5 comments about Mastering Swimming (Masters Athlete).

1. I've been a Masters Swimming competitor for 20 years, and have been aware of Coach Montgomery's method since the beginning. He and Mo make the four strokes simple and easy to comprehend, and does a great job of taking away the fears that many inexperienced swimmers may have when contemplating getting into the sport.
   
   If you are at the beginning of the road with 99 curves, and want to walk the straightest path, this book and a good swim club will definitely help you find it.



2. 
   Several decades elapsed between my brief high school competitive swimming experience and my foray into masters swimming, and I find myself amazed all over again at the way having a good coach motivates me and improves my performance. Why does a phrase or two of technical advice or encouragement cause me to work harder and feel better about myself? Why is it that I'm willing to push myself to exhaustion just because somebody is watching?
   
   There's something about the relationship between coach and athlete that transcends what the athlete can accomplish on his or her own. It's in that ineffable realm that the value of this book is found. I'm only halfway through it and already I've learned - and implemented - three things that have helped me improve my stroke. It's great to try something in the pool, then go back to the book and reread what the coach said and compare it to how it felt in the water.
   
   Not only does Montgomery know how to swim - he's a triple Olympic gold medal winner, fer cryin' out loud! - but he's supremely able to TEACH people how to swim. I'd be willing to bet that if there were a waterproof edition of this book, a rank beginner could get in the pool with book in hand and learn how to swim from scratch.
   
   I don't pretend to have much swimming expertise, but I'd also be willing to bet that these two coaches' explanation of the science of swimming represents the current state of the art worldwide. I recommend this book for anyone who's remotely interested in swimming. It's straightforward and well-written, and its techniques and teaching methods work.



3. This is a very complete book on swimming for anyone wishing to improve at each training session, regardless of the age. It is very comprehensive as it covers topics such as stretching, weight training and the recently popular conditioning methods such as Pilates.



4. This book is great and informative even for a beginner swimmer like me. I especially like the chapter 3 on "develop your water sense" that really helped me overcome the fear of water. The step by step teaching method makes it easy to understand and to practice. I now join a local master swimming program as the book suggested. I soon plan to compete in a local triathlon.



5. I was a competitive swimmer as a kid, and now I've returned to the pool after more than 25 years to try to become a competitive masters swimmer.
   
   The basics came back like riding a bicycle (except for the butterfly, which I couldn't remember how to do at all) but a lot has changed over the years, and my technique was clearly rusty.
   
   I don't have a coach, doing it on my own, and this book has been a tremendous help... and I'm not even done with it!
   
   The tips on a proper catch, and their little listening trick to correct hand entry, took 2 full strokes off my pool length in freestyle, for example.
   
   This week I used their 4 phase method for learning butterfly to teach myself the stroke, and did my first pool lengths in fly. I'm looking forward to using their other tips to refine the stroke and start adding it into my regular workout.
   
   This is just a tremendous book. Easy to read and follow.
   
   I strongly recommend it for anyone starting out, or making the transition from fitness swimming to competition, or returning to the water after a long time away.
   
   Definitely worth many times the cover price.

5 comments about Diver Down: Real-World SCUBA Accidents and How to Avoid Them.

1. This book should be read by all divers. Comparing to other books on diving accidents I read, it shows that accidents happen not to newbies only, but even instructors and divers with houndreds of logged dives can overestimate their qualifications or underestimate dive difficulties. While reading the book I noticed, with shame, that there are things I do, that puts me in potential jeopardy, that I should fix immediatelly. The book stories are fabularized and it makes it very easy to read (despite of its sad subject).



2. I would recommend this book to beginner divers. I would not recommend it to experienced divers, or someone (like myself) who's already read and learned about scuba diving. Having read Shadow Divers and Deep Descent previously, not much in this book was new to me, and the tales here are very basic, simple.



