OPEN Water Works

‘My goal is to have you love the water as much as I do.’

- Mei Mei Connor

On a year-round basis, Margaret “Mei Mei” Connor conducts individual swim sessions, seminars, pool and open water clinics.  She also is available for triathlon race day assistance. During the crucial “off- season”, Mei Mei continues to work with athletes to prepare them for the upcoming triathlon season ensuring these racers can THRIVE, not just SURVIVE, their swim!

Mei Mei has conducted clinics for David Glover, The Luray Triathlons; the Jim McDonnell Lake Swim; the DC Triathlon Tri Clinic Series; OnPoint Fitness; and Curl-Burke Masters to name of few. Seminar topics include racing strategies, pool or open water fears, competition, and training workouts.  Mei Mei tailors her discussion to meet your groups’ specific needs, and would be honored to assist your club, team, or organization!

updated on July 10, 2011

From beginning open water swimmer to world-class triathlete, Mei Mei Connor’s coaching is tailored to meet your needs. Though she can work with a group of athletes who are determined to be of similar pacing, individual sessions are initially recommended to best address individual goals and training needs.

Private Coaching

Most people who are training for a triathlon or an open water race have one thing in common: they are nervous about swimming in dark water. During our one hour, one-on-one sessions we will explore these concerns together so you can learn to love the open water as much as I do. - $65 one hour session

Group Swim Sessions

One or two of your friends may want to join you for a one hour, open water session to practice sighting, pacing and racing strategies. (Comparable speed in water is important). Groups of ten or more can schedule a group open water swim practice/coaching session on a case by case basis. - $70 for a group of 2 swimmers and $75 for a group of 3 swimmers for one hour session

Race Clinics

If you are a race director/tri-club coach looking to add this valuable session to your event or program, my pre-race and race day triathlon open water support has proved valuable in reducing the number of race day pullouts. The athletes benefit from having an open water  expert there to answer any questions or concerns they have before the race.

READY TO JUMP IN?

Schedule a session

Businesswoman.  Non-Profit Founder.  Single Mom.  PTA Volunteer. Athlete.  Coach.  Mentor.

Each of these components comprises the foundation of Mei Mei’s life coaching.  For over 15 years, Mei Mei has guided her clients to tap into their strengths, and to unblock their barriers. In doing so, Mei Mei’s clients are better able to define and achieve their professional, athletic, and personal dreams and goals.

Experience:

Business:  Investor/Partner in first Papa John’s Restaurant in New York City, NY.

Non-Profit Founder and Executive Director:  Developed four programs to designed assist thousands of children in need by sending them new school supplies (first in area to create), kindergarten snacks, Christmas toys, and other items.  Community-wide support, CFC/United Way.

Divorced/Single Mom:  Mei Mei’s daughter is a graduate student at the University of Denver earning her MSW.   She is studying to treat abused children as a therapist and social worker. She has also worked for Americorps.  Mei Mei’s son is a third year undergraduate at The University of Virginia.  He has achieved academic excellence by making the Dean’s List, and is an avid member of the water polo team.  He is also a member of the “1 in 4” nonprofit organization at UVa.

PTA Volunteer: Over 12 years of volunteering in preschool and public schools.  Developed many fundraising programs to benefit school community.  Classroom volunteer.  Mei Mei’s belief is it important to be an active part of the community in which her children are being educated.

Athlete:  High School All-American.  Masters and Open Water Swimmer.  Continues to compete, but her passion is for exercise and the friendships made along the way.  Loves to kayak, go for walks and hikes.

Coach:  For over 15 years Mei Mei has been an open water, pool, and life coach.  Her belief is that in order compete, swim for pleasure, or find your personal or professional passion, you need to tap into your best resources.  She helps you discover out what’s preventing you from fulfilling your dreams.  She’s living her dream!

Mentor:  Mei Mei values the importance of mentoring those younger than her.  Whether at the workplace, swim practice, or as a parent, she has taken time to guide and help develop those who want to learn from her.  Mei Mei treasurers doing this.  On her non-profit board, she had a middle school and high school student on her Board of Directors.  They had voting rights because Mei Mei knew they understood the needs of their fellow students.

OWW's Wonderful Friends and Partners

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Dr. Pam Peeke

MD MPH FACP

The “dark” water of lakes, rivers and oceans can be daunting for many people to swim in. 

Mei Mei’s 15-year’s of invaluable experience as a triathlon consultant, active competitor, and personal coach has helped hundreds of swimmers to “love the open water as much as she does.” This passion has led Mei Mei to become one of the very few coaches who specializes in the beginner/nervous swimmer.  Mei Mei’s success rate is remarkable.

Bring your questions to Mei Mei!  She can coach you with such topics as:

• How to overcome you fear/discomfort swimming in the open water.
• Race Starts                                                                                 
• Sighting
• Strategies for Racing
• Dark Does Not Mean Dirty

Margie Shapiro

Professional Triathlete

Co-Owner Potomac River Running Stores

‘Margaret not only helped me improve my open water technique, she helped me find perspective and balance in the transition from amateur to professional triathlete that allowed me to me reach inside myself and get more out of my abilities than ever before.’

-- Margie Shapiro

David Glover

MSE, CSCS, Luray Triathlon Race Director

Please sign up his upcoming events!!

enduranceworks (http://enduranceworks.net)
She Does Tri (http://shedoestri.com)

‘From her calm presence and reassuring words to practical advice, Mei Mei Connor has been a true asset to my clinics and at my races in enabling more triathletes to be successful in finishing their races.’

- David Glover

 

Team Z

www.Triteamz.com

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Humberger

DC Running Coach

www.dcrunningcoach.com

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret “Mei Mei” Connor grew up a Virginia lake community.  She learned at an early age that water is a haven, and to be respected.  As a former High School All-American swimmer, Mei Mei continues to embrace her passion for any body of water – pool, lake, river and ocean.

Over 15 years ago, as a swim instructor and coach, it became evident to Mei Mei that many people struggle to swim in the water.  Some felt it was unsafe, others had deeply-rooted fears of the water.  Mei Mei has chosen this to be her passion – to have these swimmers embrace the beauty of the water they way she does.  She coaches all levels of swimmers– beginner to Iron Man – to help them achieve their desired goals. Her success rate is remarkable.

Mei Mei is a Masters swimmer, and a Level II Masters Swim Coach.  She continues to compete in pool and open water races.  These include:

• 2008 -    4.4 Great Chesapeake 4.4 Mile Swim; Sandy Point State Park, MD. (Non-wetsuit).
• 2009 -    Colony Zones Short Course Championships: Age Group Zones Record 100 yard backstroke and 400 Freestyle Relay, Fairfax, VA.
• 2010 -    Brooklyn Bridge Swim, NYC; Age Group Winner (Non-wetsuit).
                One-Mile Ocean Swim, Sea Bright, NJ.  Age Group winner (Non-Wetsuit)
• 2011 -   Statute of Liberty Island Swim  June 24th, NYC.

READY TO JUMP IN?

Schedule a session

phone: 703.786.1773

email:margaret@openwaterworks.com