Tri RobbyB Tri :: Swim

After aquathon #3 was delayed twice due to blue-green algae blooms, aquathon #4 was upon us. My legs are tired from marathon training. The hamstrings are tight, my calf is on the verge of cramping, and my shins are a touch on the sore side. I notice Mark Harms, local triathlete extraordinaire, and instantly everyone's gunning for second. "At least I can draft off him (in the swim)," I say to myself.

SWIM
Right off the bat, and I'm behind. After a few lunges and it's me & Mark. Then it's just me. Then it's Mark & me again. Then just me. Mark was all over the place, hardly keeping a straight line. Oh well. I'll just swim by myself. I concentrate on my stroke as I tend to drop my head. Long strokes...breathe right once in a while...keep the head up...sight for the buoy..."Why isn't it getting closer?"...long strokes...so on and so forth. The wind carried the second buoy off course to make the course a touch long, and I notice (with my picked up head) the bubbles in front of me. I surge a bit to latch on Mark's wake and actually catch a draft to the turn. Then, he's gone. Way to the right. Sigh. I make my way to the transition and let some thoughts creep into my head that perhaps I'm in front? Nope. Mark comes in from the right and nips me by a few seconds.

RUN
Mark is out of transition first and I'm not too far behind. And then he's gone again. Not to the right, but right off the front. After the first turn, I couldn't see him. I commented to the volunteer at the turn, "Man, he's fast!" And she replied that he beat her to her spot. I was induced by his speed and went out too fast. At the first mile, it felt like I should be at the 2.5 mile mark. I blame the marathon training, but not necessarily unhappy with it. I laid back for the next mile, and then tried to build up the final mile. Coming down the final hill into finishing stretch, two guys pass me, but encourage me to finish with them. I pick it up, so do they. I hold my pace, they pull ahead. I finish just behind, collapsing to my knees on the timing mats.

Overall, not too bad given the lack of non-running training and crazy life this summer.Everyone concluded that the swim course was long. It was about a minute longer for me, so I was right at a PR if you take a minute off. I've got two more months before the marathon and hopefully can get all the house projects done by then.

Just a quick report on my second aquathon of the season.

There was a challenge issued among the local tri clubs to see who could get the most racers and the best times or something, so there were about 20 extra people there than normal. And it seemed they were all fast.

My main swim competitor, Brian, was there again. He and I led out the swim, but neither of us could hold a straight line. I tend to drop my head, and I think that pulls me off course. Halfway out the first leg of the 1000m triangle, I felt a surprise little tickle on my feet. "They'll drop away after the first turn," I thought. The turn came and went, and Brian and I are still side by side leading the race. There were still some tickles on my toes. Around the third buoy and headed for home, Brian and I zig-zag and occasionally run into each other. (I thought it was me, but after we confirmed it was the both of us.) Brian must've gotten caught in some waves, because I was able to open a small gap. Out of the water I crossed the timing mat first. As fun as it is to race the swim, I put forth a significant effort.

Brian passed me in transition. (I still have to mess with socks -- gotta break that habit.) I was out #2 and must've left the target on my back. I was passed up the first hill by the top female, and then by the next two guys down the hill. I kept running my race, got passed a few more times, but only once from the turn-around back in. I was actually able to hold off a group of four that were about 20 seconds behind me. (Small victories.) I need to learn how to run fast one of these years. The finish absolutely sucks on this course. You go up the hill, immediately down, and then turn to finish. There's no opportunity to recover after the hill (about the last half-mile.) I was actually yelling to myself to finish. My family scolded me for not acknowledging them down the finish chute, but I was too spent to do anything but make it across the line.

Official finish data:
overall place: 11 out of 92
time: 35:44
swim: 11:24
rate: 1:09/100m
trans: 0:38
run: 23:43
pace: 7:38/mi

I lead my age group for the overall series thus far.

I hesitated on which way to go home. Right meant going to the pool. Left meant going home and sulking on the couch.

Work ended rather poorly. I was busy all day and then I discovered a small goof with major implications. You know that part in Office Space when Michael Bolton ("Which song is your favorite?") realizes that he messed up on something small, like a decimal point or something, which causes a $300K glitch? Yeah, that's how I felt. Totally my fault. I'm just lucky someone else discovered it. I have to make some calls tomorrow to see what the impacts are on a multi-million dollar project. I already made a call on the other multi-million dollar project.

So I turned right. Perhaps I can pound out the issues in the water. I hop in and start out with 4x100, 4x200, 4x300, building each one so that the first 100 is the easiest and my last 300 is my best effort. Somewhere in the middle of the 200s, I randomly think of a kid swimming, and he visualizes that he is a car engine. (I have no idea how I got there) And as an engine, he finds another gear an surprises his coaches with his performance. Turns out, the thought carries through to my swimming, and I start concentrating on my form and start to churn out some swims.

I start out the 300s with a 4:21. Not too bad. I increase the effort for #2 and surprise myself with a 4:18. I continue building through #3, really thinking about long, smooth strokes, crisp catches and full pulls and post a 4:12. Now it's starting to get fun. The pool closes at 7:00. It's 6:55 when I start #4 and didn't realize that I'm the only one in the water. I push off and start to feel the fatigue building in my arms at the 150.

"Pain is good. Pain is weakness leaving the body. Concentrate on your form. Pull. Pull harder."

I flip at the 200 and notice I'm at 2:40. That leaves 1:20 to go 4 minutes even. I let everything go for the last two lengths and concentrate on my bestest form. At 10 meters to go, I look for the pace clock to gauge my finish time. I look and look. I expect to see 3:57...3:58...3:59, but there's nothing. It's blank. The lifeguards turned off the clock. I slam my last two strokes and finish. Exacerbated, I call out, "Where's the clock?! I was using the clock?" not expecting anyone to reply. I started to warm down, got whistled at by the lifeguard, and pleaded to finish one half length as a warm down. I climbed out of the pool just as the clock turned 7 PM. Fuck.

I was steamed. Knowing the time from that one swim really could've turned my day around. Instead, I came home and sulked on the couch. At least I got my workout in.

Winter's final grasp
After a record-breaking winter season of snow, spring and summer have had difficulty establishing consistent temperatures and conditions. Just this past Monday, it was 82. The following day, it was 55. We're three weeks away from the official start of summer and I haven't even taken the cover off the air conditioner. Thus, the long, drawn-out winter hasn't given enough time to warm the lakes. I asked the lady marking me if the lake was cold. She hesitated a long while before replying with a drawn out "wellll..." I asked if it was above or below 60°. I got no reply. Yikes!

I readied my transition area and went on a warm-up run. The ankle showed no ill affects, so I tested it with some successful strides; all was good on the running front. Next up: the lake. I squeezed into my wetsuit and went to the water's edge. Then I couldn't feel my feet. Actually, it wasn't that bad, but it was cold to be sure. The first few face plants in the water definitely took your breath away, but after a few minutes, you got used to it.

