The swim has always been my worst event in a Triathlon. Funny really, since I was in the water 24/7 every summer from the time I was 9 until I was 14. While I loved to dive and pretend I was a synchronized swimmer, I never got into the races across the pool that my Grandpa and my youngest Uncle often threw my way. I would try to beat them, but I never believed that I would beat them.When the time came to "try out" for the Swim team in High School, I was so scared of failing that I didn't even bother trying. If I had *known* that they take everybody, regardless of skill, I might have shown up for tryouts that fall and I'd probably be a much better swimmer.
But I'm not.
You see I do fine in the pool. I definitely need to work on my stroke, bi lateral breathing and speed but I have no problems getting in the pool for the workout and doing my best.
The problem happens when I get in the water on race day. Open Water. I simply lose my cool and end up doing a modified crawl with my head up and out of the water the whole time.
So in an effort to resolve this problem and improve my swim, I am taking a swim clinic with Nancy. But more importantly, I am going to take Nancy & Jim up on their individual open swim offers. Nancy. has mentioned that she wants to get some open water swims in this year and has invited me along. Jim has said that he is willing to escort me in a boat while I do open water swims down near our friends at Lake Anna, this summer. It is wonderful having friends and family who want to see you succeed!
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After a rest day on Wednesday, last night's SPIN class was welcome. I got out of work a little early so I used the extra time at the gym to reaquant myself with the Weight Room. Strength Training is something that I have been missing lately and I figure 20-30 minutes 2 times a week can't be that hard to add in. So I did some upperbody strength training work yesterday followed by an hour of Spinning.
Today is a rest day in prep for a LSD run on Saturday. (Long Slow Distance) The schedule calls for 8 miles of 3/1 intervals and the weather is supposed to be in the mid 60s! Sound like the makings of a perfect workout!
Sunday - I AM GETTING IN THE POOL!! Let it be said, Let it be done!
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Live STRONG!
5 comments:
60s. Oh that's warm.
We're going to do it, girl! You and me, synchronized swimming. Only with less waterproof makeup. :-)
Holly, almost everyone I know has some level of 'panic' in open water. It's not rare or unusual. Once you lose your calm breathing pattern, it is very hard to get it back. Apparently though, it does get better with practice and experience. Good for you for tackling this head on! (standard Holly procedure :) )
lol, I'm an even slower swimmer than I am a runner. But as with running, I have good endurance. If only that counted for something...
If they allowed flippers and snorkels in triathlons? I'd be right in there. Of course, they'd have to make the swim part "time optional", in case I get busy following a stripey orange fish in search of his lost son, and get stung by jellyfish...
Oh yeah - way to tackle your swim goals stay focused, Holly!
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