If you were one of the nearly 3000 swimmers who entered the 2011 USMS 1-Hour Postal Swim (OHP), then you have a chance to do what very few swimmers do each year: complete the USMS Postal Challenge and earn the most elusive patch of all for the accomplishment.

What is this thing? The Postal Challenge goes like this: USMS holds five long distance postal championships each year: the 1-Hour, 5K, 10K, and the 3000- and 6000-yard events. Swimmers who complete all five championships in the same year will be sent a participation patch to honor their achievement. Read more... 

"It izz hen onnah!"

The thick New York accent didn't keep me from understanding the grinning kayaker in aviator sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat. I was fighting the current and about 500 yards from the finish of the 5K Open Water National Championship at Coney Island, hosted by the Coney Island Brighton Beach Open Water Swimmers. This kayaker-I never got his name-was yelling at the top of his lungs over and over: "Swim to the red boat, then you'll see the white buoy. You're almost there!" I popped up to make sure I understood and then thanked him profusely for his efforts. (I'm rarely in a race for anything in open water races, so I can talk to the kayakers. Mostly I ask if I am last.) Read more... 

Swim parkas aren't the sleekest piece of swimwear seen on the pool deck, nor are they the cheapest ... but they just may be one of the most useful. Parkas are part winter jacket, part blanket, part changing room, and part gear storage unit. Kind of like a wearable blanket for people who work out a lot. And smell like chlorine.

Swim parkas are unisex outerwear pieces, designed to keep swimmers warm before and after practices, and also between events at swim meets. The universal components of a parka are a water resistant exterior, a large hood, fleece lining, pockets, and a zipper down the front. Using that basic framework, many companies have taken their swim parkas one step further, incorporating new fabrics, extra pockets, customization options, and lightning rods. Just kidding about the lightning rods. Read More...  

Congratulations to Ellen Bennett and John Carlson, who won a blueseventy sponsorship at the 2012 USMS Summer National Championships. Both these swimmers showed improvement through the course of the year, had a great meet in Auburn, and entered the blueseventy competition. And because of their great season they earned a 2012 blueseventy sponsorship. Way to go Ellen and John. Make sure you register next year for your chance at a 2013 sponsorship. Look for more information leading up to the spring and summer nationals.

This month's Really Cool Website is the Columbus Sharks in Ohio. They do a great job of keeping their team organized and informed.