Lady Liberty, Me and a Hot Summer Night

by Laura Tiedge, Rye Y Sr. Director of Healthy Living

Don't wait for your ship to come in - swim out to it.
- Author Unknown
Or in my case, swim AROUND it!

I am a lifelong swimmer.  I learned to swim at the Jersey City YMCA in New Jersey with my mom looking on in the bleachers above the pool.  I went on to compete on the Y’s swim team and then in high school.  In adulthood I continued to swim for fitness, and began sharing my love of the water with others as a swim coach and instructor.  I even taught my husband to swim, and I’m proud to report that he is a great swimmer and that we are still married J

I feel totally at home in and around the water.  It calms me and gives me energy.  To say I am passionate about swimming is an understatement.  It is this deep connection to the water that has fueled my ventures into open water swimming. 

There is nothing quite like getting out of the pool and swimming with a destination, and on the night of June 29^th, I had quite the destination swim.  At 4:10 p.m., after winding my way through the long and very hot check-in line, I boarded a Statue Cruises Ferry.  I was on my way to circumnavigate the iconic Statue of Liberty as a swimmer!

We landed on this universal symbol of freedom and democracy before 5:00 p.m.  It was a hot and humid day, and without a doubt, each and every one of the 400 sweaty swimmers waiting for the race to begin could hardly wait to jump in the water and cool off.  However, start time was still nearly two hours away.  We sought refuge under the cool shade provided by the trees lining the island, and wiled away the time resting and taking in the sights of a Lower Manhattan skyline under restoration.

As the island cleared of tourists it was time for the pre-race briefing and then final preparations before lining up for our swim waves.  We were surrounded by the nervous energy of the swimmers and the shear awe we each experienced as we stood preparing to embark on an adventure around the waters surrounding Lady Liberty. 

Now time seemed to accelerate and suddenly our waves were being called.  I was in the first wave of 40 swimmers.  As we restlessly waited for the start, my fellow adventurers chatted about the swim, and those who had completed it in the past shared some last minute tips.  With timing chips, numbered swim caps and goggles in place we boarded a ferry off of the dock and proceeded to the exit door and entrance to the water.  Every 5 seconds two of us plunged feet first into the chilly and choppy Hudson River to the command of go, go, go from the race volunteers.

When I hit the water the coolness took my breath away, as the cold was magnified by my overheated body.  After everyone in my wave had entered the water and swam over to the starting gate, the countdown began. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 and GO!  We were off, a churning pot of arms and legs swimming against a strong current in very choppy water.

It took me a while to find my rhythm.  This was a new swimming venue for me so I sighted for the buoys more than was necessary, but I wanted to be sure I was swimming straight.  As I approached the front of the Statue I began breathing to the left, my non-dominate side, just to get a glimpse of the Lady – and what an awesome perspective this provided.  She is magnificient and I felt so small in the waters below her pedestal.  The magic continued as I made my way around the Island and picked up a little boost from a current that was now with me.  The longest stretch provided me with beautiful views of the New York skyline. 

Another turn put the finish in my sights and the current pushing against me.  I put my head down, put more power in my long strokes and finally found myself at the last buoy and the ladder back up to the dock.  I had done it – I swam around the Statue of Liberty.

As swimmers from the subsequent waves finished their swim the Island began filling up with swimmers and their supporters.  Everyone was posing to have their pictures taken, medals around their necks, with the backdrop of the Statue.  Then it was time for a barbeque where we ate and shared stories of our experiences in the waters around Lady Liberty.

It was then time to board the ferry back to Manhattan.  As the Statute faded from view beside a beautiful sunset, I reflected on what was such a wonderful opportunity and experience – a little scary, challenging at times, but such a feeling of accomplishment.  I wished my mom had been there watching over me just as she had at all of my swim lessons and swim meets, but Lady Liberty would have to do!

