The Swim

1000 yards. That sounds so much cooler than 20 minutes. Or the original 100 yard swims from the initial training days.

Then again, it sounds so short when considering the 2.4 miles in an Ironman swim.

This morning's swim was "new goggles" day. Fed up with the Barracuda goggles purchased at the outset of learning to swim properly, I purchased a pair of Tyr Racetech Reveal goggles. While the Barracuda goggles are supposed to be the slickest thing in the water, I was horribly disappointed with them. Perhaps it is operator error, but I was never able to get them to hold out water effectively. Every 100 yards or so, I would have an annoying amount of water in the eyepieces. They are also very prone to fog up.

In 1000 yards, the new goggles never leaked a bit. The didn't fog up. And they look cooler, too. At less than half the cost of the Barracuda goggles, these seem to be a much better purchase.

I also purchased a swim cap. Nice bright green and blue to give lifeguards a good visual in the triathlon. I want them to have a highly visible target in the event I need their help. Next week, I'll try wearing it, as it is something new.

Today's swim went quite well. Though mostly zipperswitch drills, I did 100 yards of sweet spot drills, and 100 yards of zipperskate. I'm trying to further develop my balance. I need to make the transition to full overhand strokes, and figure out how to add rhythmic breathing. Better balance should help, there.

Getting the breathing down may be the most challenging part of this whole process. I feel pretty comfortable in the face down, swimming position. I feel comfortable going to sweet spot and taking some breaths. The discomfort comes in when considering breathing during a normal stroke.

Here's a question for all the fish out there. Should my stroke continue while breathing, or should there be a slight pause in the stroke? Normally, I've rolled to the side and tried to breathe. That interrupts the stroke and I slow down (and lose balance). This morning, I tried breathing while pulling with the forward arm and bringing the back arm forward. I lost less speed and had better balance, but it seems awkward. That, of course, might be a function of not being used to the motion. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

Tomorrow, it's a good run. Saturday it's WalkAmerica for the March of Dimes. Sunday is a long run, though I may do a bike/run brick if things work out. 1000 yards. It still sounds cool.