The 2022 SPMS And Southwest Zone Summer Championships, hosted by the Mission Viejo Nadadores Masters, was held over three gorgeous sunny days in Mission Viejo, California.
While we had placed our training focus on this meet being our “West Coast Nationals”, this trip had a few other reasons driving its existence.
The first celebratory reason was to officially realize Holly recently completing her doctoral degree after two years of intense work.
Second, but even more importantly, we expressed our thankfulness in being on the other side of some scary medical issues with our youngest. Life is not without challenges, and we had stepped into an unsettling and – as they often are – unexpected medical condition for our family to face. A very real and important reminder that every day is a gift and every adventure is a blessing.
Starting in Dana Point for the night, we had a life lesson type of encounter with a surfer who had been finding joy in the waves for many decades. He shared how patience and understanding can grow with age and how knowledge led him to be a wiser surfer, namely around those who are just starting their journey. Wisdom can come with experience and when we are lucky enough to learn from this shared wisdom, we can also gain a better understanding. It’s important to allow ourselves to be inspired by others.
After our day in Dana Point, we headed to Mission Viejo where we started to get in the mindset to compete in this beautiful 50-meter pool which has been the stomping ground for many past Olympians with many swimming at this meet. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves swimming in the 50-meter format.
We arrived to be greeted by some inspirational words which I plan on reflecting upon well past this event. Well played clock, well played.
On the first day of competition, Holly competed in the 400 free (5:36) and in the 200 breast (3:20) where she just narrowly missed the PNA record by .33 seconds.
Brent mastered the 400 free (6:52), 50 free (36.93), and 200 breast (3:30).
We both finished with the 50 breast. After managing the 93-degree temps through the first day, we were both looking forward to what Sunday would bring.
The second day not only brought some of our favorite events but also some new friendships. The TWIM cap was recognized by Karlyn Pipes and soon we were hearing more about her amazing story and receiving some of her wonderful stroke advice. Thank you, Karlyn!
We also were able to chat with Vince Carmosino in the cool down pool who recently relocated to Southern California. We miss you Vince!
We managed the heat much better on day two and got to swim some of our favorite events. Holly finished strong with the 100 fly (1:17) and the 200 IM (2:54), and Brent went personal bests in the 100 free (1:22) and 200 free (3:07) after finishing stronger in his signature 100 breast (1:33).
Some lessons learned from two Washingtonian swimmers enjoying the Southern California environment:
- A sherpa to carry your flip-flops to you after a 50-meter race is essential; otherwise, your feet will burn when walking to the cool down pool.
- Soaking your shirt in melted ice is magical and keeps the heat of the day tolerable.
- Electrolytes, electrolytes, electrolytes!
- Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!
I encourage everyone to find peace in the chaos of life, which will be unique to us all. Enjoy every moment because the courage to continue will carry you through those unforeseen times. While we may not remember our times or places from each meet, we will remember the relationships and smiles we shared with our fellow swimmers.
Like all the meets we are fortunate enough to compete in, none would be possible without those that volunteer to support the event. This was a wonderfully run meet, and I enjoyed seeing kids timing with their parents and swimmers jumping in when needed between their own events to help. Thank you to all the meet officials, timers, concession stand folks, and particularly those wonderful people that kept refilling the giant Gatorade water coolers! Special thanks to the head referee, Joyce Phelps, and the meet director, Mark Moore, for their leadership.
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