As we made our way back to the parking garage a man stopped me, and having seen my medal and race number on my arms, he asked, “Hey, did you just do one of those Ironman’s?”  I replied, “No, I just swam around the Statue of Liberty.”  He smiled, and shaking his head said, “That is so cool!”  I sensed that when he went home that night that he would tell his family or friends about this person who swam around the Statue of Liberty.  Hopefully more will find inspiration from the grand Lady in the water!

New Colossus (The Statue of Liberty Sonnet)

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Rye Y Staff - Camp Memories

Laura A. Laura, Member Wellness Coordinator
Growing up, my sister and I spent all of our time at the stables. We started riding horses very young. It cost a fortune so we would clean stalls, exercise horses, stack hay and were trail guides to afford summer riding camp. I have many fond memories growing up in the mud and spending sunrise to sunset with all the animals. All summer we lived there. Toward the end of each summer we would go to Rockefeller State Park with our horses. We would ride the trails, picnic and relax.

The best part was when we would take the horses for a swim.  After untacking the horses we would ride with just a bridle, and the horses would run into the lake. I would always fall off and swim along with my horse (trying my best not to get kicked). The horses would whinny in excitement and play in the water. It was like we were all little kids. Twenty years later, it is still one my best summer memories.

 Andrea Robinson, Human Resources Director

When I relocated to the U.S. from England when I was 9 years old, my mother enrolled me at the White Plains YMCA, since she did not have afterschool care for me at that time.  During my first few years in the States, I was bullied on a regular basis at school and the YMCA was my only safe-haven.  I learned how to swim at the Y and also made many good friends.  That staff members became a part of my support group!  Each and every day, I longed for 3pm to arrive, so that I would be able to go to the Y.  Since my experience was so positive, as soon as my daughter was of age, I enrolled her in the WP Y.  She remained there until becoming a Counselor in Training.  Tatiana also loves to swim and loves the Y.  We are both very happy to be a part of the Rye YMCA.  It’s a great place to be.

Diana Vita, Group Wellness Director:

When I was 11 years old, I went to horseback riding camp for a week with the Girl Scouts. I learned how to ride a horse and with that  I also had to feed and groom it. I loved horses and to me that experience was something I will never forget. At first I missed home very much and cried a lot. The horses took my mind off of missing my family and finally I came to enjoy myself. I learned to love riding and always wanted to own my own horse. I also was extremely sore after all that because I learned riding takes many techniques. This was my only experience for summer camp, but it was the best summer ever.  One day I will be back in the saddle again!

Ann E. Ivan- Fitness Center Director: 

I grew up in California and attended a Girl Scout Day Camp in San Francisco, in a part of the city I would never go to otherwise. To this day I don’t know exactly where that camp was located.   We had caterpillar cocoons in a tank to watch them hatch. I was not there when the butterfly emerged, but I was given the job of feeding it afterward. I saw the butterfly’s long tongue curl out to sip the sugar water. The wings amazed me.   I will never forget the feeling that I was nurturing this beautiful, mysterious creature.

But my summers were mostly spent with family at “the coast” which meant Mendocino County, a little bit North of San Francisco.   Here are jagged, rocky beaches and steep cliffs, “where the Redwoods meet the Sea.”  We ran wild as feral children, barefoot and dirty. We swam in the surf and climbed the cliffs, explored the coves and hillsides. Night beach, jacket for warmth, shorts still on…bonfires of driftwood… the salt-encrusted driftwood released bright sparks, making sudden popping noises as it burned.  Pounding waves our constant backdrop of sound.   Polliwogs at the river.

The whole of nature belonged to us.  The vast open space of the Pacific left room for imagination to develop.   Students of shifting sand and rock we were. Of the common, and then strange fish brought in by the fisherman… mollusks and bivalves and blue jays… deer and raptors.   All were studied in immersion, during different seasons, on repeated visits to this Camp over all my younger years.

