February is for fitness. Whether you're a competitor in training, swimming laps for exercise, or just trying to lose a few pounds after the holidays, we're with you.

Registration for the 2013 USMS Spring National Championship is now open. Spring Nationals will be held in Indianapolis, Ind. May 9-12. All entries must be received by April 4 at 11:59 p.m. Note that the entry surcharge increases by $10 for any entries postmarked later than March 7 or received later than March 14.  

Please be advised that "The Month of May" festivities surrounding the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 will be in full swing during Spring Nationals. Please book your hotel by February 15, 2013 to ensure the best rate and availability. Good luck and train hard!  

Maintaining diaphragmatic breathing in the water

Diaphragmatic breathing is deep breathing that engages the lungs and abdomen together and causes the belly to rise and fall with breaths. The proper position for diaphragmatic breathing requires that the ribcage be pulled downward and the pelvis tilted slightly forward which allows a swimmer to maintain maximum mechanical and physiological efficiency. Read more...  

This will be the first time the US has hosted the biennial event. To be held in Sarasota, Fla., Pan Ams will include synchronized swimming, Masters swimming, and open water swimming. To be held June 1-13, 2013, the event is expected to attract up to 2,000 swimmers from around the Western Hemisphere. Event registration is live online at PanAmericanMasters2013.org. Plan to attend this unique event.  

Balancing swimming with a full house

Six years ago, a happy but exhausted Inge Clark had a toddler and three infants on her hands. "Four kids does a number on your body," explains Clark, making what might be the understatement of the year. "One day I woke up and said that's it, I'm not going to live like this," says Clark, 42 and a member of Illinois Masters. "So I did what came naturally," Clark said of her choice to return to swimming, a sport she left at age 16. "It's the one thing I know, that I enjoy. I also knew that swimming would strengthen everything." Read more...  

The Perfect Training Partner 

The Sport Audio Experts at X-1

Every Masters swimmer knows that there's no substitute for a good coach and a pool full of teammates to motivate you to get the most out of your workout. It's why you set your alarm clock, skip your lunch break, or leave work early, just to get in the water. But there are times when you can't make it to practice and you have to go it alone. However, there's help in the form of musical motivation. Read more...  

USMS is seeking a content writer and editor for its publications, which include SWIMMER magazine, the STREAMLINES e-newsletter series, and articles on its website, usms.org. This is a part time position. Details here...  

The compliance coordinator will review all open water sanction requests that are submitted via the USMS online sanction system, ensuring compliance with USMS rules and administrative regulations. This is a contract position. Details here... 

USMS 5K Open Water National Championship

This year the USMS 5K Open Water National Championship will be held in Miromar Lakes, Fla.  The Gulf Coast Swim Team and Lee County Parks & Recreation will host the event April 27, 2013. The course is three laps around a 1.666K L-shaped course with a water start and land finish. Plan your open water season today and check out all of the 2013 Long Distance Championships online. 

Really Cool Website of the Month 

Arizona Masters LMSC knows all about SWIM, SUN and FUN. They also know how to keep their membership informed and organized. That's why they are our Really Cool Website of the Month. 

             
             
To be considered for RCWOM, be sure your club's website includes the current USMS logo and Join/Renew membership button. Submit your club name and web address to press@usms.org.