Upcoming Events

Sept 21-22 Last Chance LCM Meet at Frisco Ford Aquatics (TFAM) in Frisco, TX

Sept 27-29 OZ Mile Swim Beaver Lake in Eureka Springs, AR (Check out Bonnie’s interview on Ozarks at Large & see below for discount)

Oct 6 Third Annual Outdoor Fun SCM RELAY Meet at Semones YMCA in Dallas, TX

November 9 14th Annual Gladstone Masters Meet Gladstone, MO
(stay tuned for registration info)

For a full listing of events around the country, visit the USMS Events Calendar.
For events happening within our zone, visit the South Central Zone Event Calendar Page.
Interested in hosting a meet? Here’s a Meet Checklist to help!

Swimming Highlights

Labor Day Workout & last long course one at Melvin Ford Aquatics center for the year. Big thanks to Carie O’Banion for coordinating!

Congrats to our US Masters Top 10 Short Course Yards for Arkansas – Way to Go!

Women 65-69: Linda Bland for 200 free (7th); 500 free (3rd); 1000 free (3rd)
Women 80-84: Dorothy Burke for 500 free (8th); 1000 free (3rd); 200 breast (9th)
Men 25-29: Nathan Townsend for 200 free (10th)
Men 30-34: Thomas Bullock for 200 back (6th)
Men 35-39: Calvin Schildknecht for 100 free (10th); 200 free (9th); 500 free (4th); 50 breast (10th); 100 breast (7th); 200 breast (4th); 200 fly (3rd); 200 IM (9th); 400 IM (3rd)
Men 45-49: Aaron Cole for 50 free (5th); 50 breast (3rd); 100 breast (5th); 50 fly (5th); 100 fly (2nd); 100 IM (2nd). Byron Shefchick for 200 breast (4th); 100 fly (8th); 200 IM (3rd); 400 IM (2nd).
Men 70-74: Doug Martin for 50 free (1st); 50 fly (2nd). Jack Gooding for 1650 (8th).
Men 75-79: Marvin Schwartz for 500 free (4th)

OZ Mile Swim

Arkansas’ only USMS sanctioned swim is just around the corner, the OZ Mile Swim.

As a member of the Arkansas Masters, you’re eligible for an exclusive $10 discount on your registration for the upcoming OZ Mile Swim. Whether you’re aiming to set a new personal best or simply enjoy the camaraderie of open water swimming, this is the perfect opportunity to dive in.

The OZ Mile Swim, set in the beautiful waters of Beaver Lake, Eureka Springs, is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of our vibrant swimming community. With various distances to choose from, including the 1-mile, 2-mile, and 4-mile Charity Swim presented by Highlands Oncology Group on Saturday, and Sunday’s wave format allowing for multiple 1-mile races, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned open-water swimmer or new to the sport, this event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and a lot of fun. Here’s a video of last year’s event to see the action. OZ Mile re-cap video

How to Claim Your Discount:

Visit the OZ Mile Swim Registration Page.
Select your desired race distance and enter your details.
Enter the coupon code swimarkmasters at checkout to receive your $10 discount.

Please note that this offer is exclusively available to Arkansas Masters swimmers and is valid for a limited time, so don’t miss out!

Why Participate?

Scenic Course: Experience the stunning backdrop of Beaver Lake as you swim.
Community Spirit: Join fellow swimmers from across the states and make new friends in a supportive environment.
Family Fun: Ages 13+ can compete in all of the waves, and ages 8-12 can compete in the OZ Wave with a swim partner who is 16+. The OZ Wave also allows for fins, buoys, wetsuits, anything goes – just jump in! Food, beverages, and music for everyone.
Flexible Distances: Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or just enjoy a leisurely swim, there’s a distance that’s right for you.

We can’t wait to see you at the OZ Mile Swim, where the water is clear, the community is strong, and the experience is unforgettable.

If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, feel free to reach out to me directly.

Happy Swimming!
Bonnie Adams
Founder of The Joys Of Swimming & SWIM OZ & OZ Mile Swim
& The Tributary Podcast
919.939.1408

Article on Fitness by Tom Sherrill …..Arkansas LMSC board member

Fitness is commonly defined as the ability to perform daily tasks without experiencing undue fatigue. A 2018 study published in JAMA, which tracked over 120,000 individuals, confirmed a strong link between fitness and longevity. The study found that people with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) had lower long-term mortality rates. CRF measures how efficiently the body absorbs and uses oxygen during prolonged physical activity, and it is typically quantified by VO2 max, which reflects the amount of oxygen the body can consume per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min). This metric gauges the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in delivering oxygen to the muscles, as well as the muscles’ ability to use that oxygen for energy production.

“Cardiorespiratory fitness is a key indicator of aerobic endurance and a strong predictor of athletic performance and overall health. A higher VO2 max allows for sustained exercise at higher intensities. For example, the average VO2 max for a 45-year-old man is about 40 ml/kg/min, while elite endurance athletes may score in the 60s or higher.” *

Although genetics set an upper limit on VO2 max, regular swimming exercise over time can significantly improve CRF levels within that range. CRF plays a vital role in determining fitness levels across age groups. Consider Garmin’s fitness scores which provides insight into how VO2 max varies by gender and age.

To improve VO2 max, individuals should aim to spend 80% of their swim workout time in zone 2 (moderate intensity) and 20% in zone 5 (high intensity). VO2 max can be measured in fitness centers or estimated through tests like the Rockport Walk Test, or by using wearable devices like the Apple Watch or Garmin.

Enhancing CRF and VO2 max not only improves overall fitness but also supports a longer, healthier life while boosting athletic performance.

*Attia MD, Peter ; Gifford, Bill. Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity (pp. 220-221). Harmony/Rodale. Kindle Edition.

How to apply for a grant:

Did you know that as a member of the Arkansas Masters LMSC, you might be eligible for a grant? We budget for several grants each year which are approved on a first come, first served basis. Grants can be used to (1) help pay for USMS coach certification class, or Adult Learn to Swim certification class, (2) defray costs to attend a Zone or National Meet, or (3) assist in the cost of hosting a swimming event. Please go to this page and read about all of the details and how you can apply. The process is quite easy, but you do need to apply prior to attending your event.

New Officials:

Do you have friends or family that cheer you on at Masters meets? Do you know young adults that need volunteer hours? Let’s ask them if they would like to become officials for our swim meets! It doesn’t take too much time to earn a certification, and we’re great people to spend time with for a few hours! Check it out and spread the word: how to become an official