I can text and drive

by Steve Mochel
Co-owner of Fresh Green Light Driving School

For those of you who know Donna Lopez, mother of 2 teen drivers and one of our classroom instructors, nothing gets her blood boiling more than hearing those 5 words - "I can text and drive". And it never fails. Someone always says it when we're talking about texting and driving in our classroom at Fresh Green Light.

Sure - sometimes it's just someone who is trying to be funny. But the truth is most teenagers think they can text and drive. Look at these numbers from the Ad Council's Distracted Driving Campaign:

And parents of daughters, AAA just released a study last week showing the teen girls are twice as likely as teen boys to use cell phones and other electronics while driving.

So as parents, what can we do?

First of all - by now you've probably had the drug talk, the sex talk, the drinking talk so it's time to have the distracted driving talk. Have a frank discussion about texting and driving. Ask you teenager if they've done it. And come up with a plan to make sure it doesn't happen in the future.

Second - parents we need to be better role models. I've done it. You've done it. We've all done it. Reading e-mails on your Blackberry while driving is the same as texting and driving. And the last phone conversation that you have while driving is not nearly as important as you thought it was. Put your phone away and drive. Hey - what a great time to have the distracted driving talk with your teenager!

Lastly - when you see a friend, family member, or colleague being a distracted driver, call them on it. Tell them you care about them and want them to be safe. Just don't let them do it and get away with it - as they say at the MTA "if you see something - say someting".

Steve Mochel is the parent/step-parent of 2 teenage drivers and 2 teenage soon-to-be drivers.  He and his wife Laura Shuler created Fresh Green Light to provide 21^st century driver education to parents and new teen drivers in our community.  Fresh Green Light has been recognized by NHTSA recently as one of the most innovative driving schools in the country.  Fresh Green Light currently has locations in Rye NY, Cos Cob, CT & Darien, CT. 

A Warm Welcome

Denise Woodin
Rye Y Director of Community Impact & Social Responsibility

Recently, Groupon voucher in hand, I tried out a different salon for a much-needed haircut.  After a minute, someone came to the front desk, took my name, and led me to the back.  Although she offered me a cup of coffee (much appreciated), she didn’t offer her name or engage in any further conversation.  It wasn’t that she was unfriendly; it was just that something warm, something welcoming, was missing.  It was as if her mind was elsewhere, perhaps dwelling on a fight with her boyfriend, or family problems. It happens.

Now, I don’t expect a brass band announcing my arrival just to get a haircut.  But it did make me think about how all our staff, especially the Member Services group at the front desk, greets every member and visitor who walk through the Y’s doors.  Their voices are enthusiastic and warm. Their interest in people is genuine.  At the very least, they smile and say hello.  Often, they’ll greet members by name and ask about their families or recent life events.

Bill and Lauren

The Rye Y attracts staff who want everyone—from babies to senior citizens, the health seekers and the athletes, and everyone in between—to know that they are welcome here.  It makes a difference to our members, who feel embraced by a community.  And, as a staff member, it makes a difference to me, to be part of a place that values human relationships above all.

So come on in, say hello to Barb or Bill or Paul or Cindy or Teresa or any of our other front desk staff.  Just don’t ask them for a wash and a trim!

Water Safety Tips

Vickie Kourtelis
Rye YMCA Aquatics Director

May is National Water Safety Month. The Y Aquatics Department is dedicated to making sure that all children learn to swim and learn water safety skills that prevent any injury or drowning in the water. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 1-14 years.”

 With the summer season right around the corner we would like to share some helpful tips to make sure that you and your families enjoy the summer and practice safe summer fun! No matter what age or swim ability, children need continuous supervision around the water. Young children especially can drown in less than two inches of water so it is very important that caregivers keep a close eye on them while they are swimming! The smallest distraction is all it takes for a child to become part of a horrible statistic, all too many times we hear stories beginning with, “I was only gone for a minute…“or, “I received a quick phone call and a few seconds later…” Please take water safety seriously this summer and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or any additional support we may be able to provide you with, email us at Vickie@ryeymca.org or call (914)967-6363 ext. 108. Below are some tips that may help you and your families this summer.

