Light week before the January Jam

Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays everyone.

After a restful day off, celebrating with family and friends, I am back on schedule.

This week will be light in yardage,
enjoyed a few IM's and drill work today.

Wednesday-Friday
Days home w/ abdominal work
Ready for Sunday

Tuesday, 12-27-11
1000 (25 Modified CU/ 25 free, 25 MCU/ 50 free, 25 MCU/ 75 free...)
easy week
 
Monday, 12-26-11

Fulcrum: 200 (Modified Catch-up)
Swim 100 free
Buoy 200 (alternate breathing pattern per 50)
Swim 100 IM ( tight Right shoulder)
Reversed Paddle 200 (25 catch-up/ 50 free)
Swim 100 IM
Red Paddle: 200 (2 Modified Catch up/ 50 free)
Swim 100 IM
Paddle (Hans): 200
Swim 100 IM
Tube 200
Swim 100 IM
Big Paddle 200

2000 yards
Dream, Prepare, Succeed

12th Day of Christmas

On the 12th day of Christmas... I look forward to a day off.

Drill: 12 x 25 (3 sec. rest) Modified Catch-up
6 x 700 (10:30)
Drill: 12 x 25
6 x 700
12 x 25 Drill

9500 yards/ 81000 Christmas yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

11th Day of Christmas

On the 11th Day of Christmas.... I wish I had brought my grease. Some chaffing from 11 days straight, much managed through.

<11...750>

Drill 250
Swim: 6 x 750 (11:15)
Drill 250
Swim: 5 x 750 (11:00)
Drill 250

9000 yards/ 71500 Christmas yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

10th Day of Christmas

On the 10th day of Christmas...
<10...800>
2 x 800 (12:00)
Drill 4 x 50 (:50)
2 x 800
Drill: 3 x 50
2 x 800
Drill: 2 x 50
2 x 800
Drill 1 x 50
2 x 800

8500 yards/ 62500 Christmas yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

9th Day of Christmas

On the 9th day of Christmas.... I seem to be getting into shape.

<9...850>

3 x 850 (12:30)
Drill: 200 (Modified Catch) (3:15)
3 x 850 (12:35)
Drill: 150  (2:45) with chat group
3 x 850 (12:40)

8000 yards/ 54K Christmas yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed 

8th Day of Christmas

On the 8th day of Christmas... a good night sleep I had, and a much happier swim.
<8... 900>

2 x 900 (13:15)
Drill: 150 (2:30) modified Catch-up (my fav)
4 x 900 (13:20)
Drill: 150
2 x 900 (13;30)

7500 yards/ 46K C. yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

7th Day of Christmas

On the 7th day of Christmas...
it was a bit different than yesterday, muscles were a bit more tight and tired, could have been the poor sleep I had, (but easy math).
<7...1000>
7 x 1000 (15:00)
7000 yards/ 38,500 C. yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

6th Day of Christmas

On the 6th day of Christmas..... I really felt great.
<6...1050>
2 x 1050 (15:00)
Drill: 100 (1:45) Modified Catch-up
2 x 1050
Drill: 100
2 x 1050

6500 yards/ 31,500 C. yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

5th Day of Christmas

On the 6th Day of Christmas... some simple math.
<5...1200>
5 x 1200 (17:30)
6000 yards or 3 Nautical miles/ 25K C. yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

4th Day of Christmas

On the 4th Day of Christmas.... (TGIF)
<4...1300>
Swim: 1300 (19:30)
Drill: 100 (2:00) (my favorite, Modified Catch up)
Swim :1300
Drill: 100
Swim: 1300
Drill: 100
Swim: 1300

5500 yards (19K C. Yards)

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

3rd Day of Christmas

On the 3rd Day of Christmas.... I actually slept through it....

But I made it up. Focus is on <3....1600>
50 Drill (I prefer Modified catch-up drill....and start on the next 60 or 30.)
1600 (24:00)
50 Drill
1600
50 Drill
1600
50 Drill
5000/ 13,500 C. yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

1st day of Christmas and FlyBirthday

On the 1st day of Christmas.... I swam some Fly today.

