Swim II

After waiting impatiently since Thursday to get back in the pool, I was back at it again this morning at 5:45.

Another good session. Just ladders; 1 lap, rest, 2 laps, rest, 3 laps, rest, etc. (Each lap is down and back, total of 50 yards.) I'm still working on my breathing in the water, so my rest came in between each lap.

All told, I did somewhere between 500 and 700 or so yards (the tri will be 440 yards). Need to keep working on breathing and slowing down the kicking to avoid exhaustion. I need to get to a point where I can do 10 laps non-stop by controlling my speed and breathing in the water (why does it seem so much harder than controlling speed and breathing on the bike or a run?)

I did have fun doing a mix of strokes today, like crawl down and backstroke or breaststroke coming back.

I just need to keep going, step by step, inch by inch and I will get there.

Diving in

‎"The experienced swimmer, when in the water, may be classed among the happiest of mortals in the happiest of moods, and in the most complete enjoyment of the happiest of exercises," from the 1883 book "The Swimming Instructor," by William Wilson.


I finally started the swim training today. It feels great. Instead of joining the Whitewater Aquatic Center and just starting to do laps, I decided to join a 2x weekly class with an instructor. Already I can tell this was the right choice. The instructor was able to get me back into the water at a good pace for me, rather than get frustrated on my own. 


Her assessment: "I'm obviously a good natural swimmer, and that I've obviously been away from the sport for some time."
I'll take that.


Now, it's off to the pool every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 a.m. for the foreseeable future, and I can't wait. 


Also still doing the karate 3x week, and Wii Fit EA Sports Active 4-5x week. In about a month, I should be able to start riding the bike again, and the end of April starts the 12-week tri-specific training program that will throw running into the mix as well.