Since I'm more under-trained than I'd like to be, the strategy was to get on someone's feet for the swim and run my own pace & race. Nice and easy, just survive the day to get ready for the next one.

SWIM
The gun went off and we're off. There were two PRO* guys right in front of me. What better feet to draft off than a couple of PROs? Turns out, one's pretty damn fast, and the other can't hold his line very well. I'm on his feet one stroke, the next he's three feet to the right. Then he's right in front of me, the next, he's on my left, pushing both of us right. I let him go and resign to a long slow swim by myself until a catch an orange cap streaking up the left side. NICE! I'm on his feet until we turn around the first buoy when he stops dead in the water. I nearly scaled his back and swam over him but thought better of it and skirted around. I'm left to my own thoughts now, trying to keep my strokes long, even, and smooth. The cold moved beyond the exposed skin and is now sinking into my muscles. My triceps are heavy and stiff. I can feel the tension building with every stroke. All the more reason to keep things long. I try breathing to my off-side (right) for a while and catch myself drifting off-line. I continue zig-zagging the course chasing what I think are the two PROs in front of me, but I see nothing. I swim into the shore as far as possible until I grab clumps of sand instead of all water. Getting up is a challenge until the warm blood returns to the legs. Transition is empty save for the top PRO. Second out of the water? Really? That's a nice surprise. At my stuff, my hands are like clubs as I fiddle with wetsuit and try to put on socks and shoes. The other PROs arrive while I'm leaving for the run.

RUN
Everything about me is cold right now. My feet are anvils swinging from frayed ropes. I have no control over anything, but somehow I manage forward progress. It feels real funny. My fingers aren't really moving. My triceps are stiff and sore. And then a gull shits on my head. Then another. And another until I realize it's starting to rain. Fun! I settle into a nice pace. The other two PROs pass me before the first hill, which I climbed with surprising ease, probably because I couldn't really feel the pain. Back down the hill and around the path, I didn't get passed by the PRO woman until just before the turnaround. Now getting a first look at what was coming up my backside, I thought a few more could catch me. But I never heard footsteps. Up and down the final hill, I powered down the long straightaway that leads to the finish. It was now raining at a fine clip and I finally felt my fingers move. I held off a late charge to maintain fifth place overall.

I felt no feedback from my ankle, Achilles or calf, which is promising for the upcoming marathon training. And I also got a $15 gift certificate to Quaker Steak and Lube for my 2nd place swim.

1K SWIM: 12:01 (1:13/100m) 2nd/74
5K Run: 23:09 (7:28/mi) 28th/74
Total: 35:59 5th/74

What's shocking is that when comparing the times above to last year's performances, I'm right there. I swam slightly slower, but that's expected given the solo effort and cold water. But my run split was the fastest ever! At this point, I don't know if it's a fluke or a sign of things to come. We'll see what happens next time with a warmer lake.

*PRO to me means really, really fast. Plus, I heard them discussing other races and whether they'd be racing as PROs there.

Running is back on track. I had my final appointment with Jenny, the Super PT. The ankle is progressing nicely. Just a few more weeks of some jumping exercises and I'm as good as before. (If I said 'good as new,' I'd be a baby, and that's too young for triathlons.)

I finished my first run without a walk break this morning. At just over three miles, I'm confident I can get through the 5K at the aquathon next week. That is if I finish the swim.

Which brings me to Friday's workout where I thought things were good, but the clock said otherwise. I continuously came in about three seconds slower per 100 than I felt, so it was a bit discouraging. But tonight, tired after the weekend and this morning's run, was swimming long course 100s within 5 seconds of the short course yards on Friday. And doing it consistently. If I pace myself, I've got a fighting chance of finishing.

You remember that feeling during final exam week when you realize you know nothing? It is that feeling of despair mixed with a tinge of hope that if you could just stay up all night and cram a semester's worth of notes into a fatigued head, you just might be able to salvage a passing grade. Right now, it's occurring all over campus; and in my training.

I realized last week that I have a test in three weeks that I haven't studied one bit for. The first aquathon of the season is May 29, and I haven't swam with any regularity in the last three months. I've been distracted by my stupid ankle and stupid work. So now I have to cram three months of swimming in three weeks. And the first two sessions last week didn't go so well. I spent the weekend with some sore, stiff shoulders and back, and little to build from.

I need to get to work. HTFU, right?

Time again for the annual JMM Alumni Meet. Talking with my coach friend and classmate about how old we're getting, he asked what made us feel older: the fact that this is our 13th meet as an alumni, or the fact that the youngest kids I coached in high school are now alumni. Age aside, these meets have enough meaning, that if you haven't kept yourself in shape, you tend to pull yourself out to prevent embarrassment. Even us older guys try to keep in shape, and I consider this an important meet every year. In the build up since October, I had some excellent training sessions, showing some speed that got me psyched.

Every year I swim the 500-yard freestyle with the junior varsity. I swam sprints in high school, but because I know of no triathlons with a 50-yard swim leg, I've concentrated on the longest swim available to me. The toughest part of the meet for me is the warm up. The 500 is deep into the meet, usually an hour or more after the start. There is a ten-minute break two events before, so I got really loose during the formal warm-up and got back in for a few 100-yard strong swims at the break. I actually felt strong at the end of the break.

Behind the blocks, my junior varsity competition looked like they were fifth grade. Last year, every one smoked me by twenty seconds. I expected the same this year, so I tried to keep within myself and swim my own race. Jason said to follow my "easy speed," the speed based on adrenaline at the start of a race. The plan was to maintain a nice even pace and start to kick and ramp things up for the last seven lengths. Numerically, the goal was to open with 1:05 for the first 100 and follow up with 1:07s to finish around 5:35. Jeremy agreed to count and would keep me on pace if he could help it.

The start was quick and I was up and feeling good right away. To my surprise, I was out in front, scaring me that I was going too fast and would eventually blow up. After the first 100, Jeremy signaled to me that I went out in a 1:04. That and the thought of going out in front of everyone still was in the back of my head, so I dialed it back. I held that for the next 250 and then kicked it in when I saw the 13 on the lap counter. I built up the effort the rest of the way in. At the flip at 375, my arms were into some serious lactic build up. Mentally, this is where I tend to relax in workouts, giving into the pain. I pushed off the wall, breaking through the mental walls that have grown in my head. One lap later, the starter's pistol shot off over the leader's (my) lane, shocking the crowd and reminding me that I have two lengths to go. One more 50 and I kicked hard, finally seeing the double orange. One final turn, and I pushed toward the last wall and a finish.