3. I think of myself as an experienced (> 400 dives), skilled, and mostly pretty careful scuba diver. This book made me seriously reevaluate my diving practices.
   It contains a number of accident descriptions with scenarios ranging from novice divers running out of air, divers taking unnecessary risks to poorly maintained equipment causing serious accidents. In some of the accidents, the protagonists survive with a serious scare and some hypothermia, in others they get seriously injured or pay with their lives. The book is written in a clear, sober and non-sensationalist style, but nevertheless the fact that the accidents are described with a focus on the individual human beings involved sent chills down my spine. It is psychologically so much more powerful to read "Jason tried to breathe from his regulator, but his tank was empty. He could not see his buddy." than to read the general advice to regularly monitor your air consumption and stay close to your dive partner.
   After each accident report, there is a section detailing the lessons learned from the mishap, and often a box adding information about a relevant topic (caves, wrecks, rebreathers, safety devices). The accidents range from absolutely reckless behavior (a teenager attempts a solo bounce dive to 125 ft while his friend distracts the instructor during a safety stop) to cases where seemingly well-prepared divers all of a sudden find themselves in trouble (in a strong current). I found it useful to ask myself after each chapter: Could this happen to me? If yes, what should I change in my diving procedures? When was the last time I checked my safety equipment? Am I sure that I am not pushing the limits in this or that respect?
   An extremely useful book, both for the actual diving knowledge it contains as well as a reminder how things can go wrong and how catastrophic that can be.



4. Ange's book is a series of short stories relating to diving accidents. It is an extremely readable series of short account that provides examples of the things which most often go wrong. The first couple of stories have happy endings, which may lull some into a false sense of security, but that comfort blanket is rudely stripped away for the rest of the book.
   
   Each story is no more than 3 or 4 pages, making the book easy to pick up and put down. Interposed between the stories are a number of other side bars that explain various things relevant to an adjacent story. That helps make the book much more readable, as it explains new concepts to less experienced divers, but allows others to skip across bits that they know and get back to the meat. Across the scope of the book the sidebars cover almost every aspect of equipment and training, and really do a good job of illustrating the purposes of most of the safety equipment and training in diving.
   
   Altogether a very well put together book with a great deal of diving wisdom available in readily digestible format.



5. One thing about diving accidents is that they can happen to anyone at anytime, no matter how much experience you have.
   
   You forget to do something one day, or worse, begin to think it is okay to ignore the rules a bit, then things can go awry quickly.
   
   This book has real life incidents that are worth reading over now and again as a refresher, even if you are experienced.

5 comments about Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body You Have Now.

1. This hilarious book will have even the most committed couch potato off and running. Trust me. I've never in almost 50 years stuck with an exercise program for more than a couple of weeks, but thanks to Jayne's wonderful combination of laugh-out-loud anecdotes, enthusiasm, wise training advice (stretch, stretch, stretch), and empathy for the pudgy non-jock, I invested in a tune-up for my bike and some day passes at the YMCA pool, and I've almost finished my first 8-week mini-tri training cycle. With a business to run and a husband and child to care for, I have to get out of my warm bed an hour earlier in the cold dark mornings to get my workouts in--and for the first time in my life, I'm glad to do it. I did not start out ambitious to race. I really just wanted to get in better shape for horseback riding. But now I'm thinking, maybe it might be kinda fun to race, just to see if I can finish. On my end-of-cycle "race day" I'm going to see if I can get through what a sprint race WOULD be, if I entered (stopping to shampoo my hair on the way out of the pool of course). . . It may be a while, since I only like to swim backstroke . . . . Anyway, I haven't lost any weight but I feel better than I have in years and I just got back from a a trip where I rode horses 3-6 hours a day for a week and felt great. Thank you thank you thank you, Jayne Williams. I hope you sell millions and millions and millions of copies of this book.



2. I thought the book was well written, very entertaining to read and even inspirational. However I felt it lacked on what I needed actually do. There was very little on drills or techniques. I did enjoy reading the whole book and did visit almost every website she mentioned in the back of her book. I thought her stories and race reports were insightful but I guess I was looking for a bit more on what I needed to do to get started. I am 6'3, 220 lbs so I am not a small person and was looking for more guidance on how to start out. But she is a great writer, and she does inspire.



