Ugh. I'm so frustrated tonight. I feel like I'm never going to get the hang of this "swimming long distances" thing ever. How is it that I can run or bike relatively long distances with no trouble, but throw me in a pool and it's like I've never exercised a day in my life?
I know it takes time to get the hang of new stuff and, as both htd and the Bea kindly reminded me during my hunger-and-exhaustion-fueled teary ramblings, running didn't happen in a day (or 3 1/2 weeks). But I think the difference there was I did all the beginner work on my own, months before I started official Team training. I wasn't learning to run with 20 other people trotting breezily beside me and a coach I didn't want to let down. It was just me and htd slogging our way through those grueling months and miles. Less pressure. Less upper body strength required. Less sticking my head in some water and not being able to breathe whenever I want/need to.
Maybe it just boils down to the fact that I hate not being at least passably good at stuff. I am literally the slowest swimmer on my team. I am in the slow lane. And I am the slowest person in the slow lane. I feel like a slacker when I can't do all the laps we're supposed to do because I'm clutching the side of the pool sucking wind.
It's got to get better, right? I have an email in to the coach asking what I can do to improve. I have a feeling the answer is going to be "swim more." Which means adding another workout to an already packed schedule. But if that's what it takes, dammit, I will haul my ass off to the pool and swim all the superman drills and side drills and side drills with a stroke and belly button drills and head position drills and freestyle 100s that it takes to keep up with the curve.
The goal: to not only finish the 1500m swim on May 30th under the time limit, but to not. be. last.
*EDIT 11:25pm*
Kristen,
Don't worry you are doing fine. I'll pay more attention to you on Thursday but you are on track. There are some who are doing "worse" than you. Do not worry at all. Of all my TNT teams, this one has the most proficient swimmers. You just happen to be in a group where everyone does pretty well! Most seasons, I have some athletes that can't swim at all.
If you want to work on your own, do 20-30 minutes of 25 of drills with 25 of swimming. But even if you just swim with TNT there is no doubt in my mind you will be ready for the race.
So don't be frustrated and have fun :)
Coach Jim
Note to self: calm down.
6 comments:
The very fact that you are even attempting this floors me. You rock! Don't doubt yourself. You can sooooo do this.
I agree with Jo! Keep at it and remember that you are going to get better.
Besides, if it was easy, it wouldn't be worth as much. You'll feel like you accomplished so much more when you've conquered the 1500m swim. You are going to do it!!
Yay! I know I can tell you "I believe in you" all that I want, but I'm sure it doesn't mean as much as coming from your coach. So I'm happy you got some input. And as I said, I will go swim with you one of these days and you will feel SOOOOO much better about it. ;) Love you.
You'll do so awesome!!! I wish i could be there with you swimming! I swam laps again for the first time a few weeks ago. It's always harder than you think it is, but if I could do it, then you can!!! Heck I can't even make myself run 2 miles. You're awesome!!! Keep it up!
Thanks, everybody! I'll just keep plugging away. I'm sure you'll get to hear all about how it's going. Stay tuned... :)
I already told you on the phone.
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