1 x 4000 (continuous)
(4000 Christmas yards)

It also happened to be my dear FlyBoy friend from Seattle, Washington 59th birthday. So, for Scott Lautman's birthday I mixed into the 4000, 59 lengths (25's) of the pool, Butterfly. Scott is an exceptional swimmer (even at his age), always fun to watch his smooth, effortless fly.

I had a blast, maybe I'll keep sneaking some fly in for ha, ha's.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed

2nd Day of Christmas

On the 2nd Day of Christmas... a boring swim for me.
<2...2250>
2 x 2250 (33:45)
4500 yards/ 8500 (total C. yards)

Mix it up if you like.
I had to get out and off to an early start at the Communuty Health Center.
As we go on, the the yardage will increase, just hoping the health with sustain without any cold viruses, you know, it's that time year also.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Birthday Week

Today is a very special Birthday swim day,
3 very special people in my life are celebrating.
Young Thomas Collins (nephew) turns 20 (20 x 100)
Swim Buddy Jim Bayles is 60 today (60 x 50)
and I think my Hostess/mum-away from home Audrey Hamblin is lucky # 77. (7 x 700)

Today's workout geared around them.

1 x 700 (Fulcrum: Modified Catch-up Drill)

30 x 50 (:45 swim)

2 x 700 (#1=Buoy, #2:RevPad)

10 x 100 (1:30 swim)

1 x 700 (BigPaddle)

10 x 100

2 x 700 (#1: Paddle, #2: Tube)

30 x 50 (4 on :45, 3 on :50)

1 x 700 (Red Paddle)

Easy 100 Backstroke for Jim

10,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Consistency is the key

I've realized through my years of long distance (OW) swimming, that my body and mind have responded best during steady, consistent training. Now, this week happens to be lighter in yardage than last week, but it is a recovery week and now I look at the clock to judge some speed (not much but some). I have found my upper torso 'achiness' has healed from the 12th EChannel crossing and I have no more aches and pains, other than the normal stretching in the 1st 2000 yards of the workout; I do have those days that my body askes "Why are you doing this to me?"

So, this week was 6 practices of 5,000 yards, quickly they added up to a GOOD, healthy 30K for the week. Here they are: remember these are my intervals, is you need add or subtract some time to make your workout more comfortable or challenging, just DO IT!.

Monday, Nov28
Swim: 26 x 50 (4 on :45/ 3 on :50)
   Buoy: 500
Swim: 28 x 50
   Buoy: 500
Swim: 26 x 50
5000 = 2.5 Nautical miles

Tuesday, Nov29
Swim: 5 x 100
             1 x 50
                4 x 100
                   2 x 50
                      3 x 100
                         3 x 50
                            2 x 100
                               4 x 50
                                  1 x 100
Tube: 1000

Swim:                         1 x 100
                               4 x 50
                            2 x 100
                         3 x 50
                      3 x 100
                   2 x 50
                4 x 100
             1 x 50
          5 x 100
5000/ 10K

Wednesday, Nov30
RevPad: 250 (every 5th length= catch-up drill)

Swim***: 4 x 150
                   3 x 100
                      4 x 50
                   3 x 100
                4 x 150
RevPad: 500

Swim: ***

RevPad: 250
5000/ 15K

Thursday, Dec1
Swim: 5 x 200
             4 x 150
                3 x 100
                   2 x 50
Pad: 1000
Swim:          2 x 50
                3 x 100
             4 x 150
          5 x 200
5,000/ 20K

Friday, Dec2
Swim: 50/ 100/ 150/ 200/ 250

BigPad: 4 x 150 (modified catchup drill every 3rd length)

Swim:       100/ 150/ 200/ 2 x 250

BigPad: 3 x 100

Swim:               150/ 200/ 3 x 250

BigPad: 2 x 50

Swim:                       200/ 4 x 250
5,000/ 25K

Saturday, December3

Easy to remember
5 x 1000 (14:30, 14:25, 14:20, 14:15...)
5000/ 30K




A very good week.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed

Birthday Challenge Week

Today my sister, Beth and I, are turning 48. I always try to do a challenge set on the day but because today is Thanksgiving, the pool is closed today.

