Hi All!

Hope everyone is staying healthy through this rollercoaster of weather we are having.

As we come to a close on what has been thus far a monumental season in Tsunami history, just 4 important year-end updates. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

1) Tomorrow is our last 11&over drylands of the season. This year, WE increased the intensity of the out of water exercises(i.e. drylands on Friday and on the pool deck) and for those of you who attended Fridays on a routine basis, you surely have felt it. WE keep reminding the kids that while you may be sore now, the Target of all these exercises and tough practices for that matter, are our State Y-USA Championship meet. The balancing act of producing enough stress mixed with equal recovery, to force adaptation in their muscles, heart and lungs....in and out of the pool we are optimistic that it will pay off.

**High School Swimmers: WE are very excited for our High School swimmers (Good Luck!!) and very supportive because we want them to do their best this weekend, WE have reduced their intensity on a few swimming sets last night and tonight. WE are recommending that they only attend the swimming part on Friday for Starts and Turns and some moderate pace swimming.

Keep in mind that while we may think of "rest" as NOT swimming, this tends to be COUNTERPRODUCTIVE and all the gains made during the season from the adaptation work and increasing intensity are LOST. Missing practice to "rest" is NOT RECOMMENDED. WE are STRONGLY encouraging swimmers to make as many practices as possible during the last four weeks of the season. Our seasonal outline is designed to provide ACTIVE REST for the kids. Speaking of which..........swimming fast..............THEREFORE............

2) into our Championship Phase of the Season and at Champs requires, proper nutrition, hydration and adequate rest! These are essential for swimming at a high level as well as speeding the recovery process. (WE posted nutrition guidelines and healthy foods to eat on our website under the "Resource" Tab. WE strongly recommend reading over the suggestions and find what works best for you and your swimmer(s). Some of this falls on YOU, the parent, so now is the time to read over the recommendations and come up with a plan. WE are constantly talking with the kids about this.  Panda Express, Taco Bell, Qudoba, Arby's before practice is not the best idea.  

3) WE have our 3rd Annual "Championship Poster Afternoon" on Sunday February 24th at the Northeast YMCA from 4-6pm in the A/B room. As we grow, we are too big for the Chapel!!

WE will have pizza and drinks for the kids. All they bring is their creativity. Stop in and have some pizza and make a "Good Luck" poster for State Champs! This is a great team bonding experience!! RSVP on our website so we know how much pizza to order.

4) SAVE THE DATE!! Tsunami Year-End Banquet: Saturday March 23rd from 5-10pm! UofL Shelby Campus in the Founders Union Building Room 218A/C. RSVP and online registration to come. D.J, dancing, cash bar, awards, year-end team video are all part of the night! Don't miss this!! (you might even see coach Michael dance....not sure!!)

Lastly, WE are VERY excited for State Champs as we will be in a very tight race for first place this year. PLEASE, PLEASE make every effort to attend State Champs. Even for one day. The kids have worked so hard this year in practice. I know we ask a great deal of everyone as far as traveling and hotel stays, however, this is such a neat experience for the kids....especially if they have never spent the night in a hotel and swam two days in a row. 

WE can't do it alone.  WE need everyone's contribution!  WE not ME!

Ride the Wave......Go Tsunami!!