The pool at the Y was completely empty when I got there today. I swam 200m breast stroke for warmup and then 10mins freestyle without stopping. This translated to 450m. I find that swimming and running are similar for me, insofar as I feel panicky/unable to imagine continuing for the duration of the workout for the first several minutes of a workout. With running, I have identified this months ago, and so I know that if I just keep going I will run past that feeling. Today, with the straight swim, I realized that I was feeling the same way about swimming. I felt there was no way I would make it for ten minutes, I felt my breathing was laborious and not supplying my body with enough oxygen, I felt like it was taking me a long time to do a lap. Then, suddenly (around 250m) I was fine. Better than fine, even. I felt smooth, my oxygen intake was sufficient, my lungs weren't tight, I was no longer panicky, but instead was comfortably swimming and adjusting the little things about my body that I could track: arm movement, form, head position, etc.
After those 10 minutes, I swam 5x100 with the first 25m spent in a drill. I chose pull, slow arm recovery, 3c, finger drag and kickboard (which I realized I am doing incorrectly...) The first 25m really informed the next 75 in each set. I felt much more tuned in to what I was doing, plus the sets were over in no time, compared to the 10minute solid swim before. I rested for 30-45s between each set. Cooled down with 100m alternating breast/back stroke ever 25. Total time in the pool: 38mins. Total distance: 1250m.
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