Stubborn swim

SWIM: 3000y in 1:20

I had set some swim goals last week and I was bound and determined to stick to them. I know, yet another Swim Challenge. The first one puttered out after 2 months, this one won't have to last that long. Only 48 days left to go, and I need to build my swimming up.

So today's goal was 3000y total. Swim class is estimated to be about 2000y, so I decided to tack on another 1000. Each subsequent week I add 200y, only 4 laps. Another part of the plan was to arrive to the Y early for the extra yards, and not stay late like I did today. But I needed to eat, and it all worked out in the end.

The swim class was 4x300y with some negative splits. This went OK, I was feeling strong until the instructor pointed out that I was crossing my arms over my head and sweeping my arms under me. She was right, I can't argue that, but trying to fix it distracted me. Seems I need to work on that some more.

We also did 3x100 kicking, of which I only did 2x100. I apparently have a weak kick, I just wasn't moving very fast. That and my ankle gave me another reason to cut short. And so did a tight hip muscle on the right side. Sigh.

During the class, I talked to another IMWI'er who just did another IM 70.3. I asked about the on course drink, and he said he didn't like it. I had just found out earlier that my order was backordered about 2 weeks! Now I really need to try it out before the race!

I stuck around after the class for the remaining yards. I was at 36 laps, only needed 14 more!! (oxygen debt + Math = disappointment). I got going, thinking 14 laps was a breeze, until I got to 42 laps and realized my error. But I kept going, inventing intervals and breaking the remaining laps into 3-4 lap groups. It felt great to finish though!

I've been reading race reports of IMWI, reading about the "washing machine" start line, how the first line to the buoy is the worst, about how the 2nd lap eases up. Not many mentions waves or chop, only a few but everyone was able to power through it. But DNF'ers probably don't post RR's online, so I'm reading a select list of RR's if you want to look at it that way. Moreover, most RR's don't report problems in the swim, but on the "death march" of a run at the end. Immodiums, ibuprophens, potty stops, bonks, and more. I'm not training with any of that! But one goal for the remaining weekends is to sandwich the long run closer to the long ride, without the day off in between. Maybe I can push myself into sickness that way? Isn't it funny that I'm thinking I should "get sick" before the race so I can be more prepared?