PCY Masters Swimming

Recovery isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s essential for all of us.
As masters swimmers, we ask a lot of our bodies. Between training, work, family, and everything else life throws at us, recovery often becomes the thing we skip… but it’s also the thing that helps us keep showing up.
A few simple ways to support your recovery:
😴 Prioritize quality sleep whenever you can
🧘 Take 5–10 minutes to stretch or add light mobility work
📆 Don’t be afraid to take a rest day when your body needs it
🚶 Keep moving on off days—easy activity can go a long way
Taking care of your body outside the pool helps you feel better in it.

🍩 Tomorrow is Donut Day! 🍩
National Donut Day may be today, but on our team we celebrate with donuts on Saturdays!
Join us after practice tomorrow for one of our favorite PCY Masters traditions. Swim your workout, stick around for a few minutes, and enjoy a donut while catching up with teammates.
🏊 Practice first.
🍩 Donuts second.
😊 Great conversations and team camaraderie throughout.
We hope you'll stay and join us!

As we settle into long course season and warmer weather, hydration becomes more important than ever—even in the pool.
It’s easy to forget, but you’re still sweating during practice, especially in outdoor conditions or longer sets. Staying properly hydrated can make a noticeable difference in your energy, performance, and recovery.
A few simple reminders:
💧 Start hydrating before you get to the pool
⚡ Consider adding electrolytes for longer or higher-intensity practices
🏊‍♂️ Keep a water bottle on deck and actually use it
🔁 Rehydrate after practice to support recovery
Small habits like these can go a long way in helping you feel your best in and out of the water.

🍩 Donut Day is This Saturday! 🍩
National Donut Day may be Friday, but on our team we celebrate with donuts on Saturdays!
Join us after practice this Saturday for one of our favorite team traditions. Whether you're coming for the workout, the conversation, or the donuts, stick around for a few minutes and enjoy some time with your teammates.
No sign-up required—just swim, socialize, and grab a donut.
🍩 Saturday after practice
🏊 Practice first. Donuts second. Fun all around.

Meet Rob Strom! 🏊‍♂️
What started as swimming on his own at the Powel Crosley YMCA eventually turned into a 10-year journey with PCY Masters. Inspired by a moving testimonial, supported by teammates who quickly became family, and known for his love of open water swimming and the Ohio River Swim, Rob’s story is one of positivity, perseverance, and community.
From his “No Excuses” cancer fundraising campaign to unofficial world records, Masters swimming has become a meaningful and uplifting part of Rob’s life — and we’re grateful he’s part of our team.
Read Rob’s full story on our website!

🎉 Tomorrow’s the Night! 🎉
Join us tomorrow evening for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Masters Team Social & “Wearing of the Medals” Ceremony!
We’re looking forward to celebrating another incredible year of swimming, friendship, and team accomplishments with our Masters family.
🏅 Don’t forget to bring any ribbons or medals earned at recent meets for the ceremony!
📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 HighGrain Brentwood
✔️ Buffet Dinner
✔️ Team Social
✔️ Medal Ceremony
🍻 Beverages will be available for purchase separately.
We can’t wait to see everyone there!

Progress in Masters swimming doesn’t always show up on a clock.
Sometimes it looks like showing up consistently after a long day.
Sometimes it’s trying a stroke you’ve been avoiding.
Sometimes it’s swimming pain-free, or simply feeling better in the water than you did a few weeks ago.
Not every win is a best time—and that’s okay.
In this sport, progress is personal.
Take a moment this week to recognize your own small wins, whatever they may be.
They all count.

⏰ RSVP Deadline Reminder ⏰
There’s still time to join us for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Masters Team Social & “Wearing of the Medals” Ceremony — but the RSVP deadline is almost here!
Come celebrate another great year of swimming, friendship, and team accomplishments with fellow Masters swimmers and families from across the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.
📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 HighGrain Brentwood
🏅 Bring along any ribbons or medals earned at recent meets for our annual ceremony!
✔️ Team Social
✔️ Buffet Dinner
✔️ Medal Ceremony
💲 $15 per person
⏰ RSVP Deadline: Monday, May 25
🔗 Register Here:
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/ohpcyts/page/team-registration?event_id=1743748
Family members and guests are welcome!

Why do you swim?
For many of us, that answer has changed over time—and that’s a good thing.
Maybe it started as competition. Maybe it was about getting back in shape. Maybe now it’s about clearing your head, staying active, or simply being part of a community.
In Masters swimming, your “why” doesn’t have to stay the same. It grows with you, just like everything else.
There’s no right reason to be here—just your reason.
Take a moment this week to reflect on what brings you back to the water.
That’s what matters most.

🏅 PCY Masters Team Social Reminder 🏅
Don’t forget to RSVP for our YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Masters Team Social & “Wearing of the Medals” Ceremony!
Join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and celebration as we recognize another great year of swimming and team accomplishments. All Masters swimmers and their families are welcome — whether or not you attended Masters Nationals.
📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 HighGrain Brentwood
✔️ Buffet Dinner
✔️ Team Social
✔️ Medal Ceremony
🏅 If you earned ribbons or medals at a recent meet, be sure to bring them along for the ceremony!
💲 $15 per person
⏰ RSVP Deadline: Monday, May 25
🔗 Register Here:
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/ohpcyts/page/team-registration?event_id=1743748
Family members and guests are welcome!