3. I read this book because, like the author, I too am a larger "Athena" triathlete. I have completed 12 sprint-distance triathlons and wasn't really looking for any sound advice about how to train, eat, sleep, etc. I feel this would make a better human interest article and not necessarily a book. However, I would definitely recommend this to a tri newbie who happens to be fit and fat...or anyone else fearing to try tris.



4. The book was awesome,I loved it. Could totally relate,and it was informational,but entertaining as well.



5. This book was a great read. Short and informal. A testimonial about how someone who was not (necessarily) bound for the medal stand, fell in love with the sport. The author tells you up front that if you are looking for a "how to" on triathlons, there are better books available (she even lists a few at the end of the book). There are no training plans here, though there is some information regarding how to approach training. This book covered broadly (but not deeply) what to think about at when considering a triathlon, but it was much more. The depth came in the form of how the author felt about training (through the less fun aspects of the sport as well as overcoming injuries and training burn out) and in the jubilance and personal victories competing in the races. She also talks about how (in this sport in particular) time consuming it can be and potential effects on family and friends. It reads like a conversation with a knowledgeble friend about their passion and how they set, approached and accomplished their goals. I can totally relate. Humorous, fun, compelling and somewhat informative; it is a great and motivational piece of literature.

5 comments about Hawaii The Big Island Trailblazer: Where to hike, snorkel, surf, bike, drive.

1. As owners of a vacation rental on the Big Island, we often cater to guests who are adventurous, independent and looking for spectacular sites that are off the beaten path. This guide is well organized, concise and thoroughly explains all the main attractions and history, as well as those little jewels that most visitors would miss. There is something for everyone, from seasoned hikers, families with children, short walks, driving tours and more. Every vacation home should have one available for their guests or at least recommend this guide. After they read it and pick out what they want see, I can review the area with them and answer any questions they may have. It has made booking the cottage easier and assures that our guests are fully satisfied with the location and surrounding area. Another benefit is the 'free advice and opinion's section which warns visitors of some very important facts to keep our guests safe and well informed. One of the tips, I always follow is to 'dress up' my vehicle with seed leis from Hilo Hattie's! ha...free leis and great aloha shirts...but save the shirts for the Luau! Another tip from me...don't rent a RED car! Superstition you say? no... tourist is says! Purchasing this guide takes the stress out of planning your well earned vacation in paradise! "eh, no worries bra"



2. This book was not all that helpful The directions were confusing and caused frustration. The locals all have and use the "Hawaii; The Big Island Revealed"



3. Another Trailblazer guide we really enjoyed. Whoever named this place the BIG island sure got it right. And so did the authors of this book. It's clear they know their stuff, there are so many outings described inside.
   
   This guide is arranged geographically so that no matter where you are you have the details on what there is to do and pictures showing what it looks like. What surprised us the most is that the book wasn't just about hiking, snorkeling (the best) and biking (wish we had our mountain bikes along), but it is also a great book for driving around and covers the neat little towns.
   
   We bought this book at the last minute and are glad we did. If you are spending all the money it takes to get to Hawaii, it is a smart choice to pony up a few more bucks and drop it in your carry-on. We also like the big maps and the way the book is written -- lots of interesting details.
   
   We will have to go back to see it all. The volcano area was truly wonderous!!



4. At least the 2 weeks that we were there the snorkeling conditions were outstanding and this guide made finding the locations simple. I'm not sure what we would have done without it. The Trailblazer also introduced us to all the hiking trails. Getting to some of the secluded beaches required their telling us exactly where to turn off according to the highway mile markers. To see the long expanse of sand and blue water sans resort hotel was worth the bumpy road ride down.
   
   The trail down to Pololu Beach and up and over the next ridge was a challenge and thanks to their descriptions and directions we knew what we were getting into. The less traveled route to the Captain Cook monument is also included, one of the best because at the end you reach a snorkeling place with the best visibility, coral heads and abundance of colorful fish. Primo places like Kua Bay, Iki Crater and lava tubes, Hilo lagoon swimming, it's all inside with pictures. Hawaii Island will take another visit or two to see it all. We can unequivocally say our experience using this book was a complete lifesaver.