I got a nice round of applause from the crowd and was overwhelmed to see 5:19 on the wall. Except that wasn't my time. It was the 450 split of the lane next to me. I double checked the clock and saw my time of 5:36.22. I was still very pleased with that. It's a four-second PR of my "adult" career and nice confirmation of consistency and hard work. (For comparison's sake, a senior won the varsity race in 4:43.

Looking at the video (posted to YouTube soon) and taking splits, I dropped back too much on the 2nd and 3rd 100. But I finished strong and met my goal times. A nice way to finish a direction-less 2007. On to 2008.

Here's how my splits broke down:

Dist.	Split	Lap	100 split
50	0:29.95
100	0:33.87	1:03.82
150	0:34.56	1:38.38
200	0:34.68	2:13.06	1:09.24
250	0:34.88	2:47.94
300	0:34.41	3:22.35	1:09.29
350	0:34.40	3:56.75
400	0:33.82	4:30.57	1:08.22
450	0:33.42	5:03.99
500	0:32.24	5:36.23	1:05.66

And here's the video proof:

Since the Berbee Derby, I've tried to get into the pool at least three times a week. And now, after three weeks I had my first indication that consistency is the key to any kind of improvement.

My second swim of the week tends to be many repeated shorter, faster swims. This past Thursday it was 100s split with some pull 75s. The 100s were grouped by two, with each group faster than the one previous; six, then four, then two. I decided to keep the descend going across all 100s, so that the set of four started just faster than the last two of the group of six, and the last two 100s were faster than the last two in the group of four. I kept the pull swims as recovery, but kept to the prescribed breathing; every 3rd-4th-5th stroke by length. The first 100s started off easily enough. The last two, without really trying, ended up splitting out at 1:07s. I was a bit surprised because I was just keeping things long and strong at this point.

The next 4 100s started off at 1:05 and then I pushed the last two to 1:03. The four 75s were a nice relief, a great recovery to set up the last two 100s.

When I tire in swimming, my head drops, and I fail to finish my pull, cutting my stroke off, and I lose out on a lot of power. The last two 100s were going to challenge me. Everytime my head dropped, I picked it up concentrating on the far wall. Then, I had to remember to flick the water behind me, finishing each stroke. And what a difference it made. I managed a 1:01, and then, for the first time ever (in a workout since high school), a sub 1:00. I probably touched at 0:59.99, but I did see the x:59 on the clock, so it counts. I was stoked.

My newly found speed was confirmed Friday night. I figure I get in some long, steady swims. I warmed up with five 200s, building up the set to a nice strong pace. Then I set off on three 500s. I thought I would keep things at an even pace; something like 1:14 per 100 for 6:10 per 500. Well...I touched the first one in at 5:59. Hmmm...okay. Maybe I'll hold back on the second one.

But, that didn't work out that well. After each 100, I could see the clock and I was splitting about 5 seconds faster that I should be. But, I was feeling fine, so I went with it. The second 500: 5:55.

For the last 500, I threw out all the stops and just went for it. Except I wasn't going to think about out it. I wanted to practice dissociating my mind from my body. I didn't want to see the clock. I didn't wanted to know how bad it hurt. I didn't want any feedback. I only wanted to concentrate on the wall, my stroke, and put myself into my race at the end of the month. Like Steve Martin, "Let the mind go and the body will follow." The last 150 really hurt. I counted each turn at the far end like there was a counter there, showing the 15, 17, and eventually the double red signaling the last length. I hit the last turn hard and flicked the water behind me to the final wall. I looked towards the clock and let out a surprised grunt and guffaw to the shock of others in the pool. I think the lifeguard even heard me. The time I saw on the clock was five minutes and fifty seconds later that what it was when I pushed off. Way faster that I expected, but so welcomed.

I've got one more week of harder workouts, then I'll taper for a week up to the meet. That is, if it stops snowing between now and then.

Today I was in the pool simply to loosen up and prevent my muscles from forgetting how to swim. A simple set of ten 200s over lunch fit the bill nicely. I hop in and swim the first one in 2:30 (two minutes, thirty seconds). Based on that, I set the interval for 2:45 and take off fifteen seconds later. It took the second and third to get warmed up, and by number four, I was feeling strong. So strong, in fact, I decided to continue building my effort through number eight and then use the last two as a warm down. The next four swims went as follows:

• #5 -- 2:25
• #6 -- 2:22
• #7 -- 2:19
• #8 -- 2:17

The beauty part was that I swam everyone at a comfortable, strong pace. Something just clicked and I was really strong in the water. I wish I could've stayed longer to continue, but I had to get back to work. Drat. I hope this continues and maybe (fingers crossed?) this spills over into my running.

[FYI: An aquathon is a swim followed directly by a run.]

This was the last of the series, but my first. A new thing for this summer, I hoped to do more, but these always seemed to fall on weeks directly prior to races, or I was out of town. Like all races this year, I was undertrained. The only thing I had going for me was my run fitness, up a bit because of my Chicago Half-Marathon training. My swimming; not so much. The race was laid back. Just walk up and set your stuff down. I got body-marked (number 6!) and went on a short warm up jog, and then got my wetsuit on and eaves-dropped on some conversations. There were quite a few people there that had just finished Ironman Wisconsin and hadn't run since. Some might call them crazy, I call these people die-hards.

Swim
The water was a bit chilly but calm. I paddled around a bit and called myself warmed up. Then things were delayed waiting for a few folks. A couple of quick announcements and the gun went off. I take off running to the water to the right of the counter-clockwise triangle course with the lead group. That was all I could hope for. But I veer constantly. I don't seem to be able to hold a straight line without a big black row of tiles under me. I swim like I'm drunk. I finally settle in and try to find a groove. I'm next two a guy I recognize from the Nat and we're stroke for stroke behind two leaders, one of which is on a relay "for fun." But I can't seem to find a groove. My stroke never lengths and I can't seem to stop sprinting. I guess I'm doing this one all out. I continue on my wayward path veering this way and that and finish strong, fourth out of the water.

Run
I struggled to get my socks on over my wet, sandy feet, then grabbed my shirt and headed out on the run. By the first turn, I lost my swimming partner. Unfamiliar with the course, I thought I missed a turn but it turned out I was okay. My run started out really short and choppy, but lengthened as I got warmed up. I got passed a few times, but held of a couple of people, too. That actually felt good. I did get passed by the first female, but that was right at the end and she won the entire series, so I wasn't too upset about it. I hoped my time would've reflected the hard effort, but the intervals the night before left nothing in the tanks.

Overall, a nice time with some really nice people. I hope to compete more in next year's series.

Swim (1000m): 11:05 (4th OA)
Run: (5K): 23:30 7:23 pace (21st OA)
Total: 35:23, (8th OA, 7th AG)

"SKiPS 200s" That was it. Nothing more, nothing less. A 200 each of swim, kick, pull and a final swim. Those words meant, and still mean, only one thing. It meant the last practice of our high school season; the end of taper and the last day before your shave and taper meet. It didn't matter whether you were going to the JV invite or to State. You were done. Months and months of sets, turns and meets were over. SKiPS 200s marked the end of a lot of work. That set remains the most revered amongst all others.

I started of my workout with a SKiPS 200s last night. (I added some more sets for a nice 1,950 yard workout.) The thrill of an upcoming meet is back. I'm enjoying being able to compete. (If not with the young kids, at least I can compete against myself.) Last year, I set a standard in the 500 free at 5:48. This year, I plan on bettering that time, and if I do, I hope to continue to drop time in coming years.

I can feel a bit of a nervous, excited energy today. Until last year, I was nervous that everyone was laughing at my gut. Now the pre-race jitters are welcome. It will help to keep me focused. Ya know? There might be something to this whole training and competing thing.

The plow scraping the pavement this morning woke me. Snow was forecast, but if the plows were already out before 6, that meant we got too much for me to get to the pool. Almost instantly, my body tried to convince me not to go.

"Come on...It's one day...The snows too deep. You'll never get there."

Now the alarm was going off. Disarming it, I looked out the window to check on the snow. Clear pavement. Damn, those trucks are good. The mind took over and told what the body to do:

"Hey, we've got an Alumni Swim meet in a week. You can't sleep! Let's skip the snooze and get ready so we have enough time to brush the snow off the car."

Finding the motivation has been difficult in this infant second season. The mornings are dark. The days are short. The weather is cold. All contribute to indoor, monotonous, tedious training sessions. Part of the challenge of the race is not the race itself, but all the effort that goes into getting to the starting line.

Proud of myself for actually getting out of bed on time, I got ready and climbed back in with all my clothes on until the alarm went off one last time. I struggled to get the car door open from the frozen rain, even needing two hands to get the trunk open to access the ice scraper. Damn, it's cold.

Once inside the friendly chlorinated confines of the Nat, the swimming felt good. Long, strong strokes were actually producing surprisingly efficient strokes. A quick set of harder 50s (two lengths) sparked the body into motion. The 400 that followed was a pleasantly fast 4:50 (1:12.5 pace). I need to pick that up if I'm to beat my 5:48 at the Alumni meet, though.

The water felt familiar but the stroke did not. My arms flopped above my head for the first eight laps of my triumphant return to the pool. I was relieved to see how fast my body familiarized itself with water and walls. It's been over two months since I swam in a pool, electing to finish my Ironman swim workouts in Lake Monona to get used to the open water and lack of walls.

I was feeling good, right up to the point when a obviously fit swimmer jumped in the lane next to me. I don't know if she was pushing me, or I was pushing her, but my 4 easy 100s turned into moderate, then into moderate hard swims, just to stay in front. I saved my ego for that set, but my body slipped away later, struggling through longish swims. I let it go and ended the workout after 2000 yards, using the fact that it was my first swim as an excuse. I did recoup some pride with some crunchies and leg lifts afterwords. I also picked up a schedule to see what yoga classes are available.

I watched the sun rise from Lake Monona this morning. Not from the shore, but actually in the lake. Forty others swam in the lake with me. The sun sparkled a deep red as it cleared the trees and quickly dove behind the low morning clouds. It was the same as when you open your eyes to wake up, but then hit the snooze and quickly pull the covers over your eyes. It didn't want to be up either.

About halfway through the swim, I stopped in the water to wave to Kris. (You can see our apartment window from the water.) There was no response, so I knew she was probably still in bed. I thought, "That'd be nice; to be back in bed. But this isn't so bad. Would I really want be somewhere else?" I smiled to myself. Deep down I knew the answer: If I have to be up, it might as well be right where I am, swimming the same course I will be attacking with 2,000 others in two and a half weeks. It's going to be fun.

T-Minus 18 days...

Each day dawns later, signaling the dwindling days of summer. Getting up at "o-dark thirty" is getting more literal every day. Wednesday morning brought a touch of fall chill as we walked to Law Park, ready to meet the others wiggling into their wetsuits. The water was calm, but glowed fiery red as the pale blue sky faded to light orange and bright red. My strokes seemed extra smooth, as I attempted to keep things long and strong. "Hold back. You'll need the energy for later in the day." It's my new mantra that, looking back, wasn't present in Racine, where the heat required the slower pace, only I didn't oblige. I've come to the realization that a five minute advantage on the swim takes more than five minutes of energy from the bike and run. It's a diminishing return to push the swim.

I made it to the turn around point (one-quarter of the 2.4 mi swim course) in 15 minutes, slower than previous workouts. To get back to Law Park, you have to fight a small current in the lake, usually adding a minute to a split. On Wednesday, I went one minute faster. Turns out, starting easy is beneficial on the swim, too. Maybe building up each discipline will be a smart strategy.

The same sun set the same scintillating red, only now I was in Indiana. The Cattail Trail moved silently under my feet as the setting sun scorched the humid night as I made my way back to the University Inn. In West Lafayette to demonstrate a traffic software package, I ran to the Purdue campus and back. I was very fortunate not to have packed any Badger gear for my run. The Purdue football practice was just ending as I made my way through campus. Although tempting, I bit my tongue from shouting "Go Badgers!" as Coach Joe Tiller walked passed. He did not look happy, nor did any of the lineman that were following close behind.

Although I saw it in different locations, the sun rose and set on another day on my road to Ironman. T-Minus 23 days...

The city was still as I walked to Law Park. Some state employees were mindlessly arriving at work, getting there early in order to get out even earlier. Deliveries were being made, and I had my wetsuit slung over my shoulders as I walked along in my sandals and tri-specific racing shorts. I wore nothing else but my goggles on my forehead. It was serene. I rode the elevator down with a couple looking to get to the lake, curious about my attire. I found three others preparing to swim, doing their imitation of an inchworm putting their wetsuits on. I ventured up, made small talk, and got to swimming. Before I dove in, the same red orb was just shining through the thin clouds as it arced skyward. It made it that more rewarding.

The swim was uneventful; relaxing and challenging at the same time. It felt nice to get rid of the black line on the bottom, but the semi-green expanse isn't too exciting for the eyes, either. I didn't see nary a fish swim by, though sometimes I think I do. Toward the end, my left elbow flashed some pains, but nothing to worry about.

The bike & run brick planned for this evening started and ended on a different note. The sky had clouded over, and every other cloud seemed to leak some rain. Not enough to connect the dots, but enough to dampen the spirits. Immediately, I noticed that my left knee gave some feedback on the downward portion of my pedaling motion. Thinking it wasn't warmed up, I continued until it was too much. At that point, I was a half-hour away, and cover the same distance to return home. I scratched the run, and elected to ice and elevate and rest for the big ride planned for Saturday. No other activity reproduces the same pain. Troublesome, but at this point, I'm not too worried.

Mentally, I'm still enjoying things. Rather than be excited that I didn't have to work hard tonight, I felt downtrodden that I had to pack it in. I still feel confident in my ability to finish, and even worked up a back up plan for finishing the marathon with a respectable time. T-Minus 38 days and counting.

Just when you think your swim training isn't up to snuff, and that it's falling behind you have a day like today. I felt crappy getting into the water, and didn't warm up too well. After doing 2000 yards of various sets, I decided, (who knows why) to see what a 500 (20 lengths) straight would feel like. So I pushed off, not expecting too much. After the first 100 (4 lengths), I saw the clock was at 1:10. Not too bad, we might be on to something. The second hundred went just as well, around a 1:13. That's when I started thinking that a sub six-minute swim is within reach. I pounded out the last three hundred, fighting the lactic lactic building in my muscles. I finished with a 5:57, just nine seconds slower than my time under race conditions at the Alumni meet.

For the non-swimmers out there, this is a good thing.

Swimming takes a mental attitude unlike any other sport. Workouts are developed through the combinations of varying distances, strokes, and efforts. The variations are technically endless, but time, talent, and fitness limit what can be achieved in a workout. Overall, your start exactly at the same end of the pool you started. Throw in the fact that you can't socialize with teammates during the workout and the entire time is spent starting at the bottom of the pool, following a line black tiles capped at either end with a T, back and forth, back and forth. Then there's the gear. Suits that cling to your body don't leave much to the imagination. As I said, swimmers have a different mental attitude.

However, the satisfaction gained when completing a difficult workout goes a long way to overcome all that. I had such a workout this morning. It was a solid, tough effort, nothing special. It was that much better because it was a Friday morning, after basketball game last night and biking yesterday morning, and knowing that I have a run tonight and a long bike and run over the weekend. Past Friday morning swims have been pretty hurtful because of all the other workouts. This morning started differently. I felt strong through the warm up sets. It continued through the main set. But there' I started doubting if I could finish the 400-for-time I had planned at the end. I let excuses creep into my head, "The pool's getting crowded, I'll just cut it to a 200 and let someone else use the lane." And sure enough, just before the planned 400, my lane mate climbs out and two kids climb in, clearly not meeting the "fast" requirement of Lane 5. I stewed over what I should do for a couple of minutes, catching my breath and heart rate. Then I decided just to do it. I warned the kids that I'd be swimming around them and set off. Four minutes, forty-five seconds later I touched the wall, quite tired but tremendously pleased with the effort.

Here's the 2,850 yard workout:

• 3x200 on 3:00
• 4x75 Build Each on 1:20
• 4x:
  • 200 Free on 3:00 (held 2:20)
  • 100 IM on 1:40 (held 1:15)
  • 50 EZ on 1:00
• 400 for time (4:45 - 1:06/1:10/1:13/1:16)
• 150 Warm Down

Jumping into the pool where I spent the winters of high school brings back all sorts of memories. The most immediate was how cold they keep the pool. I doubt it was over 75°. There is no need to discuss shrinkage at this point. It was a given. I fought through it and warmed up between talking trash to other alumni and varsity swimmers that I coached when they were six years old.

The 200 free is the second event of the meet and I was in the wall lane of the first heat. (Joy!) I really had no idea what would happen in this race. Most of my mental preparation was for the 500 to come later. I had thought based on my training thus far that 2:20 would be a good goal time. But in all honesty, I knew that I would be faster than that, more like 2:13 or so. On the start my sprint instincts took over and I went out a bit strong with my legs, which would come back to bite me at the end of the race. I ended up splitting 28.66/31.56/32.07/32.48 for a 2:04.77. (1:00.22/1:04.55) Way faster than I expected. It was then I started to think I might've gone too fast to have anything left for the 500.

There's a break in the meet, so I got warm-up and stretch out in the pool before the 500, which was a good thing. The muscles were lactating pretty severely and I hydrated as much as possible. I was in lane 2 for the first heat of the 500 against some pretty serious competition. My sister was counting for me, and double checked how she would convey my pace with the count board. She eventually forgot. Many spectators were amused that I was behind the blocks for the 500. The official (a parent of a best friend) said it was a special Christmas present for him. The goal was to break 6:00; definitely attainable, as I did a 6:06 from a push three days prior. Again the sprint instincts took over for the first 50 and I kicked. Stupid! Not good. With my sister forgetting where to put the counter (left was faster than 6:00 pace, to the right was slower) I really didn't know where I was. The varsity swimmers were gone after the first 50, and were gaining, nearly lapping me. That's not good for my psyche.

The mind is a fickle thing. Throughout the race, I reminded myself to "keep my stroke as long as possible," but that was quickly replaced by "keep your stroke above water." The lactic acid was really kicking in at this point, and I could feel my body begin to falter. I don't know how it looked above water. I finished last in my heat with a 5:47.98.

Overall, a success, but it reveals that I need to stay consistent with my training and keep working to build the stamina necessary for next year's IMoo.

There's less than a week until the Alumni Meet next Wednesday. I've already declared my desire to swim the 200 & 500 yard freestyle events, something I never would've done in high school. I actually swam the 200 & 500 in the year I swam in New York, mainly because my stroke got longer.

I'm getting excited to swim. I was really excited until I heard that the JMM team is a force to be reckoned with. Even the JV will be crushing my PR in the 500. (5:09) I may lose, and lose big, but there's the personal goals that really matter.

In the 200, the goal is to have a strong finish. I'm not too concerned with my time; under 2:20 is nice. The 500 is what I'm worried about. All along, the magic time is to break 6:00. Today, I swam a 6:07 from a wall with a relatively slow first 100. Based on that, I think the six-minute barrier can be broken, it's a question of how much? We'll just have to wait and see.

My weight's holding at ~183, keeping me at 30 pounds down. (Awesome!) I've been solely swimming the past two weeks, and will ramp everything back up in the new year, plotting out my race and training schedule until Race Day.

Although I haven't posted a workout update in nearly a month, I have been working out. I've been keeping track of everything in what's getting to be an extensive spreadsheet. I've even been able to fool around with pivot tables charts, an Excel tool that I've never been able to figure out to work successfully. I made a chart for your viewing pleasure (PDF). It shows the percentage of each type of workout I've completed in each week thus far. Note how I've tapered from the bike and increased workouts in the pool over the past few weeks. The Alumni Meet is less than three weeks away, and I need to be as ready as possible.

And things are progressively getting better in the pool. Today, I started off a set of 100s (four lengths) with a 1:08, a time I struggled to make a few weeks ago. By the end, I hit 1:02 on my last two. I was quite pleased. All this after two nights of holiday parties, and the resulting dehydration. As my skin tingled after each swim, I decided that I'm going to try to avoid the alcohol and hit the water hard for these next few weeks until the meet. The winter dryness doesn't help, either.

