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.
I swam in my second masters meet this weekend, a month after my first. Trying to process the results. I swam seven events, which I am happy about, including two I had always avoided: the 200 and 500 free. My 50 and 100 free were exactly, within a tenth, of where they were a month ago, and the break-a-minute threshold is still two seconds away. But the 200 felt pretty good. I didn't go very fast--2:20--but my form and wind were good, so I am cautiously hopeful. I also really enjoyed the 50 fly, and am beginning to wonder about developing that stroke for longer distances. I have a nice stroke--it's only the breathing that kills my momentum.
So I don't feel fast, but I do feel stronger than I did. I think weights are next, and more aggressive intervals.
I am really excited about this sport again, and I guess my self-attaboy has something to do with putting in the time and building up the nerve to compete again, especially after a precipitating health crisis not quite two years ago. Now, after two meets, it's not a novelty, but a mission. I woke up thinking about how to go faster this morning...
ATTABOY RED!!! Keep working hard and you will probably have major time improvements at your next meet!
I swam in my second masters meet this weekend, a month after my first. Trying to process the results. I swam seven events, which I am happy about, including two I had always avoided: the 200 and 500 free. My 50 and 100 free were exactly, within a tenth, of where they were a month ago, and the break-a-minute threshold is still two seconds away. But the 200 felt pretty good. I didn't go very fast--2:20--but my form and wind were good, so I am cautiously hopeful. I also really enjoyed the 50 fly, and am beginning to wonder about developing that stroke for longer distances. I have a nice stroke--it's only the breathing that kills my momentum.
So I don't feel fast, but I do feel stronger than I did. I think weights are next, and more aggressive intervals.
I am really excited about this sport again, and I guess my self-attaboy has something to do with putting in the time and building up the nerve to compete again, especially after a precipitating health crisis not quite two years ago. Now, after two meets, it's not a novelty, but a mission. I woke up thinking about how to go faster this morning...
ATTABOY RED!!! Keep working hard and you will probably have major time improvements at your next meet!
