Today I went to swim class (I haven't attended class in forever and have just been swimming solo). Well, it is loosely called swim class since there were only 2 of us there (3 if you count Steve who forgot his swim trunks). It feels a lot like training alone, again, but the workouts are killer so that is good. After warming up about 600, we did some descending intervals and sprints. The coach got on to me for coasting in to the wall after the intervals, and after he threatened to make me do them over I started taking that last stroke. Then he called out the main set- but I swear with the way I was working I thought I had just done the main set. Nope, 12 x 150. Steady 1-3 just make the interval, 4-6 build by 50, 7-9 descend, 10-12 fastest intervals of the day.
I swim a ton by myself, but there is something about swimming with others or having a coach right there to push you that extra bit. I was dreading the 12x150, but I was able to do them with focus and did in fact produce my best 150s at the end.
I also got the big shocker that coach thinks I am a pacer. Which I am. (meaning I usually choose the pace, even for the hard intervals, that I know I can make consistently, rather than try to blow myself out). I sometimes think I am blowing myself out, but he pointed out that if I can hold the same pace and descend time and time again, I am in fact not blowing myself out. Fine- busted.
I blame it on the years of soccer. The 90 minutes of playing non-stop at center mid-field. My whole life has been about pacing so I could cover the whole field for the whole game. I was never afforded the luxury of sprinting till I couldn't run anymore- and then just standing there and doing nothing- like the forwards (no offense to you guys that played forward, but you know it is true).
Okay- I need to get back to studying. Maybe I will write about the knee later this week. Still as frustrated as ever, and I do have the doctor and PT reports to share with you.
3 comments:
You're so dedicated! When I realized it was raining and no Peddler this morning, I went back to bed. BTW, 12x150 would kill me right now!
I do the SAME thing - coast the last stroke or two into the wall!! And I've also been called out for not 'finishing' by the coach on deck... I think there's something about distance sports and playing sports as a youngster that sets a really good internal metronome. I'm the same way - I hold the SAME pace for just about everything. Or maybe that's IM training...? ha ha - who knows?
Hang in there with the knee - every day that passes is one more day closer to healing!
ACTUALLY...my masters coach told me that being a pacer is good. Then you know exactly when you CAN blow yourself up or out as you finish, which is sorta what you want to do right? I mean so you can finish the set descending ..I am not the fastest in my lane but the young'uns usually want me to lead so they can finish the set without blowing up.
Sorry bout the knee, hang in there and know you are getting a great wko with swims!
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