Improvements in the Pool

Over the last few months there have been some definite improvements in my swim. However I was not really aware of the fact that they have been notable and sustained. Since getting back in the pool in November after an extended absence, I have been able to consistently break 30:00 over 1,500 metres. For the longest while I was stuck in the 32:00 range and could not seem to make any improvements. The only thing I can think of that has really changed is that I have concentrated less on stroke count and more on getting a good pull. When I took the TI course they really emphasized stroke count which is no doubt important. Flailing away at 26 strokes per length is not very efficient to say the least. However, trying to get to 16 or so is not realistic for me. Since settling in at about 18 or so, I have noted the time improvements. I also bought some paddles to help me work on improving my pull, because quite frankly it wasn't very strong. The mechanics were okay, I just wasn't catching and displacing enough water. That I think has been key. So I have knocked a few minutes off which definitely will help in the shorter races.
Speaking of races it looks like I am going to sign up for the St. Albert 10 Miler on April 11th. I feel good right now and that is a perfect distance to get back into racing. For some reason I feel a bit nervous about it, but that is good I guess.
Hope you have a great week!

What can I say?

The lack of blogging has been for no particular reason other than I really don't have much to say. I can hardly imagine that anyone is particularly interested in reading about my mundane training regime. Anyone who reads this knows that I generally fly by the seat of my pants, inventing my training program as I go, but the pattern is pretty predictable. Monday, Wednesday, Friday - swim at lunch, Tuesday, Thursday - run at lunch. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday - run in the evenings. Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday - bike in the evenings. That's the formula with very little deviation.
So what have I been up to the last month or so? Well on the training front, just see above. Progression is going well and I can gear up at anytime to do a marathon or at least a half iron man with a month's notice. Iron man will take at least two months but overall my fitness level is quite solid.
On the personal front, I have been busy at work preparing for a number of labour arbitrations and also getting our applications in for government granting for some major projects. Both very interesting and time consuming.
Last week we took a quick 5 day trip to Palm Springs. It was wonderful! The weather was perfect and it was a very relaxing couple of days. Now I am invigorated to get hard at the training and pick some races!
Have a great week!