So, this week I am getting back into shape with 48,000 (I hope), by Saturday.
There is a pattern I have been following, each day there are 4...800's and the sets between add to 48. I'm using my Red Paddles because red is my favorite color.  When ever I'm using the paddles, I do some modified catch-up drill, usually a 50 to every 200.

The build up was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I thought about good mechanics in the water and te days just flew by. As always, find an interval that gives 5-8 seconds (comforatable seconds) for the #16 sets. I was getting 15 seconds for my 800's. Have FUN!
















Saturday, November 26

Red Paddle: 800 ( 50 Modified Catch-up/150 free) (13:00)

Swim: 50/ 100/ 150/ 4 x 200/ 150/ 100/ 50 (:45 interval)

Red Pad: 800

Swim: 50/ 100/ 150/ 3 x 200/ 150/ 100/50

Red Pad: 800

Swim: 50/ 100/ 150/ 2 x 200/ 150/ 100/ 50

Red Pad: 800

6,800 yards/ 48,000 yards

Friday, November 25
800 (11:45)

16 x 200 (2:55/ 3:00) 1-4: Red Paddles

800

16 x 200 (1 on 2:55/ 2 on 3:00) 1-8: Red Paddles

800

16 x 200 (1 on 2:55/ 3 on 3:00) 1-12: Red Paddles

800

12,800 / 41,200 yards

Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving Day)
Walked the Manchester Road Race (5 miles) with my youngest sister, Teresa, before a wonderful Thanksgiving feast and birthday celebration.
I am blessed to have my family and friends.

Wednesday, November 23

Swim: 800 (12:00

16 x 150 (2:15) 1-7:Red Paddles/ 8-16:Swim

Swim:800

16 x 150 (same  as above)

800

16 x 150 (same)

Swim: 800

10,400 yards / 28,400 yards

Tuesday, November 22

Swim: 800 (12:00)

16 x 100 (1:30) 1-12: Red Pad/ 13-16: swim

Swim: 800

16 x 100 1-8: Red Pad/ 9-16: swim

Swim: 800

16 x 100 1-4: Red Pad: 5-16: swim

Swim: 800

8,000 yards / 18,000 yards

Monday, November 21

Swim: 800

16 x 50 (:45) Red Pad

Swim 800

16 x 50 (same as above)

Swim: 800

16 x 50 Red Pad

Swim: 800

5,600 yards/ 10,000 yards

Sunday, November 20

Swim: 800 (12:00)

16 x 25 Red Pad (:03 rest)

Swim: 800

16 x 25 RedPad

Swim: 800

16 x 25 RedPad

Swim: 800

4,400 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Video: 12 and 11

#12... finished in a cold way

The past 48 hours has been a whirlwind to say the least.

Never have I arrived and with in 24 hours gotten the call to go, but that is exactly what happened yesterday....

more to come after a good night's sleep.

We are going TODAY!!!!!

Just got the call,
the channel is perfect, we are going in 3 hours or so.
I'm being escorted by Lance Oram (Mike's son and good friend), he will get us across safely.

... and the disco will be PLAYING, yippee!!!!!!!!!!

Talk to you later

Here are 2 sites to track my swim tomorrow, we we be starting between 6:30-7am GMT (that's 1:30-2 am EST).

http://www.ais-doverstraits.co.uk/   click on Satelite Tracker 2- Sea Satin

this tracks the swimmer directly

http://www.shipais.com/currentmap.php?map=folkestone
when you get to the site, click : Thames / Dover,  then click on: Folkestone

This will show the shipping traffic of the channel, look closely and you can find Sea Satin (small vessel)     Have fun.

