Day 2

"I can do this," rang through my mind as I coolly smiled, just having completed a meager 75 meters, quickly doing the math that 3 laps out of my goal of 160 is exactly a laughably small percent.  But, I could feel it.  And, I knew at that instant that meeting the goal that presently seemed incredible would be as simple as training to ride a century on a bike.  It's not an easy task, but simply continuing to slug away, as often as reasonable, with the proper nutrition, and with little regard to speed but every regard to form, I can do it.

I swam 30 laps today exactly; I counted this time with the initial goal being 24 in the time I had (about 40 minutes).  My goggles were readjusted and fit so well I nary paid them any attention.  With the freshness of a few days out of the pool, I felt like I was gliding down the lane compared to what felt like sluggish splashing last time.  I caught up to the next swimmer many times.  I felt immensely more comfortable, and the troubles I had with coordinating my kicks did away with themselves and gave way to slightly more bent knees and a lot more propulsion.  I settled on breathing every third stroke to keep my form symmetrical, and that in turn helped me to improve my left arm's stroke pattern.  Point, reach out, scoop, push parallel to the body.  Keep your head down.  Turn the torso just enough to get your head out of the water.  Relax.  There's so much more to be discovered in this art, and I'm very eager to learn with the patience required to master it.  After day 2, it's far too early to declare success, but it's not too early to declare massive improvement in my first two swimming goals, comfort and efficiency.  With comfort comes control, with control comes better form, with better form comes efficiency, and in time, speed.

Out of the pool, I spent nearly two hours cycling today.  I also picked up a handheld blender (about $135), which quickly went to work concocting a vegetable and fruit smoothie.  For hours after, including my laps in the blue, I've felt a sustained energy I would only expect to feel from downing several energy drinks.  This trend must continue, and to support that, I hit up the grocery on my way to the pool and grabbed some carrots, spinach, and another avocado.  Breakfast will be interesting.

There are other benefits to swimming other than getting me closer to that distant goal of mine, like upper body strength, a mysteriously and flighty maiden always just out of reach for the past three or so years since I started cycling.  Not to get ahead of myself, but I am excited to return to the world of balance between upper and lower body strength.  Baby steps, don't rush.  Be patient; it's a long road.

It's late, so after a simple search for humor, I came up short.  Instead, I have two quotes for you.

QotD:

"The prize never goes to the fastest guy; it goes to the guy who slows down the least."  -  Chris Hauth, former Olympic swimmer, current IRONMAN coach.

"I don't want to survive; I want to LIVE!"  -  Captain, WALL-E (2008)