4.20.2008

Sunday Swim

After getting only a few hours of sleep I was off to the gym to join my Tri-Fusion group for our Sunday swim. There were a bunch of races this weekend so we had less people but the same great workout. Normally I am at the back of Lane A with about 8-10 people ahead of me. With so many people I can usually keep within a few lengths of the last person. These are some amazing swimmers and it is all I can do to keep up. Today we only had four people total so I knew it was going to be a long day.
Roger, Greg, Jessi and I started off with a nice warm-up and then it was off to the races. We had some super fast 50's and then a recovery swim. I was able to keep these speed demons within reach for the 50's but as the distances increased so did the distance between me and the group. It was all I could do to keep Roger from catching me and I only think he was able to once.
When we reached the 200 meter sets I was falling behind quickly. By the end of the first 200 meters I was a complete length of the pool behind. There is really nothing more lonely then swimming the entire length of the pool as the rest of the group gets to watch me come in enjoying their well deserved break. The next set I thought it would be best for me to sit out the first 50 and then jump in finishing with the final 150 meters. I was taking this time to recover since I was so far behind they were ready to start as soon as I finished. I also took the time to watch the swim stroke of Roger and how his hands were entering the water. Realizing that my stroke was quite a bit different and he is such a much faster swimmer I thought I would give it a try.

The next set was much better. When we finished the set I was only a few meters behind Jessi. This was very encouraging since I was able to make up such a big difference. The next set I decided to try the new stroke and do the entire 200 meters. When I finished I was again only a few meters behind. I am not sure if this is the best way to learn how to swim but it was quite a big improvement in such a short time, so I will take it. My shoulders were definitely more tired from the stroke but I can't wait to work on it and see if it was more than some fluke happening.
We always miss the our friends when they are unable to make the swims. Sometimes we miss because of races, sometimes it is because of last nights fun, and others have to miss the workouts to make sure they can heal from some injurys. Since my friend Tiffany is unable to swim because of a hurt shoulder Jessi and I decided it would fun to send her a picture showing how much we miss her and want her to return. Do remember Jessi and Tiffany are the two who did the WTF pose for me when I didn't show. After the swim I continue the work on my side job and took advantage of a friend helping me get fit to a new bike. I am not sure if I want to buy it but it is a triathlon bike and is a great step of from my current sliver bullet. I am super excited to get out and try the bike and see the difference between a road bike and a tri bike.

3 comments:

Tiffany said...

Wow - check out the fancy new look of your blog! I like it.

That's awesome that you were able to improve your speed so much by just watching Roger. Way to go! Thanks for the picture, too. You guys are hilarious!

You looked super fast and totally hard core on that bike last night! :)

Tim Swanson said...

Yeah, you look super-fast on that new ride....NICE!!! And nice job keeping up with the A lane on Sunday. Sorry I missed out on the fun. Would have been fun to watch you get faster w/in the span of one or two 25s! Wish I could find some magic like that :)
Fun riding w/ ya yesterday, if only one loop. Hope you enjoyed your Rookie Magic.

jessithompson said...

Good work, buddy - you are a rock star!