Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Nailed it.

I have just come back from yet another fantastic workout. I spoke in the last entry about having entered in a virtual triathlon challenge through Daily Mile. Basically you can only proceed through to the next leg if your one of the top 6 - I think. Anyway my aim was to just swim the 1500m as a bit of a TT to see where I am at in regards to times for the longer distances. I haven't timed myself for a 1500m so I was happy to just complete it in about 30 minutes and maintain my form throughout the whole process.

So I got in the water feeling pretty good, water temp was nice - possibly a bit warm but who's complaining, it's winter in Australia. I set my stop watch and I was off. The first 500m felt a bit slow, arms felt a bit heavy and my breathing was a bit laboured. I also had to contend with some lady who decided that my lane was the one she wanted to do side stroke in and flap around in. My only other choice had 3 other women doing pretty much the same. Argh, this was supremely annoying.

Soon after she left and my swim became alot smoother. I settled into a really good pattern of breathing every 3 strokes and each of my strokes became really long and effortless. I was gliding, gees it felt good. I finished up not breathless at all and I had to do a triple take of my time. I did my 1500m in 22min 48 secs. I could not believe it - at this rate I could see myself doing my 1.9km for my Half in under 30mins, give or take a couple of minutes due to weather, nerves, people, water currents. But still, having not swum this distance in one hit like this since I was a child, I was really happy with my time.

This could potentially get me at the front of the pack for exiting the water and entering T1. Which I think is a total bonus - I can find my bike easier, have less people bowling me over, exit on my bike without a million other wheels all doing the same thing. I am liking how this all sounds.

Am I sounding slightly competitive?

Your hard work will be rewarded.

"The path to a dream is paved with sacrifices and lined with determination. And though it has many stumbling blocks along the way, and may go in more than one direction, it is travelled by belief and courage and conquered with a willingness to face challenges and take chances" Barbara Cage