5. Our favorite guides are the Trailblazers for alot of reasons. The first one that comes to mind is the depth of information geared for independent travelers such as us. They rule when it comes to exact directions for out of the way places. The only paid tour we took was to the highest dormant volcano (we didn't rent an expensive four wheel drive vehicle). Other than that we were blissfully on our own all the time dipping in and out of roads that led to beautiful turquoise snorkeling waters.
   
   We ran out of time and didn't see all of the island since its land mass is awesome, but thanks to the book we cherry picked our way around from Kona to Hilo and to Waipio Valley. For easy access to the trails, this is it and they add a little culture and history to make it really interesting.
   
   Lastly is the layout, same style in both books we had which made for comfortable navigating. The maps precede each section and the outings are numbered accordingly. In a quiet way, it's all there, no hype, they've done the digging and for a good price have published a worth having travel companion.

5 comments about Going Long: Training for Triathlon's Ultimate Challenge (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series).

1. This book is not for the beginner. You should have a base to start with... and not talking about the base talked about in the book, but if you are just starting out, probably not the book for you. However, if you a recreational or competitive tri athlete this book has many good tips for breaking into the next level.



2. Good balanced book suitable for an experienced triathlete seeking to improve on a training plan.



3. I really enjoyed this book. It helped me decide to do a half an ironman in August 2010.
   Thank You
   Kathy Johnson



4. Really, two stars might be a bit generous. If you've ever subscribed to Runner's World, or Triathlete Magazine, or read another book on triathlon, you are not going to get much new from this book. It merely re-inforces what you already know, so don't hope for any breakthrough information.



5. A must have if you are thinking about going long. I have looked everywhere and read a lot. This is the bible of triathlon information!

5 comments about Complete Conditioning for Swimming.

1. I'm a masters swimmer inspired by Dara Torres. This book provides a smart and thorough approach to swim conditioning. It helps you to identify weak areas and includes great exercises (for in and out of the pool).



2. I coach high school swimming and we've been building our dryland program for a few years. This book has really focused our work and I'm looking forward for some big results this winter.



3. The book has some excellent pieces of information about dryland training. The parts which were a necessity with my swimmers were the rotator cuff prevention strategies. As an ASCA Level III swim coach and an NSCA-CSCS I find myself gaining new ideas from this book.
   
   Don't think it's ONLY about dryland. There are some strength and power building exercises that the author advocates bringing to the pool. For example, using a medicine ball, or elastic tubing in the water to generate power through a specific range of motion for the stroke or for the core.
   
   The DVD was an excellent addition to the book, and many of the exercises are shown in standard form. Variations of the exercises for more difficulty or simplicity are also added throughout the book. The author does not give you a set workout plan, so if you are new to periodizing I would suggest: "Championship Swim Training" by Bill Sweetenham. The book does not go into detail about sprint vs. middle vs. distance training methodology. I think I was expecting a little more info on that.
   
   But if you are a swimmer, a swim coach, a strength trainer, of a sports conditioner who's involved with a population of athletes who swim, I would suggest buying this book and using it as a reference and incorporating some of the things into your programming.



4. The training techniques are very cutting-edge, and I love the way the information is organized. Modules are organized by target area (core, etc) with beginner, intermediate, and advanced techniques. An extremely useful book/dvd. Great for the serious swimmer.



5. I had this shipped to my brother in Seattle for Christmas, and we were very much looking forward to working out together while I visited. I am in hopes that this will be remedied, as I can not rate this item from never seeing it

5 comments about Workouts in a Binder: Swim Workouts for Triathletes.

1. I bought this book after I mistakenly bought the newer, updated version that had workouts more geared for swimmers (different strokes, really high volume, etc). I am very pleased with the book, it offers direction and a plan for those who previously just jump in, swim 1500 and leave. The book has different types of workouts (endurance, speed, strength, etc)and has 2 versions per workout (one usually 500M less than the other). Each workout is 2000M-3500M, so it can be done in a reasonable amount of time. Waterproof pages are key as well



2. There's almost too much information here to pick and choose from. The codes and 'coach-talk' can be difficult to follow.
   
