The Iron Nun
Sister Madonna Buder

Nun, triathlete, author, Masters swimmer. To many, Sister Madonna is a teammate, friend, inspiration, competitor and even angel. Staff Writer Laura Jones profiles this amazing USMS member and reviews her book "The Grace to Race."

Lower Body Mobility
Passive and Active

Last year we published an article that redefined shoulder stretching for many of you, and you asked for a similar piece for the lower body. Dr. G. John Mullen with Southern California Aquatics Masters presents safe lower body stretches and more.

Blue Movement Needed 
to Cure the Ocean's Blues

In recent years open water swimmers have noticed changes in the marine environment. There are fewer fish and more jellyfish. And there is more trash. Open water experts Jim Harper and Steven Munatones explore our current situation and what it means for open water swimming in the future.

From the Editor

Inspiration by Laura Hamel

Letters

What About Pigs? by Michael Skarpelos, Phillip Whitten

Special Needs by David DeSimone

Title IX by Mira Hall

Wetsuits Are Not Cheating by Mike Lewis, Richard Cohen

Erratum by Fred David

Penultimate Error by Julia Ogden, Bill Edwards

Both Sides of the Lane Line

Try the Drop Taper by Brian Goldman

Gradual Taper is Better by Pete von Loewe

Swimming Life

Beth Barnes: Kayaker on a Mission by Laura Jones

Masters Swimmers in Bookstores Near You by Laura Hamel

Joan Campbell: AARP Super Athlete by Laura Jones

Training & Technique

Out in the Open: Alex Kostich by Laura Jones

Two-Minute Tune-Up: Don't Forget the Up-Kick by Laura Hamel

From the Center Lanes: Shirley Loftus-Charley by Laura Jones

The Dryland Difference: I Want to Ride My Bicycle by Laura Jones

On Deck With ... Charlie Tupitza by Laura Jones read>>

The Healthy Swimmer

Managing Acid Reflux by Laura Jones

Dragging Yourself to the Pool? by Laura Jones

Swim Bag

Sports Nutrition--Part I (Bars) by Laura Hamel read>>

Inside USMS

Volunteer Profile: Rob Copeland by Laura Jones

Splashback

Hungry? How About Some Mashed Fruit and Potent Potables?