Eric the Eel!

So, a week ago my 100 metre freestyle was not dissimilar to that fine chap Eric Moussambani (or "Eric the Eel" as he became known) from the 2000 Olympics. Much like Eric, my improvement over a short period of time has been dramatic as well (let's face it, when you're as bad as us, it doesn't take much to see a dramatic improvement :) )

Swimming (freestyle) felt as though it had to be a 100% effort right from the start or I would sink/go nowhere. Luckily a work colleague and good swimmer pointed out how much effort I was wasting. He suggested bringing my strokes down from 45 per length (in a 20 metre pool) to 30 and how best to do that (I think I have since bought that down even further and am now practising in a 25 metre pool). The steady progress over the last week since then is nothing short of miraculous.

Last night I completed 100 lengths (2500 metres). Whilst I completed these in 8 sets of 10 and one last set of 20, the break in between sets was minimal (a minute, often less). The main purpose of the session was to prove to myself that I could at least complete the race distance (1900 metres) albeit with a few stops to gather myself. Having covered more distance than I needed and feeling better than I could ever have imagined a week ago I reflect back that I could well have done it in one uninterrupted swim - however, very happy with the session I can now focus on not only building on it next time but also making arrangements for some open water practice.

My main concern with switching from the pool to open water is the lack of navigational points and also markers for judging the distance covered. I am very aware that in the pool I have the bottom to look at, not only for navigation but also to indicate my speed to me. There is also the handy wall at each end which breaks a long, monotonous swim into much more psychologically manageable chunks which I can count down and use to help pace myself. I have no idea really what will happen in a dark lake or sea without these things. What I do know is, I have a very good swimming mentor in my friend, buoyant confidence from having done the distance (from almost no base a week ago) and am 'fairly' comfortable in open water from having messed around in rough seas a lot and a bit of surfing etc.

Whatever awaits me over the next week I am bubbling with anticipation and I know I will embrace it with a positive attitude ...and as tough as it may be, I am going to lap it up.

This new 'challenge yourself outside of your comfort zone' thing is really becoming quite addictive and I've barely even begun!

PEACE! Andy :)

So 10 days ago I committed to a Half Ironman but only have until 6th June to prepare. Read my Blog Description for the background but basically I have no experience and no really relevant background. A buddy is an experienced Ironman and having r...