Open Water Swim Clinic

Yesterday, I had my first open water swim clinic in the Chesapeake Bay. I was nervous but much more excited. I wanted to see how I would do, and if my training was progressing.

First of all, the water was cold. I've never before been in that water temperature before, but thanks to my wetsuit it provided some insulation.
Swimming wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. The current didn't pull as much as I thought, but it still was hard, and it really wore you out. I got dizzy on one drill, and had to turn over on my back for awhile, but apparently I need earplugs as the cold water was going into my inner ear and messing up my balance.

I learnt that I needed to build my endurance some more, learn to breathe on my left side, and just fine-tune my technique also. I'll work on these things before my next open water swim on June 5th.

I was able to gain the experience I wanted, and that made the clinic a success for me.
After the clinic we did a 20 mile bike ride. All in all, things went good.

My best week of training EVER

I had a lull in my training after going to NY getting a little ill. I tried to work out, even when I returned by I constantly fell weak and dizzy. So I eased my way back in my workout and this is how things unfolded.
My training week started last week Sunday with an 18 mile bike with Rebecca and her friend Shani. The ride was through Virginia with some really nice hills, turns and scenery. I tried to keep a 12mph pace and for the most part, that was successful.

Monday, I went to the gym to do some running. Was having a headache so decided to skip the track. Though it was the treadmill, I did a great run for 30mins. I added some strength and core training and had a fabulous time.

Tuesday, I had my swim coaching. My coach had me working more on my technique and I realized I was not pushing behind to get maximum use of my reach.

Wednesday, OFF day.

Thursday, it was back to the pool to practice my drills. I ventured into deeper waters to get accustomed to that. I practiced my technique : breathing, kicking and my pull. I wasn't counting laps, as I just wanted to improve my technique with each length I swam.

Friday- It was back to the bike. This time I racked up 28 miles. I went on the Crescent Trail with my friend Shurouq. It was a nice warm day, and it took me two bottles of gaterade to stay hydrated. (Note to self - I need sunshades, as pollen and blossoms were raging war). On the way to Bethesda, I kept a 10-12mph pace on a slight incline. On the way back my pace was around 15-18mph. Wow, I loved it!

Today, Saturday I have a basic technique swim clinic with an excellent swim coach. I'm hoping to gain a few more skills and improve on my swimming. Class is from 12-2 (just realized after going to Tri Unify's site to verify time for blog.

Tomorrow, Sunday, I bike with Gregg through Rock Creek Park from 10am.

Monday - Run

Tuesday - swim

Wednesday - OFF

Summary of past few days and the week to come

Saturday: Biked total of 26 miles.

Sunday: REST

Monday (today) : swim 8 sets of 2 laps (4lengths each) with about one minute rest in between.
Today's swim showed even more progression, thanks to Adrian, one of the lifeguards who gave me this drill to do. When he told me to do 2 laps, almost non-stop, I was wondering if I would be able to make it. However, I figured I would just go for it and see how it went. I used a pull buoy, placed between my leg, and simply used arm movements and rotated my body.
I'm getting it, and I'm so excited.


The rest of the week

Tuesday: Swim coaching - 45mins
Wednesday: Run - 3 miles (maintain 12min mile or less)
Thursday: Swim - 1 hour
Friday: Run - 3 miles (maintain 12min mile or less
Saturday: Bike - 1 hour
Sunday: Bike - 1 hour

Monday: REST