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.
Former Member
I'll post one also... this one's from this past Sat. when I got a distance PR. I'm training for a 5+ mile race, and so I've been increasing my distance, and did a swim of 7450 yards (or 4 1/8 miles). I used to wonder how I'd get to 3000 yards--that seemed like forever.... Every time I extend my distance, I feel I'm entering a new place in myself....
My race is on August 3, and all good wishes are welcome! :wiggle:
Wow. 7450. I can't even imagine. Way to go!
Way to go Susan; I'll tell you, dropping that kind of time for a 1000 is pretty remarkable so here's one of these for you :groovy:. Diane, you have doubled or tripled your yardage in such a short amount of time, I am amazed at your dedication and commitment. Here, this is for you :cheerleader:. And Kirk, 5,000 long course is pretty cool, it feels great doesn't it?
donna
I've been averaging between 7,000 and 7,900 yards each day, but today I decided to try to swim much farther. Today I actually managed 10,736 yards of actual freestyle swimming with hydration breaks every 15 minutes for a few seconds. I cramped up at 10,736 so I had to dog paddle back to shore!! But I got it covered. It's a wonderful feeling to go past what you think you can do.
donna
That's awesome, Donna! Congrats on reaching the 5-figure no.'s! You'll rock that swim next year!
That's awesome, Donna! Congrats on reaching the 5-figure no.'s! You'll rock that swim next year!
Oops, also want to add some cool smilies: :groovy::woot::cheerleader::applaud: and of course my inner :fish2:
I've been averaging between 7,000 and 7,900 yards each day, but today I decided to try to swim much farther. Today I actually managed 10,736 yards of actual freestyle swimming with hydration breaks every 15 minutes for a few seconds. I cramped up at 10,736 so I had to dog paddle back to shore!! But I got it covered. It's a wonderful feeling to go past what you think you can do.
donna
Way to go Donna.:cheerleader::cheerleader:Thats great.:banana: I'd say that is a distance I only dream about,but if I dreamt of swimming that far it would be a nightmare.
Way to go Donna, Barb, FMIF and Matt. You are all very inspirational.
Matt: I think the 200 free is a very hard event. It's still a solid time! Bring a parka along next time for the pool deck. It's not good to be cold. Kudos to getting your first LC meet under your belt!!!
Good job, guys!
Matt, I watched you anchoring the 4x100 free relay today. Your stroke looks very good, your body position is nicely high, head turns just to the side when you breathe (no up and down movement) looking down. All that is good. The only thing I would suggest is to make your stroke a little bit longer in the front, glide and catch. As Fortress said, 200 free is a tough race to swim, the more of them you swim the better you'll get. :applaud:
