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December 27, 2007
Masters Swim HHI Style
Yesterday I had a plan to go to the masters swim team practice here on the Island. I had contacted the coach about 2 weeks ago to inquire if visitors were allowed of which she replied a resounded "SURE!". So I wanted to try it at least once.
But yesterday I chickened out. I set my alarm, got up, started to worry about the whole situation and then went back to sleep instead. I did my ride first and then went swimming later. By myself. Big boo.
So I told myself that today I WOULD GO TO MASTERS SWIM. No excuses. No ifs ands or buts. I wasn't quite sure what I was so fearful about but taking on new challenges and going outside of my comfort zone are two goals for this upcoming season and what better time to start?! I told O last night that if I started to hedge about going in the morning that she should drag me down to the car, drop me off at the pool and drive away. :)
But he didn't have to do that. I still didn't want to go this morning but go I did!
Once there I introduced myself to a few people and they were all very nice and welcoming. It wasn't a big group (due to the holidays) so I had my own lane. I wasn't quite sure what to expect next. At my masters practice we sort of do our own warmup/cooldown and just wait for the workout. But this appeared to be a little different. Nobody was doing anything. That is until the coach came over and gave directions for warmup. "400 free, 400 choice." And with that we were off. See - this isn't so bad....
We finished that and the next directions were 4x300 as 50 drill/200 free/50 drill for the 1st and 4th, and 50 drill/200 stroke/50 drill for the 2nd and 3rd. Okay, I can do that... And about 200 into the first 300 I realized that this was still a part of the warmup. Doing the math quickly in my head I made the next realization that we would have 2000 yds in and won't have even started the main set. Hmm. I haven't been swimming too much. This could get ugly.
After the 300s I was really hoping for some sort of repeats with an interval that resembled a main set. Otherwise I was pretty much going to have to get out of the pool after the warmup!
The next directions were 20x100...okay, I can do that...but what did she say...20x100 PULL?! Uh oh. 2000 yds of pull? This could get REALLY ugly.
The pull was supposed to be with paddles but I decided against that since I wanted to keep my shoulders attached to my body. The pull bouy would be harsh enough for these weak arms! After the first 10 there was a 200 easy free, then the 2nd 10. Around #17 I was seriously starting to wonder if my arms were still moving? Not sure, I can't feel them that much. :) The 2nd 10 were supposed to be faster than the 1st 10 but I settled for maintaining. More math revealed I would be up to 4200 yds after these and I really wasn't too sure what was next. And I was too afraid to ask.
I finished my 20x100 pull. Good deal! I'm surviving this! I was sort of afraid of looking around or up at the coach because unless the next directions involved the words "cooldown" or "kick" I was going to be one hurting puppy. But luckily it was "200 easy cooldown." Oh yeah!! And with that, quite a long workout for me at this time, but still a very good one. More pull than I've ever done in one workout (and quite a bit faster than I've ever done too I might mention) and my shoulders are still attached...I think...
I came home to O and Roxy waiting to go running. Luckily it was only a 30 minute run. And then I was so hungry I wanted to eat my arm...if only I was certain my arms were still there... :)
And now we are off to the local triathlon store to check things out and also to the beach to see what Roxy thinks of the ocean!! I sure do love vacation... :)
Posted by beth at December 27, 2007 9:40 AM
Comments
Good for you for all that swimming!!! I was a fishie as a kid and never really realized all of the unwritten rules to swimming and teams and workout etiquette until my non-swimmer, runner husband decided he wanted to swim with a group. I could never answer his questions...I just knew what to do at the pool. I, however, am scared to run at the track. Who tells you the warm up? What if I am running in the wrond direction? What if their are hurdles set up? How do I get out of the way of faster runners? My husband laughs at my "silly" questions!!! My coach laughs at me, too--she says that only swimmers go to the track and "descend" their workout. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Posted by: Danielle a.k.a Pedergraham at December 28, 2007 5:19 PM