Swimming Progress

After Monday's rest day and Tuesday where life got in the way, I was determined to make up for it on Wednesday. But I often find that if I miss a couple of days and get out of the routine, I find it incredibly easy to find a reason not to go training. This was my Wednesday.

So today, I was cross with myself. After lectures I headed for the pool and started with a few lengths of regular front crawl to warm up. Then I switched to a few lengths on my side before starting catch-up. This was the drill I learnt on Saturday.

I did length after length of this, occasionally switching to a length of regular front-crawl. The odd thing was, I found the catch-up stroke, touching hands at the front each time, easier and more calm than the full stroke. The full stroke was quicker but I was still fighting the water a bit. Catch-up felt smooth and I could really concentrate of a long stroke and a strong pull.  I guess my full stroke is a way from perfect but at least is going in the right direction.

I got to 20 lengths and then 30. I was getting tired but decided I should get to the hour mark and 40 laps. The last few laps were not great but I made it. I'm really chuffed.

Training Week 4

The week didn't start too well with Monday and Tuesday off sick. I got some sort of winter vomiting thing which stopped me in my tracks. I was fine by Wednesday and had a session in the pool that wasn't great and a comfortable hour on the treadmill. My knee was sore afterwards which is still a big concern.

I swam again on Friday and actually enjoyed it. I did some lengths and some drills and I did feel a small amount of improvement. Baby steps! My training is hampered by not being able to use my fins in the pool at Tooting Leisure Centre. Health and Safety apparently. Load of nonsence. Many of the arm drills I've been given in the lessons require you to concentrate on arm position so you don't get much propulsion from the arms and have to rely on your legs. Without fins its incredible tiring.

Saturday's swim lesson was again really good. I am slowly beginning to like swimming rather than feeling it is something to just get through. Who'd have thought.

I went for a run today.  I kept it slow to try and save the knee but I felt strong from the word go and kept the pace higher than I have of late.  I got to about 45 minutes and still felt good but my knee started to twinge.  It was the same story.  It was just an ache that ever so slowly grew but not causing me to slow so I just kept going.  I did 7.2 miles in under 9 minute miles and my HR never left zone 2.  Perfect.

Finally, I will not be doing my Sunday weigh-in.  Its my birthday tomorrow and this weekend has been fairly indulgent.  I went for a 10 course meal last night and there was nothing that was on the weight-watchers lists of healthy meals.  Tonight its roast beef and all the trimmings and I'm sure there will be cake tomorrow.

Stats:
Swimming - 3 sessions, 1.2 miles, 2hrs 6mins
Running - 3 sessions, 16.7 miles, 2hrs, 32mins
Cycling - 4 sessions, 44 miles, 3hrs 5 mins
Press-ups - 343

Becoming a swimmer

I've never been much of a swimmer. Not because I tried and failed but because I never really tried. I did learn to swim when I was at school and I passed the usual distance badges but I never took it further. Then, I got very body conscious and decided that taking my top off was not nice for anyone.

It has taken many many years, a desire for a new challenge and a great wife telling me not to be so stupid. Centre Parks was a great place to start. Compared to some of the people there, I look like an athlete. As I mentioned in my previous post, the first swim was a splash around with the kids and the second was a proper 40 minute swimming session.

I did a bit more before the end of the holiday with mixed results. I have to concentrate so hard to avoid swallowing water and as soon as I get tired, it goes to pot. I also still feel a panicky when out of my depth which I am going to have to overcome. I guess this will improve as I get more experienced and stronger.

I have changed gyms to one in Tooting which has a pool and I plan to get another few sessions in before my lessons start on the 16th.