Swim Lesson

Well, after my 1st race and falling apart on the swim (at least I felt I did) I decided to get some private swim lessons.  I've noticed a bit of shoulder muscle pain as well.  So I figured that is not normal and most likely due to my stroke.

So the 30 minute lesson took place on Thursday with Grace Benes.  First, Grace had me swim an easy warm up 50 to observe my stoke.  She said not bad.  My position was good and level.  She said this is something most people struggle with, but I was good.

Next, she said I need to kick more.  I really don't like to kick, but I am listening.  It's much harder to kick more.

Then she said I cross over on my stroke.  That makes sense due to my shoulder pain.  You never think about these things when swimming.  I honestly thought I was pretty good.

So after several drills and observations, I started to feel how the stroke should feel.  What I noticed and learned is that it feels very different and I need to exaggerate the correct way to swim correctly.

During my practices, I have been able to get across in 17-18 strokes consistently.  I hit that on Thursday.  But, on Friday and today, I was able to get down to 15 and 14 sometimes if I really focused on long strokes.  That is a HUGE difference.

I notice it especially on my laps.  Now, the one thing I noticed immediately is that I am now working different muscles.  Going 500 yards or more non-stop is difficult and I didn't try it.  I just stayed at 100 and 200 and then 300 and 500 yards constantly today.  I kept most at 100 with 15-20 second rest.

I told myslef that I am relearning my stroke and I needed to keep the ego out of the pool and start slow again.  The improvement is huge so far and will only get better.  I can't wait until my next lesson.

I actually am looking forward to swimming now.

Newfound Respect

I've been meaning to post and write about this since this is one of many things I have been thinking about since my first race.  The topic is "respect for triathlon."

I remember a few years ago when Ironman Texas was first announced here.  I was excited and in awe, and, life many I'm sure, was ready to put my name down and be the first to sign up.  I hadn't really worked out in several years seriously nor had I attempted any sort of multi-sport activity.  Deep down I just knew that I could do it.  Must be my personality...never attempting to think about my actions first.

Then, when the bug hit me again this past May (2012) when I watched part of IMTX with my boys I was ready to sign up again.  The whole thing about Ironman creates this atmosphere and inspiration that says I can do that and WANT to do that.  Why, I'm not sure, but it does (I still can't wait to do one).

I slowed down my tick to sign up and just started to run, bike, and swim.  Piece of cake I thought.  So I signed up for my first sprint triathlon (which I changed my entry to the Olympic distance about 1 month out) and my first half Ironman 7 months after my first race.  My training had been going good and I felt great.

Well...I'm glad that I started with a shorter distance race.  It humbled me once I sat down and put everything into perspective.  Triathlon is HARD!  I'm being honest.  Especially, since the bike part was omitted from my first race due to weather.  I can't begin to imaging how the half will feel.  I've even been trying to put my head around the full distance (4 times the length of the Olympic except for the swim part).

It is rather mind blowing.  Then I read an article today in Triathlete.com about what the body goes through.  It's some seriously tough stuff (I still can't wait to do it).

Nerver the less, I'm am more than ever pumped and excited about this journey.  I'm only 4 - 5 months into my journey and I feel and look great.

So, I have a different level of respect now for the sport and am looking at it with new eyes and planning.  I know I can do it, but I'm slowing down my desire to be great tomorrow and letting the road unfold.

Most that read this are probably going to think "yeah right!"  I'm going to try.