Alvin Richardson
A Big Man from Little Creek
by Jim Harper >>> Photos by Brian Callan

At the start of a race, swimmers put on various faces. Some have a blank stare, as if in a state of shock. Others twitch and huff and puff while sizing up the competition. Some seem able to chat and meditate at the same time. Then there is Alvin Richardson. At the start of his favorite open water swim, an annual 4.4-mile crossing of Chesapeake Bay, he is neither nervous nor particularly competitive. He is in a state of joy.

Relay Transitions
Know Thy Partner
by Craig Keller >>> Photos by Peter Poby

Transitions might seem like the least of your worries in a relay. Out of all the time it takes to complete the race, the three transitions involve only a few seconds. But in a swimming race, of course, even split seconds can make the difference. Not only that, 90 percent of all false relay starts result from a sort of “lack of communication” between the swimmer approaching the wall and the swimmer waiting on the block.

Physiology
What Goes on Inside A Masters Swimmer
by Thomas Tiedt

Whether they begin swimming young or much later, Masters swimmers typically undergo some remarkable changes over the course of their lives. Through vigorous training, they engineer many physiological adaptations that enhance their physical capabilities and long-term health. 

From the Editor

Spring Is in the Air by Laura Hamel read>>

Letters

Weighing In by Peter Eschbach, Christopher Wee, Terry Platt, Kelly Spivey, Brett Phillips, John Miller

Both Sides of the Lane Line

Butterfrog Forever by Allen Stark

Butterfrog is the Downfall of Civilized Swimming by George Park

Training & Technique

Out in the Open: Pool Open Water Training by Laura Hamel >>> Photos by Annette Buhl

From the Center Lanes by Laura Hamel

Two-Minute Tune-up: Keep Your Head Still by Laura Hamel

Coaches' Choice: Swimming Anatomy by Laura Hamel

My Favorite Practice

Web Workout by Kathryn Gregory, Laura Hamel read>>

Healthy Swimmer

Gluten-Free Swimming by Bill Edwards

Can Menopause Impact Training Regimens? by Bill Edwards

Train Your Brain
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Recently Viewed: Yoga for Swimming and More

Swim Bag

Hair and Body Products by Laura Hamel read>>

Inside USMS

Volunteer Profile: Leo Letendre by Laura Hamel >>> Illustrated by Edward Colley

Swimming Life

Swimming with SEALS by Laura Hamel

USMS Members Receive Open Water Honors by Laura Hamel

Recently Read: "Young Woman and the Sea" by Laura Hamel

Splashback

Sutro Baths Recall the Gilded Age by Bill Edwards