Fins Postal Swim 2009

It turns out that I will swim a one-hour shift tomorrow during the postal swim fundraiser. I am accepting cash or checks!

Fins President Anh Dang said, "I personally look forward to doing the Postal Swim every year. It's my favorite Fins event because it creates a connection between the team and the Philadelphia LGBTQ communities. The event blends three main aspects of the Fins: swimming, social, and community service." Spectators are invited to the event and can expect the usual Fins’ flair.

Confessions of a Lane Five Swimmer

Speedo Confessions
Originally uploaded by reflexblue

The pool is always crowded in January. It's a convenient time to start a new workout or to train for a spring triathlon. Lane 5 can have eight or nine people during the first hour of practice. My pace varies so much during the workout that it is difficult for me to find a place within the line up. Often I start out too fast the first 30 minutes, struggle during the middle 30 minutes, and finish strong the last 30 minutes.

Fins Swimmers to Host Event to Benefit MANNA

For Immediate Distribution

Fins Swimmers to Host Event to Benefit MANNA



PHILADELPHIA, PA

The Fins Aquatics Club, Philadelphia’s gay swim team, will host its annual fundraiser on Saturday, January 24, from 10am to 1pm, at the Friends Select School, 17th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The team traditionally selects a local non-profit as recipient of half the proceeds of its Postal Swim. This year the team chose to donate 50 percent of the money collected to MANNA (Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance). MANNA is a Philadelphia non-profit group which promotes wellness through nutrition in communities living with, affected by, and fighting HIV / AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illness. The other 50 percent will benefit the Fins.


During the event, participants will swim as many laps as they can within a one-hour period to compete with other swimmers across the country. There are two one-hour sessions: from 10:30 to 11:30 and 11:45 to 12:45. Swimmers can either do a full hour or form relays. The results are then mailed into United States Masters Swimming (hence the national name of “Postal Swim"), with awards granted by age group and gender.

Fins President Anh Dang said, "I personally look forward to doing the Postal Swim every year. It's my favorite Fins event because it creates a connection between the team and the Philadelphia LGBTQ communities. The event blends three main aspects of the Fins: swimming, social, and community service." Spectators are invited to the event and can expect the usual Fins’ flair.

“The Fins is an athletics team that is also a strong, warm community,” said Fins Vice-President and event organizer Kacie King. “The Postal Swim is a perfect example of how the team brings people together and gives swimmers the opportunity for personal challenge. The swim also is a chance for those who are touched by the value of the Fins to support the team and for the Fins to give back to the broader Philadelphia community.”

For 2007’s event, the Fins re-named their version of the fundraising event “Swim for Jim! The James A. Robles Memorial One-Hour Swim” to honor the memory of the team’s recently deceased head coach Jim Robles, who was also one of the founders of the team. That year, 100% of the $3,920.20 raised was donated to MANNA, in honor of Robles. In 2008, over $1,500 was raised for the Mazzoni Center.


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The Fins Aquatics Club is Philadelphia's gay and lesbian masters swim team. The Fins Aquatics club, formed in 1988, current has approximately 130 members. Members range from 19 years old to 63 years old.
We currently have 4 practices a week. The Fins welcomes swimmers of all ages, skill levels, genders and orientations. The team provides challenging, well-organized, coached work-outs. Some members focus on local, regional, national or international swimming competitions and/or triathlons while other members swim to keep fit.
The Fins Aquatics Club is affiliated with International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics and US Masters Swimming.

Confessions of a Lane Five Swimmer - Jan 2009

Some days I feel great in the pool and I can swim all the lane 5 workouts, which are typically around 3,000 yards. Some days I feel sluggish and have to skip laps to recover. My swim goal this year is to slow down my stroke count to focus on my technique.