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
Well, my first LCM meet is in the bag now. My times are not all that hot but I was happy to have completed my first 200 Free in any format (SCY, SCM, LCM). These events were swam at the Pacific Masters Long Course Championship Meet in Santa Cruz, Ca.. Started the morning off with a 200 Freestyle and touched in 2:37...off my seed time by 5 seconds which I had hoped to break or meet at the very least. Not sure what went wrong but a teammate thinks it had something to do with me standing on deck for a half hour beforehand with my teeth chattering and shivering. His suggestion was to stay in the warm up lane when it's chilly and windy like that. Live and learn. Whatever the case might be, it was marginally faster than I have ever done in practice so I should be happy I suppose.
Then swam the anchor on a 4 x 100 Free and came in on about 1:10. The last event was a 200 Mixed Medley Relay which had me swimming anchor again but we neglected to have anybody time our splits.
Now that this meet is over with I can get back to work on chiseling my 200 Free time down for a SCM meet in September. 5 seconds off of a converted time is my goal...here goes!
Thanks Fort. I can assure you that the 200 Free IS in fact a very hard event. Having said that, I know that my time can be trimmed so I'm going to give it a shot. As for a parka, I don't have one but I might borrow/buy one at any future meets where there is a possibility of cold weather.
There should also be an attagirl to Laura Val for breaking a 100 Fly WORLD RECORD today. And to the Olympic Club for breaking a USMS record in the 400 Free Relay. I don't recall all of the specifics but they should be made available very soon I am sure.
Thanks for the comments, and I'll pay some mind to the longer stroke. I do tend to take longer strokes in warmup and cooldown but somehow those things (along with a few others no doubt) go out the window when the adrenalin gets flowing. Something to work on for sure.
Out of curiosity, how did you know it was me? Did you have a good meet?
There should also be an attagirl to Laura Val for breaking a 100 Fly WORLD RECORD today. And to the Olympic Club for breaking a USMS record in the 400 Free Relay. I don't recall all of the specifics but they should be made available very soon I am sure.
No kidding! I couldn't believe her time. 1:11 LC at age 56. Simply amazing!! :woot:
For the first time in a long time, I logged over 17,000 in yards/meters (different pools) during the last week. Plus, two five mile runs and two sessions of weights and drylands at the gym. I'm tired. :snore: Shoulder seems to be holding up reasonably well; more prolo jabs on Wednesday.
way to go barb!
on a similar note, I took my *i think* first jump off a 3M springboard last tuesday. same situation as you - empty pool, it was open, so i just went for it. what i didn't do was get back up 49 more times! It took me about 3 minutes to finally go!:whiteflag::whiteflag:
Muppet, the 3M?!?! GEEZ! I jump off the 7m tower at my local pool, hurts like a biatch, but it's fun. I'm working on the nerve to jump off of the 10M ... hmmm maybe next time I go ...
Muppet, the 3M?!?! GEEZ! I jump off the 7m tower at my local pool, hurts like a biatch, but it's fun. I'm working on the nerve to jump off of the 10M ... hmmm maybe next time I go ...
FlyQueen,
You are insane! I could never do that!
Good luck!
Congrats, Muppet on your leap!
Swimmy :)
Wow, Fort, that is a pile of yardage for a sprinter like yourself. Are you experimenting with what could become "DISTANCE?" Hey, it's not all that bad, it's just the training for it that is BAD!!!
NO. NO. NO. A thousand times no.
I am just trying to whip myself into better shape. I'd also like to be fit enough so I can swim 100s without loafing the first 50 or dying the last 10 yards. :agree: The workouts are still mostly sprint based, nothing over 200s (as you know!) I never go more than 4000 and only then with my team. Usually 3000 on my own. I'll leave the distance for you slow twitchers!
:bouncing:
