On Sunday's I typically coach the ONE Masters team from 7AM-8AM, but when I received a text from Frank last night, that changed. We've had several discussions about how we are going to attack the three big national championship swim meets this year and when I received his text asking, "You ready to complete a times set tomorrow morning?" we both knew that today was going to be day one of the process.
While part of me was thinking that we were going to simply do some timed 50s, deep down I just knew that there had to be more to it than that. Still, I was HOPING that all he wanted was to get a base for those 50s, so when it came time for another glass of wine, I happily poured it. In fact, when Kristi told me that we were going to order take out from one of our favorite Mexican food places (El Encanto), I quickly offered to go get it. You see, even though the food wasn't going to be ready for another 30min, they have the absolute BEST margaritas in the city and by getting there early, I could enjoy one while I waited. So, as you can see, I really wasn't taking the swim test to seriously (I even stayed up late and fell asleep on the couch). If you combine last nights pre-test menu, little sleep, and the fact that I've been dealing with a chest cold for about 9 days now, you get a recipe for sub-optimal results. Oh, and throw in the variable of having to wear drag suits. I've been looking for my good swimsuit for about a week and a half now, and can't seem to find it. The only other ones I do have are my stretched out, baggy, drag suits. Brutal.
This morning was crisp (low 40s), but the pool water was a beautiful 80ish degrees. I got in a bit early and ended up with 500 yards before Frank started practice. We did 6x100 on 2:00 and then 6x50 on 1:00. After that, he confirmed what I had known all along (but was hoping I was wrong). We were going to do that 200/800 timed test that I did back on July 30th. For a recap of what I did and the results, click here July 2012 Swim Test. So, while everybody else got after an EASY 200, I was going to knock out one at full race pace. Frank got out his iPad and started to count down. 3-2-1, and I pushed off the wall. My first 50 felt pretty good (Frank said I took it out in around 26 seconds). Immediately after making the turn to start my second 50, I knew I was in trouble. Due to my lingering chest cold, I couldn't quite get enough oxygen into my lungs to make a proper flip turn. I couldn't stay streamlined off the wall long enough and immediately started to surface for some much needed air. Frank said my second 50 clocked in an astounding 5 seconds slower at 31. The remaining turns and my 3rd 50 were miserable. I was fighting for air, I was losing form, and had lost control. As a result, I shut it down, grabbed the wall, and promptly started hacking up a lung. Wow, who knew that a simple 200 yard sprint could cause so many problems. Ultimately, Frank said that we were going to skip the 800, but wanted me to complete a 200 at about 70% effort. I completed his request in an absolutely embarrassing, and dismal 2:24. Wow, wow, wow!
So, there you have it, day one of nationals training ended up in a failed swim test and a 2:24 200 free. I guess you could say that day one went over like a lead balloon.
For some reason, the last few times that I've wanted to get out and get some exercise, I've reached for my running shoes instead of my cycling shoes. Last Tuesday, I did a 10K with the family dog while averaging a 9:13 pace and this afternoon I did 5.44 miles in 48:06 (8:50 pace). The knee area seems to be holding up very well during these shorter runs which is great considering I would like to do some sprints and Olympic distance tris this year.
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