I get more opportunities to do [Alcatraz] again." - George B
"Thanks again for boosting my confidence 100 percent with the swim. Seriously...I am so much more at ease about the swim." - Perry S
"Hey Gary! Thanks for your great coaching
today. You're the best! I may actually be able to do this Alcatraz
swim after all. Now I'm beginning to stress about the run. Remind me,
why do I sign up for these events?" - Marcella C
"Gary, a big THANK YOU for all your help this
summer...from helping me with my stroke [to] inspiring me to ditch the
wetsuit - you've helped make my 2009 summer a very memorable one...Thank
you!" - Greg K
BEFORE Alcatraz
"My main goal is to reduce my initial
anxiety...[I] have a problem with catching my breath and feeling that I
am having a panic attack."
AFTER Alcatraz
"I jumped in the water and did not panic. I was
so relaxed and actually enjoyed it. I am definitely going to do it
next year...Thanks again for all your support - it really helped." - Rose R
"Thanks so much for the advice you gave me to
help my shoulder. I practiced reaching lower in the water instead of
straight out...I am happy to report that my shoulder is pain free this
morning." - Suzanne G.
"I
want to tell you how much "one-eyed breathing" has helped my stroke. Everything feels much easier and smoother. I know my speed has
increased [because] I am pulling ahead of people I was swimming right
beside before." - Terri H.
"Just though I'd [give] you a quick update. I'm
definitely using a lot less energy moving at the same speed. I seem to
cover the laps much more comfortably now with energy still left at the
end. I find that actually trying harder doesn't mean I speed up - I
just expend more energy; relaxing and gliding and actually slowing
things down seems to have more effect." - Sian T.
"I want to tell you the swimming tips you gave us really
helped. In the past couple of days, I've dropped 2 seconds off my
fastest 100 yards annd have done it several times now so it must be
these modifications! The best part is I don't feel like I'm exerting
any extra energy!" - Beccah R.
"I want to thank
you for your swim training prior to the Alcatraz Tri. What you may find
interesting is...swimming has been my worst event consitently for the
last five years...until this event...I did as well on the swim relative
to [my age group] as I did on the run! Maybe I'm not [just] a runner
anymore. Couldn't have done it with you!" - Jeff S.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you for preparing me so amazingly
perfectly for today's 12.5 mile swim around Key West!!! I felt great
during the entire thing, had tons of energy, and ate and hydrated well,
all thanks to your plan and mentoring! I'm 100% confident that I would
not have made it without your guidance, so again, a huge thank you!" - Beccah R