In case you're in town over the holiday break, the meet is December 22, at 5:30 at JMM.

So I thought it would be time to get serious about getting serious once again. I felt so-so. What made me feel worse was all the tan kids coming back from the spring break, still hung over, but yet I looked like Moby Dick floating by. Maybe it was the harpoon in my back.

• 200 warm-up, 175, 100, 50, 100, 150, 200
• 4x100
• 4x50
• 5x25
• 100 down

208.3 on the scale - not too bad for a 3-week absence

For the first time since the alumni meet, I swam prior to work. Before, I had the built in excuse of taking Kris to work. Now, she's at a new rotation, and thus have to use my own motivation to get me going. It took me a bit for my mind to come to and even longer for my body to wake up. I don't think it did until I jumped into the shockingly cold water.

• 4x100 warm-up
• 6x75
• 6x50
• 2x:
  • 75 ez
  • 2x50 moderate
  • 3x25 kick
• 100 down

1550 total. An amazing 207.7 pounds.

I was feeling dandy until I stood up ten minutes into the workout. Then my head exploded. As I picked up my brains from the adjacent lanes, I decided to finish out the set and see how I felt. But it still hurt. I went home. This is what I got through:

• 200, 250, 300, 300, 250, 200

I weighed 209.8 after the 1500 yards.

This whole week I've sometimes felt like I'm not in my body. Weird vertigo-type sensations and voices support this. Tonight, the pool felt foreign. Like I didn't belong there. Maybe because it's been so long, but I can't remember feeling so much not like a swimmer ever. I was able to fight through it and get somewhere though, covering about 2200 yards.

• 6x75, 6x50, 6x25 warm-up
• 6x75 on 1:15
• 6x50 on 1:00
• 6x50 kick on 1:10
• 100 warm down

The scale was nice at 209.3 pounds.

I got back into the water again a month after the alumni meet. I could feel my shoulder slipping while driving to the pool so I figured it would last long. It didn't, but I was still able to fight out 1700 yards. It was all free, varying 100s, a couple of 150s, and some 50s swim and kicking at the end.

Two things worth noting:

1. While following a girl on a moped, the wife and I were wondering why she's riding in the new snow. To see one being ridden in the winter is rare, let alone right after a fresh snowfall. I made the comment that she must not have taken that first digger. After that first fall, you quickly learn that it's not safe to ride in snow. Then it happened. She was going full speed (about 20 mph) and we were hesantly following. She pulled across bike lane to make a right turn, caught the snow and went down hard. We quickly pulled over and helped her out. Based on her reaction, she learned her lesson.
2. Isn't always funny when you see someone who knows that they had a locker (or parked car), but can't remember where they left it? Their face as they wander from locker to locker is priceless.

I weighed a surprising 211.8 lbs. (I thought it would be much more with the lack of excercise.)

Tonight was the celebrated 25th Annual JMM Alumni meet. The Alumni beat the varsity and the junior varsity teams for the fourth straight year. I swam fly in the 200 medley relay (27.71 - surprisingly well), 50 free (25.20 - a bit disappointing as I wanted to be in the 24 area), and the 400 free relay (55.60 - also surprisingly well).

The training definitely helped the long-term recovery. I was pretty wiped after each swim, but felt much better afterwards than in years past. The big revelation was that I can’t sprint anymore. I think I forgot how to get the muscles working that fast. So next year, we’re training for the 200 free. Teddy G. has a $50 bet to go better than 2:02 and I think I am going to help him realize that dream. (Because it really is a dream.)

The next step on the ladder is the Crazylegs Run in late April. Five miles through UW Campus. Then, a half-marathon in the Mad City Marathon May 30, 2004. Throughout this, we’ll get a bike and start riding. Fun, Fun, Fun.

I tapered this morning. The NAT closes today for winter break and that's my official excuse. (Really, it's because I was lazy.)

• 2x200
• 2x100
• 2x75
• 2x50
• 2x25
• 8x25 hard on :30
• 200 down

1300 yards & 210.8 pounds, which was pleasing to see.

It was off right from the start. The shoulder hurt from the time I lifted my arm to turn off the alarm. All of the parking meters were out of order, and I knew a ticket was headed my way. The water really didn't loosen me up at all and I struggled to maintain any sort of pace throughout.

• 200 warm-up
• 12x75 on 1:15
• 12x50 on 1:00, kick down/ez back
• 200 down

2000 yards total - 211.8 pounds. (Did you know a wet towel weighs 1.5 pounds?)

I'd had hoped to finish the pattern with 12x25, but schedule precluded me to do so. It was only in the shower when I added up the distance, and found myself quite pleased with what had transpired, despite how I felt. Basketball had quite the effect.

When I returned to my car, I saw the enforcement parking me in. Shit. $20 gone. But, much to my surprise, she was fiddling with the meter in her truck and backed away as I got in my car. No ticket. Sweet. Maybe this will be an on day.

Update: It wasn't. The WAN at work was off all day.

It's wicked cold here. 2°F this morning. Not too easy to get out of bed this morning. But a swimming we must go. Eleven days to the Alumni Meet.

• 2x200 warm-up
• 50, 100, 150, 200, 150, 100, 50 Long & Strong on :30 rest
• 200 down

1400 yards - 212.1 pounds

The alarm went off. "What am I doing here?" I had just gotten back from some black abyss where sleep was overwhelming and welcome. I wanted to go back. But, I went to the pool.

• 300 warm-up
• 1x300
• 2x150 on 2:30
• 3x100 on 1:45
• 6x50 on 1:00
• 12x25 on :45
• 200 down

2000 yards total & 211.3 lbs.

When swimming next to a person, regardless of skill level, something competitive happens. Jason noticed it when swimming with the guys at JMM. Even though he was just making the workout, the guys in the next lane would quicken their pace to match or pass Jason. It’s not like they’re really competing, but they are. I notice myself doing it many times in my workouts. But, this morning, I saw the worst case of competitive/non-competitiveness. A rather cut swimmer was in the next lane. He wasn’t bashful about his stroke either. Obviously a sprinter, he splashed his stroke and pretty much drowned the woman sharing the lane with his wake. I switched to the other side of my lane just to avoid him as much as possible. But, every time we were next to each other, his pace would quicken, kick a bit more, and pull ahead of me. He would leave two seconds before I would from the wall.

But the best part came in the locker room after practice. I caught him (twice) standing and mimicking sit-ups, checking out his abs as he brought his legs up. At least he made me laugh.

• 2x200 warm-up
• 6x150 on 2:20 (held a 2:00 pace)
• 6x100 on 1:40 (struggled to keep 1:10 pace)
• 5x50 on :50 warm down

The last set of 50s was supposed to be 6 total at a hard pace, and then warm down, but the parking meter was running short and I was tired.