 CAREGIVERS
 -Let kids know that they should contact an adult or a lifeguard if there is an emergency. If you are traveling to a pool or beach, point out the lifeguard to your child before you begin swimming.  

 - Communication between adults supervising the pool area is key! If you are going to be walking away from the water for a quick second communicate that with other adults so that somebody is supervising the children in the water.

 -Review pool rules with your children and make sure they know what to do in case of an emergency. Teach them to remain calm and YELL for HELP if they find themselves struggling in the water or in case they see somebody else struggling. Go over emergency procedures with the children (while in the car driving to the water, eating a snack, applying sunscreen, right before entering the water, etc.)

 -Children should NEVER serve as the lifeguard. If they see somebody needs assistance their job should be to FIND help, not jump in and help the person themselves. Distressed swimmers and active drowning victims can become uncontrollable and violent in the water which can lead to drowning or injuring the person helping them.

-Never assume that a child is safe in the pool, even if they are a great swimmer. All kids should be supervised in the water as at any given time something can happen and they may need assistance. Even an experienced swimmer can suffer or worse, drown in the water.

 -Practice makes perfect!!! Set aside 10 minutes every other day to do a mini lesson or just a couple of times during the week. Children like to PLAY in outdoor pools, not practice their freestyle, backstroke, etc. If you stay committed to the learning process throughout the summer then they will improve a great deal.

-If at a pool with a diving board make sure to stress to the kids that they can’t jump until the person that jumped before them is at the wall and that there is nobody in their way.

-Practice swimming without goggles for a little bit each day so that they are comfortable swimming without them if there should be an incident when they fall in the water.

-Be at arm’s reach of your child in the water to provide a helping hand as soon as they may need one. Provide your child a life saving floatation device if they are a non swimmer.

-Teach children never to swim alone.

 -Learn CPR in case of an emergency, CPR saves lives and the faster you respond to a situation using CPR if needed the more likely a chance of recovery. Only trained CPR professionals should practice this skill. Classes are taught here at the Y!

 -Enroll your child in swim lessons. The Y’s summer session will begin on June 23 and registration starts June 13. (Click here for swim schedule)  Swim class is a great way to reinforce pool rules and have children practice their skills in a learning encouraging setting.

 HAVE A POOL AT HOME?
-Never allow your child to swim unsupervised.

-Have 911 posted by the phone so kids remember who to call in case of an emergency!

-Having a pool party? Make sure to assign parents to pool duty, have parents in the water with non swimmers, or hire a lifeguard to come and keep a close watch on the kids.

-Stay away from distracting tasks while supervising your child while they swim. Jump in with them and cool off, play games, or teach them some skills.

-Fence off your pool area and make sure that gates are self closing and self latching, out of children’s reach.

-Remove any toys or objects in the pool at the end of your swim activities as children can fall in by trying to grab them.

-Empty all water out of inflatable pools.

-If your child is having a play date make sure to find out whether they will be doing any water activities. If so, be sure to find out what kind of supervision there will be in the water no matter what swim ability your child or their friends may have.

-Be sure to swim test children visiting your pool before you allow them to swim. Swim tests should be done with an adult in the water at arm’s reach to provide assistance if needed.

-Make sure to separate the deeper end with a divider in the water so that all kids and adults no if there is a change in depth.

 HEADING TO THE BEACH?
 -Make sure to wear sunscreen. Wear hats, drink plenty of water, and don’t forget to reapply sunscreen regularly!

-Keep cool when you can.

-Practice the buddy system. Nobody is allowed by the water without their buddy.

-Point out the lifeguard so the child knows who to approach in case of an emergency.

-Do not allow children to swim in large waves.

-Teach kids that if they are caught in a rip current or undertow they should swim parallel to the shore or tread water and yell for HELP.

These are just a few tips to help create a safe environment for you and your families this summer. Again, we urge you to remain focused on water safety this summer. Keeping an eye on your children or making sure they are properly supervised is key to providing a safe and fun environment for all. ENJOY, STAY COOL, AND BE SAFE!