Remember:
Dream, Prepare, Succeed

We leave today

Sorry to have been away for some time, but the departure day for Stage 3 of the summer adventure is here.

All the loose ends at the office, work for the Manchester Sports Hall of Fame, breakfast with Mom, Katrine and little 'Cella', Chiropractor apppointment, final patient call and banking are finished.

We're looking forward to checking the luggage and letting the vacation begin. 

Janet and I will be taking off from Logan Airport tonight, arriving bright and early Saturday, Oct.1 and heading down to Dover.

Talk to you later and....

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Swim Across the Sound

Sorry for the delay, Life has been so busy at the office, fitting our passion for open water swimming into the few free hours on the weekends.

Peggy Gaskill and I had a fantastic, challenging swim last weekend.
Just under 8 hours, just getting touched out for 2nd place in the 2-person relay division ...

not bad for a couple of girls, and our ages add up to 100.

The most important goal we accomplished was raising over $5,000 for the St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation.

If you're interesting in joining us to help patients and families dealing with the trials of battling cancer,
visit our page on the St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation's website at:

https://give.stvincents.org/netcommunity/CuttingWaterX2
 
While you are visiting my page, check out some photos and you can view the fine work the Foundation does for the community.

...or if you prefer to mail your donation in the post to:
 
Please make checks payable to: Swim Across the Sound and write our team name in the memo area on your check: CuttingWater X 2

Send to: St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport CT 06606


.

One week until Swim Across the Sound

1 week until SAS2011, remembering 2010 and looking forward to nest Saturday, August 6. Swimming against cancer, CuttingWaterX2, Peggy F Gaskill and me. Donations are welcome at
http://give.stvincents.org​/netcommunity/CuttingWater​X2
THANK YOU and more to come.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed

DryLand video

Apologies for the audio portion, but I was asked to show a workout that I do when I'm not in the water.

This routine can be repeated as many times as you like, I usually go through it a few times for an hour workout, usually when I'm snowbound and can't get to the pool.

Do the exercises slowly, keep your shoulders engaged (shoulder blades, down and pinched in).
Use a weight that is challenging but you're not a struggle or painful.

Enjoy :)

This routine got me through the 10 weeks I was out with my leg injury, strong come back.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Final day in Dover

I had a wonderful final day in Dover. We had glorious sunshine, and after educating a couple of gents at breakfast about swimming across the channel and that the feat is still challenged, I ventured out the door for the cliffs.

The skies were so clear, you could see the outline of buildings in Calais, the the cliffs of France and looking westward along England's coast, I could see Dungeness, some 35 miles away.

I could have stayed there all day, the flowers, the birds, wrens serenading me, and the wild ponies, adorable.

I wanted to be back for noon, so I heading back to my home away from home.

I ran some final errands, took a final dip in the harbor and had a wonderful supper with Bill and Audrey Hamblin., while watching 1/4 finals at Wimbledon.

My computer went on strike, very frustrating.

Off to London tomorrow.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed

Channel 11 is in the books

Channel 11 is in the books: June 26, 2011.

I came to Dover, alone, hoping to be the 2011 season’s 1st solo crossing. Scheduling the crossing was the easy part, no one else wanted to swim a solo in June. I arrived on the June 17th and wait began, but I know now, the 7 days of training in the Dover harbor under overcast skies helped me get through my swim on Sunday, June 26, 2011. I came into this swim, very fit, feeling good but I actually was worried about my 15 pound weight loss and I won’t lie, I did miss that insulation.

The day started with Dover being FOGGED in. Mike Oram, my pilot settled into the waiting game, but because we were on the lowest of the neap tides, leaving later may affect my time, but we still should have a respectable swim. The first thing Mike noticed was my weight loss, he likes his swimmers fit with something to squeeze. While Mike and his crew James Willi and Derek Carter tinkered with the boat, I instructed David Chisholm, who has volunteered to help me with my feeds. Observer, Kevin Murphy watched over us and has voiced he will assist. In between chats, I would take a bath room break. I miss Janet, my life partner, she knows exactly how to feed me but I’m glad she won’t see the pain in my eyes I expect to have.
 