2000 yards, 211.4 pounds

This morning, like most others, I let my mind wander a bit while I was swimming. I got to thinking about how much of a mental sport swimming is. I put it to the test and found myself swimming much better when I thought about where I was in the water (stroke-wise), and pushing myself to go harder. At the same time, I concentrated on maintaining my stroke as I progressed through the workout. Along with cheering myself on, I picked my head up, took longer strokes and watched my time improve throughout the first set. By the end, I was tired but satisfied with the way I felt. It was a breakthrough workout. I finally am begining to notice the first inklings of being in shape.

• 2x200 warm-up
• 5x:
• 100 on 1:30, hard (times: 1:10, 1:10, 1:10, 1:07, 1:06)
• 50 on 1:30, long and strong
• 5x:
• 75 on 1:30, long and strong
• 25 on :30, hard
• 150 down

1800 yds. - 213.4 lbs.
Finally, the pool temperature was back to normal. Still a bit of a shock to the system at 7 AM, but just right after a few laps.

Once again, the water was frigid. This time, I lost my breath as I jumped in. I could barely feel my body as I struggled through frozen joints and iceburgs. (I think I saw the Titanic and Leo on the bottom.) The worst part about the cold water is that it's even colder outside. I go from a warm bed, to a cold bathroom, to a frigid car, to a warm locker room, to the Arctic Ocean (aka the pool), to a warm shower, back out to the frozen car, and home again. Just once it would be nice to actually be able to work up a sweat in the pool.

• 150, 125, 100, 75, 50 Warm-up
• 5x100 on 0:20 rest, build the set (1:10 on the last one - woo hoo!)
• 5x50 kick on 0:20 rest - all hard.
• 150 down

Only 1400, but it's hard swimming through iceburgs. 213.4 on the scale. Tom Turkey didn't get me too bad. First basketball practice tonight.

I woke up and my first thought was "Why is my alarm going off?" Not a good start to the day. But, a swimming we must go:

• 2x200 Warm-up
• 5x:
• 150 on 2:30
• 50 kick on 1:00
• 150 down

Not too far, just 1550, but I was late, swimming slow, and had to get the car into the fixit shop. 212.4 on the scale, though.

Not only was it frigid on the way to the pool (18°F), but the pool must have been just as cold. I think they were pumping in water straight from the lake. I had goose bumps the entire time in the water, and never fully warmed up. So, in response, I just tried to keep moving, and alternated 4-100s and 2-200s until a half an hour went by. My guess is that I got close to 2000 yards total, but it's hard to know since my brain was frozen. The icicles took a while to fall off in the shower.

I also weighed a disappointing 214.2. Must have been all that bean dip. I'd like to say I am going to be eating more healthy, but Thanksgiving is this week, and then it's one holiday party after another until the Alumni meet and Christmas.

After a $20 parking ticket from Wednesday, I made sure I had enough quarters for the meter. This time, the parking enforcement vehicle was making its rounds as I was walking up to the car. I was ready to alert the driver that I was just going to pull out, but luckily it passed my car without stopping. I checked the meter: one minute left. As I got in the car and started it up, the meter flipped to expired, and I pulled away unscathed. Now that's what I call perfect timing.

• 10x100 on :30 rest
• 10x50 on :50
• 10x25 kick (free down, fly back) on :40
• 150 down

1900 and 211.8 lbs. I think this morning thing is going to work out nicely.

raining regiment has never been at the frequency that it deserves, as you may have noticed by the lack of workouts. Evenings are just too busy and irregular to maintain a constant schedule. So, I am trying something new. The NAT is open MWF mornings. I wake up a half-hour earlier, and get to work a half-hour later, and get to train an hour inbetween. This morning was my first go. And it was cold. My arms felt so short, I attributed it to shrinkage. I talked to a custodian, who said that it was about 78, and a coil went out two months ago. "Won't be another month 'til I get a new one." But, he must of found an extra one, because halfway through, hot-tub water was pouring out the vents, leaving large regions of warm and cold water throughout the pool.

• 4x150s warm up (to get over the shrinkage)
• 4x:
• 100 on 1:45
• 50 on 1:00
• 25 on 0:45
• 5x100 on 1:45 build through the set
• 150 down

1950 total. A svelte 211.7 on the scale. (no food)

I arrived at the pool the same time as another swimmer. As he was adjusting his full length trunks, ear plugs, and full cover goggles, I asked if we could share the lane he just set his bag behind. Sighing heavily, it was obvious he didn't want to give up the precious half of the lane. "I'm really not that good," was his reason. Nevermind that it was marked as a "fast lane" while there were openings in the other "medium," and "slow" lanes. I suggested that we just maintain our sides, and everything will be okay. And it was, at least for the parts times he spent on the bottom of the pool or floating after he surfaced from said bottom. When he was swimming, he was right down the middle.

I don't want to come off as snotty, but, if you're not a fast swimmer, then don't swim in the fast lane just because it's open. Anyway...the water was cold and felt good. It kept the muscles tight, and kept me thinking about my stroke mechanics, which really aids in efficiency and speed.

• 3x 200 Warm Up
• 5 times:
• 100 on 1:45
• 75 on 1:30
• 50 on 1:15
• 15 on 1:00
• 150 down

2000 total. Couldn't weigh myself because some guy was futzing around with the scale.

Sometimes getting in the water doesn't feel so good. But, those usually end up being better practices. I haven't been able to go as much as I like, so it hurts every time I get back in. Tonight was like that. The water felt awful, cold and slimey - a lot like my running nose. I just could seem to get a grip. As I forged ahead, I concentrated on longer, efficient strokes. Partly because I wanted to feel good, and mostly because I wanted to upstage the guy next to me giving really bad instructions to a halfway decent swimmer. Who knows what my stroke looks like now that I am fat, but I know it's better than what that guy was saying: "Ummm....You've got to shoot your hand forward, kick three times, breath, rotate your hips....um, I don't know. Just watch me." Ugh.

• 200, 150, 100 Warm-Up
• 10 times:
• 75 on 1:15
• 50 on 0:55
• 25 on :50
• 150 down

2100 total 212.9 lbs on the scale.

The water felt really good tonight. Sometimes it just does. Maybe it was being back at the NAT. It's an oldie, but a goodie. Found a set left on a chalkboard and decided to use it, with some slight modifications:

250 Warm up
150 - 50 swim, 25 kick on 2:40
100 IM (First time swimming something other than free!) on 2:00
50 long and strong on 1:20 (for some extra rest)
repeat above 4x
10x50 on 0:45 - Build four, fifth EZ, repeat.
150 down

2100 total. Felt good, but the shoulders are crying. A plump KFC 213.1 on the scale.

