I thought I'd try an experiment here. I propose that anyone of any swimming level can use this thread (or not) when, whether in a small way or earthshaking manner you've done something in the pool that you're proud and/or pleased by. Anyone is welcome to add encouraging comments (or not) or ask for more info., but please no grandstanding or feuding.
Okay- I'll go first (and I'm just as hesitant as anyone else). Context: last few months hellish: collapse of my dream business, death in family, huge money troubles etc. result months out of water & exercise & 30lb gain. Further, I just went back over the last 10 yrs, averaged 1 meet a year, no more than 4 months training in any one year. So- been back in water 4 weeks, 2-3 times a week and mostly feeling like chopped liver. Monday night coach say we're going to do dive 25's (meters) from blocks, starter's instructions. Now I haven't done this in years 'cause I have a very bad neck- but I've been frustrated so...did all 3 breastroke 16.3, 15.5, 16.2 which tells me I've still got prospects to go fast again! I am pleased.
Ok, here goes....
I did a meet today, only signed up last Wednesday. It started off awful...18 seconds slower in the 500 than at zones last year and ended up at 5:58. I went 5:50 in practice a few weeks ago. Shook it off, got a good warm down and then went into 100 back feeling much more relaxed. I took .8 seconds off my best time in masters. I was thrilled! Had a long break and then the 200 IM...just had nothing, I tried to swim fast, but couldn't even push myself to go faster. Got out of the pool, moved from lane 6 over to lane 3, watched the three heats of 50 *** and then back up on the blocks for my once in a lifetime 200 fly. Could barely get my arms out of the water for the last 25, but did it legally and actually think I may do it again someday.
Despite all the time I added to my 500, I'm not worried about zones. I think with taper, rest, etc. I will be faster than last year. It was good to do this meet because I needed a kick in the butt to focus more during my workouts. I'm excited about my 100 back and think that my college PR is somewhere in my future, but maybe not this year. Still, I'm excited for the Albatross Open in three weeks and then Zones in April.
Does anyone else have trouble with their first event of the meet? This is becoming a chronic problem that I have had for the last two years. I am always so wound up before the first event and do really bad, then am able to regroup and follow it up with good swims.
Oh, and I met swimshark in the locker room after the meet. Looking forward to chatting more at the next meet :)
Julie
Ok, here goes....
I did a meet today, only signed up last Wednesday. It started off awful...18 seconds slower in the 500 than at zones last year and ended up at 5:58. I went 5:50 in practice a few weeks ago. Shook it off, got a good warm down and then went into 100 back feeling much more relaxed. I took .8 seconds off my best time in masters. I was thrilled! Had a long break and then the 200 IM...just had nothing, I tried to swim fast, but couldn't even push myself to go faster. Got out of the pool, moved from lane 6 over to lane 3, watched the three heats of 50 *** and then back up on the blocks for my once in a lifetime 200 fly. Could barely get my arms out of the water for the last 25, but did it legally and actually think I may do it again someday.
Despite all the time I added to my 500, I'm not worried about zones. I think with taper, rest, etc. I will be faster than last year. It was good to do this meet because I needed a kick in the butt to focus more during my workouts. I'm excited about my 100 back and think that my college PR is somewhere in my future, but maybe not this year. Still, I'm excited for the Albatross Open in three weeks and then Zones in April.
Does anyone else have trouble with their first event of the meet? This is becoming a chronic problem that I have had for the last two years. I am always so wound up before the first event and do really bad, then am able to regroup and follow it up with good swims.
Oh, and I met swimshark in the locker room after the meet. Looking forward to chatting more at the next meet :)
Julie