As easy as riding a bike...

Vickie Kourtelis
Rye YMCA Aquatics Director

“It’s as easy as riding a bike." Funny! For so many years I thought, “if that's the case, I'm doomed!”

After a few failed attempts at mastering a two wheel bike on my own, I had sworn off the activity. At 7 years old, I was left with a broken arm after being jolted off my bike by my brother, who had "accidentally" knocked into my back tire. Soon after, I attempted to ride again and crashed into a tree, busting my lip and chin open and cracking my two front teeth. I have the scars to prove it! I would never get on that thing again! Clearly it just wasn't my sport! So you can see why I thought getting on a bike again would be the scariest thing.

Then, almost a year ago, I was visiting family in Virginia and they encouraged me to give cycling another try.  I went from a small bike that belonged to my 9 year old cousin, to a bigger bike within hours. My entire family questioned my abilities, but with my father holding the back of the bike and the handle bars I slowly mastered the peddling. You can imagine how ridiculous that must have looked, a 24-year old woman getting assistance from her dad on a bicycle. I was nervous, but finally he let go and I realized it wasn't so bad...until I had to stop. Nervously I'd throw my feet down before realizing all I had to do was slowly brake using the brakes on the handle bars. That weekend, after a few hours of practice, I rode a few miles up the road with my 13 year-old cousin. A non biker to a few miles— outrageous!

Returning home to New York, my first stop was at my local bike store. New bike, check...helmet, check…fanny pack to hold my belongings, check! All set for my first NY bike ride. On my first ride I got a flat...called Triple A (a.k.a my dad) and had the tire repaired. On my second ride, not far from my house, I was faced with what I call “huge” hill with a 4 -way stop sign at the bottom. Unable to stop, and nervous with a consuming fear of crashing into a moving vehicle, I threw myself off the bike midway down the hill into a tree. I stood up, looked around, laughed, collected my water bottle and bike from the middle of the street and walked down the hill. I went to the park to clean off my bloody knees and elbow, climbed back on the bike and rode home.

I'm petrified every time I get on that bike, but I will get back on every time. It's a strange thing learning something as an adult. Fear takes over but you have to just let go and go for it! So it's pretty funny that I just learned, right? Well, here's a challenge...find that thing you’ve always wanted to do, make yourself a little uncomfortable, let go and go for it!

Our 9+1 Adventure

All Roads lead to the 2013 NYC Marathon
Laura Tiedge,
Rye Y Senior Director of Healthy Living

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Chinese Proverb

I met Alex a little more than 9 months ago when I interviewed her to be a part of our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA pilot program. At the time, she was an 18-month ovarian cancer survivor with steadfast Irish determination to get back in shape. Little did I know that I had just found a terrific new friend.

Alex approached the LIVESTRONG program with a great deal of commitment and a positive attitude. About six weeks into the 12-week program she said she wanted to set a goal to do a triathlon. It was too late to join the Rye Y Tribe, our beginner women’s triathlon team, but there was enough time to get ready for The Westchester Triathlon’s mini-sprint called the Meek and Mighty. Alex registered, started preparing for the race, and sure enough she finished! I was there that day, along with her husband Michael! She was beaming with pride – Alex had found her inner athlete.

So it came as no surprise when Alex signed up for the Tribe and her first sprint distance triathlon. However, she was struggling to get back to an exercise routine and asked if she could join me on my runs. Alex was new to running, but was an avid long distance walker, having twice trained for and completed the 2-day Avon Walk for Breast cancer. We set about becoming runners using the Jeff Galloway run-walk method, which would ease us into injury-free running. This was particularly important to me, as I had suffered a stress fracture in 2010 while training for a half-marathon. I never wanted to repeat 8 weeks on crutches and moving around the Y on my scooter again!