   This book would be more helpful if it were organized along the lines of what you want to accomplish as a triathlete. For example: (1) Sprint Tri: do 'these swim workouts.' (2) Same with Olympic and Ironman distances.
   
   She states '10 new workouts for Ironman distances' but then doesn't really state which workouts those are in the book.



3. Waterproof easy to use. Meant for serious swimming distances. Lots of codes to refer to-but does come in handy by the wet pool!



4. This little water-proof book is fantastic. I keep it right at the gym and simply pick one of the many workouts (endurance, speed, form, force, etc...)and then hit the water. Each workout has a long and a short version so you can select based on how you are feeling that day or the event you are training for. One problem, running and biking have taken back seats to swimming!



5. I see people at the pool with workouts on a piece of paper and stuff then I pull out my handy book and goto the next workout! If you like to swim but would like a structured workout I would recommend this!

5 comments about Fifty Places to Dive Before You Die: Diving Experts Share the World's Greatest Destinations.

1. This book is very informative and the pics are beautiful. I bought this for my husband who is very interested in scuba diving. He enjoys the book very much. The shipping was fast also.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it cover to cover within 2 days. It's a fast read. Each dive site gets about a 2 and 1/2 page description (some destinations get slightly more) with a dive expert giving a brief vignette on some of the highlights they have encountered at the site. The sites range from novice-friendly to much more complicated (for example, the first site listed is in Antarctica... not exactly luxury warm weather diving!!), but there is enough here to entertain divers of all levels.
   
   If you are looking for an in depth analysis of a dive site, this probably isnt the right book for you. The descriptions are just too brief to use the book for that purpose. But if you're just looking for ideas... or if you have a particular large sea creature you are dying to sea (i.e. mola molas, humpbacks, various shark species), the book does a good job of pointing out places where you are more-likely to encounter them. It also hits on dive spots where the macro life is the highlight.
   
   In response to one other's reviewers comments about not having a Red Sea or a Cuba destination, that comment is inaccurate. The Red Sea destination mentioned is Sha'ab Rumi, a location off the coast of Sudan. The author recommends a live aboard boat for this trip. For Cuba, the author recommends Jardines de la Reina, though he cautions US citizens who travel there that they do so at their own risk.
   
   All in all, a fun book to read on a chilly winter day with a cup of coffee and a tired dog asleep at your feet (at least that's how I did it!).



3. I am enjoying reading about places I have been and places I want to dive. Great compilation of dive reviews from around the world.



4. I love this book. It has some wonderful details not normally found in dive books, such as suggested dive operators and little bits of information that you normally wouldn't know about unless you'd traveled to that spot previously. Great photography! Of the places I've been that are in the book, I found the information the book provided to be accurate as well. Nice coffee-table book. Everyone who visits picks it up and has to read a few pages.



5. my son seemed to like it- i am not a diver. he actually re-gited it to his dad (my ex), hoping his dad will take him to some of these places.

5 comments about Swimming Anatomy.

1. This book is a gem for swimmers, coaches, and parents. The illustrations and descriptions are well done and easy to understand. The exercises can be done by swimmers at all levels, from age groupers through masters. A great introduction to dry land training.



2. This book is an answered prayer! I have been using a specific dryland program which I designed based on my knowledge of human anatomy, but could not find a resource to corroborate my ideas...until THIS WONDERFUL BOOK ARRIVED! Each muscle group has several exercises with a drawing of the portion of the muscular system which the exercise works, the exercises for this specific muscle group and some alternative ways of performing the exercises. Excellent resource. My only complaint is the binding should be spiral so I can lay the book out flat, or even fold it in half.



3. Ian McLeod's "Swimming Anatomy" provides a comprehensive guide to dry-land and weight room exercises which will benefit swimmers of all ages. This book is a user-friendly resource for swimmers looking to increase their strength, power, and speed. It will also be helpful for anyone who helps train swimming athletes - swim coaches, strength coaches, athletic trainers or physical therapists. Broken down by body part, "Swimming Anatomy" describes each exercise in step-by-step, easy to understand instructions. Readers will learn which exercises are important for developing each stroke and/or starts and turns. Drawing on his background as an experienced athletic trainer working with world class and Olympic swimmers, McLeod provides important information on injury prevention and exercise modification for injured swimmers. He also describes exercise progression for swimmers of all ages.



