If you haven't checked out IronMin's blog, you should. Incidentally, she is not from Minnesota, but from Wisconsin. Her style is both entertaining, interesting, and inspiring. Anyway, she inspired me with her writing. I'm feeling like I need to raise my level of literary application. This post won't meet this new standard, but I'm just sayin'.
Last night we had a snowstorm which was great because every teacher and student I've been around, myself included, needed a day off. The words snow day bring joy to hearts of many. The upside to a snow day is that I have more time to train. The downside is that the pool is closed. Of course this is fine because our bitchin' 1996, Ford Taurus probably wouldn't make it through the snow to get there anyway. What I was able to do however was ride for an hour on my indoor trainer, lift weights, stretch, and ice. A snow day tomorrow would be like bonus points, but that's just greedy.
I had pretty solid swim workouts this week. Monday, after warming up, I managed a 900 yard steady effort. My intention was to swim as relaxed as I could, but not slog along. I wanted to know how my time would be relative to my 900 yard time trial I did the week before. Unfortunately, the trend this year for me is that I lose count during my workouts. Again...I lost count. When I thought I was done, I looked at my watch and thought, "No, that can't be." So, I swam another 50 yards and my time seemed more reasonable. The first time trial I did was 14:33. This time around, I landed on 14:44-ish. I was actually quite pleased with this. It told me a couple things. One, I can swim at a decent clip without expelling much more energy than when I'm intentionally expelling energy to get a fast time. I also learned that I am gaining confidence and proficiency with bilateral breathing. So, I'll take my gains, and put them in the books.
I'm pretty well dialed into my GURU now...I think. Did I mention that in an earlier post? I don't recall. We'll see as time goes by, but I think my GURU and I are starting to work together now. I'm looking forward to taking it to the roads once the weather is nice to see what I can do on it. Notice I have GURU in bold. It's worth bolding. I'm just sayin'.
Ironman Louisville enters my mind every day. It's a sickness I'm sure, but I'm not looking for a cure. I also think about what events I want to do next year, and the year after that. Again, I'm not looking for a cure.
While shoveling the foot-deep snow out of our drive-way this morning I was thinking, "Huh, in about a month and a half, the weather should allow me to ride outside...awesome!"
I'm hoping to get Episode 5 of my video series out in the next few days. I know, I know, you can hardly wait.
Peace,
~Sam
Sam, thank you so much for the shout out! I am so glad we have met over the blogosphere! I love reading your words...
ReplyDeleteAnd incidentally, I always lose count in the pool. I just bought a new Timex IM watch that I can tap when I finish a lap. I figure I can remember the tap, vs. remember the number I am on. I am so much like you...I always do another lap because I am not entirely sure what lap I am on, and I don't want to cut corners.
I am so excited about this journey to IM Louisville...and let's keep our fingers crossed that in a month and a half, this crazy snow will be behind us!
IronMin...you are too kind, but please tell all your friends anyway. Just kidding.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the Timex tap watch, but I'm concerned I'll end up tapping it with my long sleeves, or gloves,or while reaching for my water bottle,etc.
I've thought about the finger-type watches that are used for lap counting, but I'm not sure if it's worth it.
Good luck with the tap. I am curious to see how it works out for you. Not just with swimming, but in general.
Peace,
~Sam