Take Your Mark
Getting the most from your dive starts
by Scott Bay >>> Photos by Peter H. Bick

Scott Bay, chair of the USMS Coaches Committee and head coach of Blu Frog Masters, teams up wtih some swimmers from Coach Michael Collin's Nova Masters in Southern California to present a few simple technique drills to help get the most bang for your buck when leaving the blocks.

Swimming for Mental Health
Can swimming help treat OCD and depression?
by Kristin Bender

Several readers have written to us asking for more information on how swimming may help anxiety, OCD, and similar disorders. Swimmers Kristin Burgard and Danny Gassaway share their stories with the hope that others may gain comfort in knowing that swimming regularly can help.

The L.V. Method
And other adventures in cross-training.
by Jim Harper

We were curious about what types of cross-training our members do, so Jim Harper posted a survey on the Forums on usms.org aobut it.  This sparked quite a discussion about what is good for swimming, what isn't, and what things some top Masters swimmers do (or don't) include in their training regimens.

Letters

No Complaints by Connie Williams

Ask and Ye Shall Receive by Chris Bruno

Watch out, Kids by David Huggins, Pamela Shepard

Getting Older by Norman Macartney, John Tobin

Both Sides of the Lane Line

PED Testing is Warranted by Jeff Erwin

Don't Test My Patients! by Richard Bell

Swimming Life

Swim Your Age by Laura Jones

Recently Read: Be Your Best Without the Stress by Laura Jones

Recently Read: A Door in the Ocean by Laura Hamel

Training & Technique

The Dryland Difference Crossfit: Cult or Useful Tool? by Laura Jones

From the center lanes: Clay Britt by Laura Jones

Ask the Coach: Sue Welker by Laura Jones

Out in the Open: It's Ok, I'm with the band by Elaine Howley

The Healthy Swimmer

Stress Hormones Are Not Always Evil by Laura Jones

Mastering Nutrition: Post-Workout Nutrition and Bone Density by Susan Dawson-Cook

Nationals Preview

Fast Cars and Fast Pools in Indy by Susan Dawson-Cook

Swim Bag

Underwater Music by Laura Hamel read>>

Inside USMS

Volunteer Profile: Ed Tsuzuki by Laura Jones

Splashback

Water Music by Elaine Howley