4. Ian McLeod's SWIMMING ANATOMY packs in color exercises and drills perfect for swimmers seeking to strengthen their performance. Over seventy of the most effective swimming exercises are illustrated in color and offer insights into competition with illustrations of active muscles for starts, turns and the four competitive strokes.



5. I highly recommend this book for fitness and competitive swimmers. It is well laid out covering each part of the body and different strokes/start & turns. The "variation" for most dryland exercise allows you to use tubes, weights or physioball - going to a "gym" or expensive equipment is optional.
   
   This is a good book for the injury prone swimmer. The dryland exercises in the book will keep you swimming.

5 comments about Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way To Swim Better, Faster, and Easier.

1. I am not a triathlete, I do not swim competitively although I used to in High School. But I love being in the water. (My real background is dancing.) I am about 30 lbs overweight and have been steadily and slowly shedding pounds through swimming. When I was on a swim team, I became the fastest sprinter in a short time and after training only 2 months with the slowest swimmers on the team. 20 years later I have begun to use the drills and concepts in this book and now I am even faster than ever with fewer strokes.
   
   This is not as important to me as how I feel in the water, how I relate to it and how I feel after my TI practice. As a sprinter who has always shirked long distance training regimes, I can now swim nonstop for much longer periods than I ever had before. I used to jump in the water and just swim without paying any attention to how I moved. Now swimming is more like a meditation practice or a dance class where the energy of mindfulness is the source of movement (and stillness), not willpower or habit. I also love leaving the kickboards, pullboys, paddles etc. out of my swimming and out to rot in the sun - I never liked them to begin with! I give a a close to excellent rating for this book because it has rocked my world and I have fallen in love with water (again) in a way I didn't know was possible. I have been telling my friends that this is like doing a yoga practice in water.
   
   I know that the author wants to reach a wide audience. My only criticism of the book is that it is oriented a little too much towards triathletes and males at that, and not enough towards other types of folks who love to be physical - like dancers. I am guessing much of what Terry Laughlin has come up against in the form of resistance to this totally new 'outside the box' approach to swimming justifies the many pages spent trying to convince nay sayers that the old way is inferior. I do not need to be convinced.
   
   This book is totally awesome and TI will be known through history as the turning point in the evolution of all swimmer's' relationship to water.



2. This book is an essential for any coach wanting to assist individuals with open water swimming. Individuals will benefit greatly from the use of this book but will find greater value when complimented by an experienced coach. The video is also of real value



3. I always loved the water, but I'd never been taught to swim freestyle and I wanted to compete in a triathlon. I tried going to some Masters swim classes but after months of trying I was still exhausted after only 100 meters, and the 1/2 mile ocean swim looked increasingly impossible. This book, in combination with video clips on the Total Immersion website, taught me how to swim comfortably, with fewer strokes and less exertion than some of the tri-fanatics I trained with. Now I easily swim long distances for fun, breathing comfortably on both sides - and believe me, it never would have happened without this book! I love this book and find myself recommending it frequently to people who ask me for advice at the pool.



4. It works. It must be complemented watching videos (type the title of the book on youtube). I use also a snorkel that works perfectly with this technique.



5. I taught myself the basic swimming about 7 years back. However I could never improve my stroke from a certain level, because it was not efficient. I always used to get out of breath after doing a lap or two. I got frustrated and didn't swim for next 6 years, till my wife forced me to get back to swimming last year.
   
   That is when I got this book, and in one year, my stroke has improved so much that I can do 30-40 laps non stop without tiring or getting out of breath. So I am very satisfied for the money I spent, comparing it to the lessons from a professional trainer.
   
   Now for the book, you can skip all the initial chapters and go straight to the drills, it is the drills that make the difference, rest of the book can be ignored barring some training plans mentioned later in the book. Some reviewers mention that it is lacking the pictures, well the drills section has images and of-course everyone is a little different, so some effort from the reader's side to experiment is needed to make their stroke better.