After too long of a layoff from the pool, it was good to get back in. However, the SERF is not the best place for me. Although it's now set up for short-course yards, the pool just isn't the best. I might be biased, but there are no "Ts" painted on the bottom for the half I was swimming in. Also the bulkheads don't reach the bottom, creating a disconnect as to where the wall was. (Mainly because you see the pool drop off to thirty feet deep on the other side.) I consistently was short on one end, and subsequently over corrected on the other. To top it all off, there was one other swimmer in the lane, and he wanted to swim in circles, rather than splitting it.

250, 150 warm-up
10x100 on 2:00, mainly to feel the water again
8x50 kick down, EZ swim back
150 warm-down

1950 total. A robust 213 lbs. on the scale.

Time to go back to the NAT.

The pool was busy. I shared a lane with an Ironman Finisher. I felt a bit meek swimming next to him, but soon realized that I was keeping pace.

250 Warm-up
4x200 on 3:00
4x100 on 1:45
4x50 on 1:00
8x25 on :30
4x50 kick, no board, free/fly.
200 down

2250 total. 211.7 lbs on the scale.

It was the guy that nearly jumped on top of me that gave this workout a sour note. It's not too pleasant to finish a hard swim and look up between the legs of a hairy man, who's too eager to get in the water. I told him defiently to wait five minutes, and I'd be done. Turns out, the two women in the next lane left at that time. Patience is a virtue indeed.

I over extended myself a bit tonight:

400 Warm-up
10x100 on 2:00. Build each group of five
200 Down

That's it. 1600 total. But I built the final two hundreds in each group to a 1:05 pace. Pretty good for an old fat man like myself. But I was paying for it at the end. I decided to end it while my arms were still attached. The worst part was swimming by myself for a good three minutes. That doesn't leave much opportunity to pee when all the lifeguards are looking at you.

11,400 so far. Still wighing in at 211.7 lbs. Tomorrow will be a day off, and Saturday's game should keep me out of the water, too. Maybe Sunday morning, depending on Saturday night.

Finally got back into the pool after two days off tonight. It was back to its normal temperature, which was shocking at first. Warm-up turned into something longer and I went with it for a nice long first set.

200 Warm-up,175,150,125,100,75,50,25
Rest
25,50,75,100,125,150,175,200
8x50 kick, no board, free-fly on 1:15.
200 Down.

I tried to keep the "valley" swim as long and strong as I could, averaging about 20 seconds per 25. I think it was on the 125 on the the way down that someone joined me in the lane. I noticed that every swim after that was a little bit harder and stronger. I didn't want to race her, but I did want to make sure I was holding my own.

2400 here, 9800 so far. 211.7 on the scale.

After the horrible game in the rain, my feet were feeling it today. It didn't help that the water was a good three to four degrees warmer than Friday. It's like running in 85° weather when you're used to 65°. But, I made do and had one of the best workouts yet.

200 Warm-up.
8x100 on 1:45, held 1:15 througout
8x75 on 1:15 build-up each one
8x50 kick, no board, alt. free/fly (these hurt)
8x25 on 0:30

2400 yards this workout, 7400 in four workouts thus far. 213.4 on the scale. (Taco Bell was in the belly, which is something I will avoid from this point forward.)

In high school, one of my favorite sets was 20x25 on 0:20. The first time I had to do this, as a freshman, I bascially sprinted a 500, doing flip turns towards the end, just to make the interval. As a sophomore, I'd get one or two seconds rest. The final two years, I was able to maintain five seconds between each one, and enjoy the set.

Just as I improved across the years back then, I can feel the improvements from workout to workout. I can feel the water a little more each time. The only thing missing is stamina. Right now, I feel like I did freshman year and cannot hold a strong pace for more than a 50, maybe a 75 early in the set. But I know, within a few weeks, that distance will grow longer as I grow stonger.

Coincidently, I got the official e-mail from Bill saying the Alumni Meet is December 23, 2003. 100 days and counting.

Tonight, the wife joined me in the pool, anxious about the flip turns and which lane to swim in. But we settled in, and got swimming right away. Here's what I ended up doing:

200 Warm-up - Actually starting to feel like a warm up now
8x100 - same thing as yesterday
8x50 kick/swim on 1:15/1:00. Mod. hard. This felt good.
6x75 build up groups of three on 2:00. Pain settled in.
200 down.

Kris was still swimming, and wanted to do more. She felt like she hadn't done that much. That was before she got ready. Walking to the car, she expressed that she felt the effects more.

2050 tonight, 5000 on the week. In high school we'd max our at 6200 in one practice. We'd average close to 10,000 yards per day, 6 days a week. Double ugh. Oh, to be young and innocent. Oh yea, 211.7 on the scale.

Tomorrow's the football game. Three hours of standing in the student section. At least we get to jump around again.

It's so nice to be in a 25-yard pool. That long course stuff is for the birds. Give me my 16 strokes and a flip, and I am happy.

It was busy today. But empty when I got out. Maybe it was all the snot that erupted from my sinus cavaties. It was gross having to swim through your own snot balls floating in the pool.

Here's what transpired.

200 Warm-up (If you could call it that.)
8x100 - Consistantly held 1:15 on the first four, and then reality checked into my shoulders.
6x75 - Kick w/board, kick w/out board, swim, rinse and repeat.
4x50 kinda mediocre. It was tough to maintain :35. (Keep in mind this is only Day 2.)
200 cool down. More like keep the life quards from getting out of their chairs.

Day 2 Total: 1850 yards. Grand Total: 2943 yards, or 1.672 miles. Ugh. 2.4 miles in one swim is a long ways off.

On a dfferent sale than Tuesday, (digital, more precise) I weighed 212.8 pounds. Using the Devine formula, my ideal body weight for my size (5' 11") is 166 pounds. Considereing obesity is 20% overweight, I am obese (more than 199 lbs.) But, I have always had a bigger frame, so let's cut me some slack. The people's choice ideal body weight is 188 lbs. If I stick with that, then I am not obese (225 lbs.), just overweight. Keep in mind, in peak swimming condition, I was 175 lbs. with about 2.3% body fat.

I set some goals to get in shape and set up this blog to track my training and (hopefully) weight loss.

Today I swam for the first time in a while. I actually thought about the last time I was in the water. I couldn't think of it. It most likely was the 2002 JMM Alumni meet. This past summer I never went to the pool, only once did put on a suit, and that was to ride an innertube.

My first swim was at the SERF. It was set up for long course, which I initially hesitated on, be decided to try it anyways. I should've trusted my instincts. It hurt. I struggled to finish 1000m, alternating 100 swims with 100 kicks. But, I got it done.

Aftwards, with shoes, shirt, and shorts, the scale said 210 pounds of sweet, sweet RobbyB. Keep on trucking.