Sheila Runs

I’ve been swimming this summer at a nearby pool that is open to the public for lap swimming and also provides a Masters Swim program and other training programs. I love this pool. The water is fresh and clean, not like the over-chlorinated, chemical soup at the 24 hour fitness pool (my alternative swim location). So where am I swimming? In the outdoor Olympic size swimming pool at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, or Mt. SAC as the locals refer to it.

I started swimming at the Mt. SAC pool over a year ago, when I found out that they had open lap swimming. Now I’m doing the Masters Swim program and it costs no more to do that than to use the pool for open lap swimming. In fact, they offer all kinds of programs. These programs used to be free to the public, but due to state budget cuts there is currently a fee. The fee is reasonable and the facility is nice. I just really love swimming here so much more than at the gym, and now that I’m getting coaching as well, it’s a no-brainer for me.

In addition to the Masters Swim and open lap swimming, they also offer water aerobics, low impact training, triathlete training and cardio vascular training.

Signup Options

Fall session starts on August 23, 2010. They will be offering the following options.

Open Fitness Swim: Even though the title for this “class” says “Open Fitness Swim” on the website registration, it is actually good for all of the programs listed above. Masters swim, triathlete training, water aerobics, etc. and just plain open lap swim on your own.

Hours for this option: Mon-Thur 11am-1pm, 6pm-8pm and Sat/Sun 8am-10:30. The cost is $110 for 8 weeks (August 23rd-October 17th). You can register for this option by clicking here. To see the evening hours you need to click on the “More” link.

Masters Swim: The Masters Swim option is really more than that. It includes all of the hours and training options from the Open Fitness Swim above, plus there is also an early weekday morning time slot that offers open lap swimming, Masters Swim and triathlete training on Mon-Thu at 5:30am-7:30am. The cost is $120 for 8 weeks (August 23rd to October 17th). You can register for this option by clicking here. The description at this link does not show the weekday afternoon and evening hours unless you click the “More” link.

Session Swim Cards: What if you don’t want to sign up for the whole 8 week session but would like to go swim at the pool every once in a while? Well, then you can buy a swim card that gets you 5, 10 or 20 swim sessions, depending on your preference. The costs are $20, $35 or $60, respectively. The swim cards are described here (click). They are good for all of the hours…Mon-Thur 5:30am-7:30am, 11am-1pm, 6pm-8pm and Sat/Sun 8am-10:30.

Masters Swimming

I want to talk a bit about Masters Swimming. It sounds intimidating. But it does not imply that you are good at swimming or fast or anything like that. Masters Swimming simply means you are at least 18 years old. You can be a beginning swimmer, a former competitive swimmer, or anything in between.

If you think that your swimming could use some improvement, and that you would benefit from some coaching, then you should give Masters Swimming a try. Don’t wait to get better or faster until you consider participating in Masters Swimming. You might as well take advantage of this program and get help with your swimming now. Don’t put it off!

The coach at Mt. SAC is Louis Boehle. He swam for California Baptist University, has experience with adventure racing and was also a member of a relay team that swam a double crossing from Cabrillo Beach to Catalina.

When you first come to workout Louis will probably ask you what you have been doing for your recent workouts and about your goals so he can choose an appropriate workout for you. I’ve found that he gives a lot of individual attention and encouragement. If you want to contact Louis with any questions you can send him email at l.d.boehle@gmail.com.

My swimming workouts this summer have mostly been under Louis’ guidance. Since my goal is to train for triathlon and hopefully get faster, I’ve been working out pretty hard. I’m really enjoying it, though. That’s why I signed up for this program. I needed someone to kick my butt in the pool, because I just don’t do it myself. Maybe that’s not what you want, but whatever it is I’m sure he’ll work with you to pick drills and sets that are suited to you.

Parking

You can buy a parking permit in Building 40 for $40 for the semester. The coin parking meters charge 25 cents for 15 minutes, and the day permits are $2 per day.

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This pool is in Walnut, California and close to Diamond Bar, Pomona, Rowland Heights, Brea, La Habra Heights and might also be an option for people in Chino Hills, Fullerton and other nearby cities.