What started as a 28.5-mile swim around Manhattan became something far more emotional and unexpected. In this documentary, Dan Daly reflects on endurance, fear, mentorship, open water swimming, and the powerful moment a younger swimmer realized he might one day attempt the challenge himself.
Read MoreDan Daly reflects on competing at USMS Spring Nationals 2026 in Greensboro, North Carolina, while sharing insights on sprint-focused swim training, dryland power development, and Masters swimming performance. The article highlights standout performances from Train Daly athletes, national-level racing results, and lessons learned from balancing speed, strength, and recovery at age 44. Perfect for competitive swimmers, Masters athletes, and coaches interested in US Masters Swimming Spring Nationals training strategies and race preparation.
Read MoreThe secret isn't natural talent—it's breaking down this challenging stroke into manageable components. Butterfly swimming combines powerful undulation, properly timed dolphin kicks, and synchronized arm movements to create swimming's most beautiful stroke. While many swimmers struggle with exhaustion or poor technique, my step-by-step approach builds both the skills and confidence needed to swim butterfly effectively. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your technique, these proven methods will transform your butterfly from a struggle into a stroke you truly enjoy.
Read MoreChoosing the right foods before a swim meet can make a big difference in your performance. Eating the best pre-race meals ensures you have the energy and stamina to swim strong. From slow-digesting carbohydrates to lean proteins, discover which foods to include in your diet to fuel your body efficiently. Proper pre-swim nutrition can help you feel your best in the water, so don't leave your meal plan to chance. Ready to dive in and learn more? Read the article.
Read MoreMany competitive swimmers train hard, recover well, and still feel flat in the water. Stroke quality fades, fatigue lingers, and minor illnesses disrupt momentum. In many cases, the problem isn’t training effort — it’s a hidden vitamin gap. This guide breaks down the best vitamins for swimmers, why competitive swimmers have higher needs, and how proper vitamin support helps sustain energy, recovery, and long-term performance through demanding swim seasons.
Read MoreButterfly has a reputation for being brutal—and for a lot of swimmers, it earns it. You train hard, your kick feels strong, and the first 25 looks solid. Then everything falls apart. Breathing gets rushed, arms feel heavy, and speed disappears. The problem usually isn’t fitness or effort. It’s timing, rhythm, and how well your body works as a system. Once those pieces connect, butterfly stops feeling like punishment and starts feeling controlled, fast, and repeatable.
Read MoreFlip turns are where races are won or quietly lost. Most swimmers focus on stroke technique and conditioning, but overlook the wall — the fastest place in the pool. A strong freestyle flip turn preserves momentum, creates speed, and keeps your swimming connected from wall to wall. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly breaks down flip turn technique step by step, covering approach, rotation, push-off, breathing, and drills that actually work — so you stop leaking speed and start turning faster.
Read MoreKnowing your race pace—and how to train it—is what separates strong finishers from swimmers who fade halfway through a race. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly, CSCS, breaks down how to calculate your ideal pace, train it effectively, and adapt it for open water. Learn how stroke tempo, endurance sets, and data-driven tools can help you swim faster and more efficiently.
Read MoreThe flutter kick looks simple, but mastering it can transform your swimming. Done correctly, it lifts your hips, reduces drag, and adds real propulsion to your stroke. Out of the pool, the same motion builds stronger abs and hip stability. In this guide, I’ll walk you through proper flutter kick form, muscles worked, and key drills to make your kick more efficient – whether you’re chasing faster race times or a stronger core.
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Swimming · Triathlon · Endurance
