When I swam at Canberra three weeks ago I was coming down with a cold. Since then, this has morphed into a chest, sinus, and now ear infection! I've been on antibiotics for three weeks, but stupidly not allowed myself time to rest. I have been caught between the good and evil advisors (in my head) - hearing "you must keep training" from one, and "take it easy, rest" from the other. Until yesterday I kept on training. Finally my ear was painful enough for me to only be able to hear the sensible advice from the good advisor (and the doctor!).
Anyway, I have been swimming. As you'll see on the training log (finally updated), I've actually been swimming quite a lot! The general routine now is swim four or five mornings a week in a pool in the city. Squad sessions with Vlad, and some stroke correction have been really beneficial, but to be honest I've been feeling mighty frustrated! I haven't felt like I am getting any quicker, and still struggle at the back of the squad for most of the session. However, after about 3kms I seem to relax (generally an issue), and my speed and the ease with which I can swim, actually increases. In a couple of sessions last week I was feeling at my best at the end, which is GREAT! I also demonstrated that when I sprint I can actually be pretty fast as my lazy bent-wrist catch goes away. It was a great feeling during a session to be able to almost keep up with Cameron during short sprints, although when we went back to cruising it was extremely depressing to see how far off the pace I really am............
Having said all that, I do feel I am on the right track. The "team" are all helping in their own way, and I do feel now there's quite a large community of people willing me on. THANK YOU ALL!
So, couple of rest days required, then the next big milestone next weekend. I have my 10km time-trial for Rottnest. Sadly this will be done in a pool (ABC Sat am), so will likely be very boring, and also pretty frustrating as I will likely be the slowest member of the squad so get overtaken a lot. However, good mental preparation, and as a channel mentor keeps reminding me it's now how fast I cross that matters! That said, to qualify for Rottnest I must swim it in less than 4hrs 15 mins. All being well this should be ok, and ideally I can do it in about 3.5hrs. Also will be a good opportunity to try some feeding techniques and do a fluid study to see how much I lose (sweat) and therefore need to replace in long sessions.
On the subject of Rottnest (Feb 25th next year), I have finally got a paddler to support me, but am in desperate need of a boat! If anyone knows anyone with a boat who wouldn't mind crossing to Rotto island (WA) with me, I would be really grateful. I only have 4 weeks left to lock one in, so given Christmas in this period I am somewhat stressed.............!
Thanks for all the support, all being well I will be fit and healthy next weekend!
Anyway, I have been swimming. As you'll see on the training log (finally updated), I've actually been swimming quite a lot! The general routine now is swim four or five mornings a week in a pool in the city. Squad sessions with Vlad, and some stroke correction have been really beneficial, but to be honest I've been feeling mighty frustrated! I haven't felt like I am getting any quicker, and still struggle at the back of the squad for most of the session. However, after about 3kms I seem to relax (generally an issue), and my speed and the ease with which I can swim, actually increases. In a couple of sessions last week I was feeling at my best at the end, which is GREAT! I also demonstrated that when I sprint I can actually be pretty fast as my lazy bent-wrist catch goes away. It was a great feeling during a session to be able to almost keep up with Cameron during short sprints, although when we went back to cruising it was extremely depressing to see how far off the pace I really am............
Having said all that, I do feel I am on the right track. The "team" are all helping in their own way, and I do feel now there's quite a large community of people willing me on. THANK YOU ALL!
So, couple of rest days required, then the next big milestone next weekend. I have my 10km time-trial for Rottnest. Sadly this will be done in a pool (ABC Sat am), so will likely be very boring, and also pretty frustrating as I will likely be the slowest member of the squad so get overtaken a lot. However, good mental preparation, and as a channel mentor keeps reminding me it's now how fast I cross that matters! That said, to qualify for Rottnest I must swim it in less than 4hrs 15 mins. All being well this should be ok, and ideally I can do it in about 3.5hrs. Also will be a good opportunity to try some feeding techniques and do a fluid study to see how much I lose (sweat) and therefore need to replace in long sessions.
On the subject of Rottnest (Feb 25th next year), I have finally got a paddler to support me, but am in desperate need of a boat! If anyone knows anyone with a boat who wouldn't mind crossing to Rotto island (WA) with me, I would be really grateful. I only have 4 weeks left to lock one in, so given Christmas in this period I am somewhat stressed.............!
Thanks for all the support, all being well I will be fit and healthy next weekend!