Before we knew it, Alex and I were run-walking three days a week. On one of our walks I mentioned that I was planning to run nine races and volunteer at another through New York Road Runners (NYRR) in order to get an auto-entry into the 2013 NYC Marathon. I could see the wheels turning in her head and by the end of that run, she had decided to join me in the 9+1 adventure.

At that point, our training took on new meaning – we had races to choose and register for. There was no slacking now that we were committed to this lofty goal! That said, each of our runs are a gift, filled with Alex’s affirmations mixed in with her signature phrase/complaint, “Oh, THANK GOD” when the Gymboss (our run-walk interval timer) indicates that we can finally walk for a minute!

Our running routes usually bring us to Rye Town beach and the calming waters of the Long Island Sound. Along the way, and on every run, I will hear Alex say each of these phrases at some point -- Isn’t it just great being out here -- What a gift this day is – It’s good to be alive. She reminds me with each of these affirmations that I need to remain in the moment, clear my mind of stress and worries, and not sweat the small stuff. I need this from Alex as much, if not more, than she needs me to help her stay on track – we need each other!

Until April, we had been successful with one of our main goals – staying injury-free. And then Alex began complaining about rib pain. Thinking this was a flare-up from a previous broken rib, she ran through the discomfort. But it was getting too painful and I insisted she go to the doctor. No orthopedic issues, but it turns out she had a mild case of shingles! So, Alex had to take some time off and I was left to run alone.
span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">While she was recuperating I stuck to our routine, but it wasn’t the same. I had experienced the joy of running with a friend, which made my solo runs more work than fun. Aches and pains set in, and a week before our race I felt the familiar discomfort of shin splints. Alex was ready to come back to running, and while I joined her, I was sure to apply R.I.C.E. – rest, ice, compression and elevation – after our runs to insure I’d be ready for our first race on May 12^th.

Fast forward to race day. We arrive in Central Park on a stunningly beautiful NYC spring day. Cool air, warm sun, blue skies and no humidity. We do a short walk to warm-up and then find our way to the back of the line where the slower runners and walkers await their approach to the starting line. As we walk toward the start, I turn on the Gymboss. NOTHING happens. After I reassure Alex that I did really change the battery, she whips off one of the pins used to attach her race number to her shirt and finds the reset button. We are back in business. Have to love the practical Irish woman! As we near the starting line, we hear the announcer say “Time to get your jog on people”, and we’re off.

It’s not long before we hit our first hill. Central Park is known for having hilly courses, but after 13 years of living—and running—in Pittsburgh, the Central Park hills seem mild. Alex, on the other hand, hates when I make her do them on our training runs. I like to remind her that she’ll thank me later.

At two miles, we have definitely found our groove. As we cruise through Central Park we fall into casual conversation and musings about life. My shin is sore but nothing terrible, and I’m beginning to feel good about the race. Alex seems to be doing well too, with just a little lingering discomfort around her ribs. Then, just as we pass the 4 mile mark, Alex begins to slow down a bit. She asks if we could extend our walk time, so we do. As we walked I asked her what she ate this morning, “Oh, a banana and coffee. Figured this was a short race so I don’t need much”. Yep, she was bonking – her blood sugar was falling and her energy flagging. Oh well, rookie mistake – it won’t happen again.

We breeze past the 5-mile mark running. Alex mentions she is thirsty, even after hitting two previous water stations. I ask if she had any water before the race. “No, just coffee’’. She is dehydrated, adding to the slower pace. Rookie mistake #2! Now I am feeling bad. I had failed to prepare her as the coach. We had gone over running technique, training periodization, stretching and running shoes, but I had neglected to review Race Preparation 101 – nutrition and hydration. FAIL! Still, no time for admonitions; we have a race to finish.

The last 1.2 miles fly by. 800 meters out, our pace picks up as we hear music playing. We cross the finish line to the cheers of the finishers and all of the terrific race volunteers. We did it – race #1 in the books, and just eight more to go! Time to stretch, revel in our accomplishment and find the closest Starbucks! You go girl!
To be continued…