Slower
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Swam another timed 1500m OW race last night, had 32:09 to beat and got round in ... drum roll .... 33:40
I really felt quite tired after a long week so new I was going to struggle and the sun was also right in the line of sight and so against my misty goggles it was a white out, this served to put me off at the start a bit and my first circuit i think was pretty slow, but out of 88 racers, 79 people did better so no excuses.
Taking some positives away, I found that i was much more comfortable in the water after the first 325m .. normally take me about 750m to settle down. Also the 2nd 750m circuit I'm sure was a PB because i really started to push myself a bit and even had time to think about good technique, body rotation and i started looking for optimal line and people to draft as opposed to just trying to find where I'd left the race and joined a set of roaming ducks.
ah well, next time the 30min dream will be smashed, as it happens that's just next week at the London tri ...
I really felt quite tired after a long week so new I was going to struggle and the sun was also right in the line of sight and so against my misty goggles it was a white out, this served to put me off at the start a bit and my first circuit i think was pretty slow, but out of 88 racers, 79 people did better so no excuses.
Taking some positives away, I found that i was much more comfortable in the water after the first 325m .. normally take me about 750m to settle down. Also the 2nd 750m circuit I'm sure was a PB because i really started to push myself a bit and even had time to think about good technique, body rotation and i started looking for optimal line and people to draft as opposed to just trying to find where I'd left the race and joined a set of roaming ducks.
ah well, next time the 30min dream will be smashed, as it happens that's just next week at the London tri ...
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Comments
Good luck for London!
The fact that you settled so much quicker is really a very good achievement.
you said you've been feeling tired all week, given that you might have been carrying some fatigue 1:30 outside your target is pretty good. where better to smash 30mins than the london od?
Did you really go for it?
If so did your stroke suffer?
Was it windy?
Choppy?
Been at work during the day?
Big night the night before?
Can you confirm exactly that the course was the same length to the mm?
Too many variables...
Move on.
G
I'm sneaking down there on Sunday morning again to have another quick bash, this time I've decided to just stick to the 400m circuit and do some above race pace single circuits to really push myself a bit more in the that initial zone. I'm wary not to start too fast (talking my speed here) as that's usually the advice but I also know that I'm fine in the pool so think it's just needs a bit of confidence boosting that I can push that little bit harder at the start and won't jeopardize being able to finish the whole race.
The London race I'm doing is a charity team relay so i get to concentrate just on the swim and trying to get my team off to a reasonable start .. 2 weeks after that is my first OD.
For my end of week training reward i have just been to selfridges and acquired some new snazzy white loafers, and i'll be doing a mild leg workout on the dance floor of Notting Hill Arts Club tonight .. it's Brazilian Samba night
have a good w/e all.
I though't you'd put in a better time last night. Oh well, can't win em all.
My time was certainly slower last night, I knew it would be as I just wasn't into it. having said that, it seemed to me that times were generally slower last night anyway.
I'd join you on sunday morning, but I've got that long bike / run scheduled
Lets be honest going below 30 mins from 33 is a big ask and you may be setting yourself up for a fall.
3 minutes in a swim is harder than shifting 3 mins on the bike and probably even the run.
If your not already going below 30 it's probably more to do with your stroke than the fact of banging out 400's.
I was at 32 mins for a 1500 last year down to 26 now - stroke work not fast 400's.
Ewen Mac and Bopo are really good swimmers and i'm sure they'll back me up.
Check out TI or get a swim coach then worry about sub 30 next year.
G
G
I did 5 sets, they went quite well but similar to other longer sessions, i found the first one challenging in getting a good rhythm, the second one a bit better and then better from there.
on the fourth i thought I'd do a double to make the whole swim 2k. This went best of all and by the second lap i was in full stroke, breathing ok and managed to race the last 200m.. i wonder how long I could sustain this pace? .. one for next session.
I'm sure you're right about the amount of time I'm trying to lose, the reason i thought i could do it was that i wasted about 30 secs by swimming the wrong way in the 1st race, however maybe it didn't make as much difference as i thought.
I am looking forward to Saturday .. just need to get through that first 300-400m as best i can before i settle into a better stroke, given the 400 odd starters that may be more difficult, but I feel more determined and confident. watch this space .. probably come in in about 35mins
The next step for me will definitely be joining some form of club or doing a swim analysis .. i don't think my pull phase is very strong.
i have also just brought some new Zoggs goggles and aquasphere screen wash .. look out 29 minuters, for i can now see you..
Good luck London racers ..