Finally around 8:15 am, an hour and 15 minutes past my original start time, it was safe to leave the harbor and go to Shakespeare Beach. Anastasia’s pilot, Eddie Spelling, had left a half hour earlier and his relay team was already in the water. As we turned right out of the sheltered waters of the harbor, the channel proper was quite bumpy but nothing out of the norm; I just had to get my head around it.

The fog prevented us to see the shore line, until we were only 20 yards away. Time to grease up, Kevin nicely applied the Vaseline over the areas where my straps and cap may cut my skin. I wish I could just have fun jumping off the boat, the kid in me wants to, but I know the shock of the water waits, I wish someone would just push me in. Well I finally did get into the water, cleared my goggles with spit and sea water while swimming to shore. I slipped a rock from the beach into my suit, put my nose clip on, looked to skies with a quick safety prayer, and off I went. The second my foot hit the water, Mike sounded the sirens on the Gallivant and I started #11. Will the training come through? Will I make it?, Get going Girl.

I've never swam in fog before, it was tough, I had no problems seeing the boat, it was just extra boring. I couldn't see anything in the distance. I prayed for a hot, sunny sky, and got my wish but not until we were over the 1/2 way mark.

I separate most of my swims into 1/3's, the 1st 1/3 of course, is interesting, and you’re excited just to be in the water. I had lumpy seas but I knew the tide and the wave action was coming from behind, pushing me toward France, so I tried to feel the surf action and let it flow. Still we had no sun warming my back side; I tried not to show how uncomfortable I was. I had drawn on all of my mind games to fight back that want to get out; I wasn't injured ... keep swimming; I was certainly bored ... keep swimming; you've swam doubles ... keep swimming; you know thinner swimmers that have swam longer time ... keep swimming; you're cold but not hypothermic ... keep swimming girl.

As the tide turned to slack, the water flattened and I really started to move, I was much more comfortable, started to hate my feeds (normal for me), but knowing I had to take in the fluid and energize the muscles, I just hate the bloating feeling that comes with it all. I'll manage through, not bitch about it and do my best.  At 4 1/2 hours, Mike tells me we're over 1/2 way, I’m excited but also know I have a time to go and this is the toughest 1/2. David makes me a feed with cocoa, a nice change, but by now, my taste buds are swollen from the salt water, and I have no distinctive taste; it's all in the mind.

 
At 5 hours we are really moving, I could have a personal best, but I'm fighting with that notion. I know this can be the time of the day when the wind picks up, blowing against the tide and mixing up the water, which is exactly what happened. By now, 2/3’s are over and I'm feeling a sense of confidence that I will finish this one, as long as I keep putting one arm in front of the other. Mike asked if I am tired, of course I am, but I'm fine, I cringe when he speaks of the feed with an extra boost of Maxim, I hate this stuff and by now I just want to vomit, but I hold it down. Mike knows I'm cold, sees the ice in my eyes, and starts his magic to get swimmers across, at least his words work for me. 

Eventually the skies cleared 5 miles from shore and we could see the cliffs of France, my spirits lifted to finally see something other than The Gallivant (no offence team). The wind started to pick up a bit, blowing against the tide to create a few white caps. Mike instructs me the water on the starboard side is flatter, so I swim behind the boat to the other side to finish the swim. I don’t mind being on the starboard side, but I am more comfortable close to my pilot, communicating through the lens. 

I took each boring 1/2 hour, one at a time, and after 19 feeds we were only 3,000 yards away shore, no need for a last feed, I’m not taking much in anyway, so keep her swimming is Mike’s plan, I’m up for that. That was the longest 3k I can remember, I know I’m clicking off a 1000 yards every 20 minutes. I can see the Light House at Cape Gris Nez, off in the distance; I will be landing just southwest of the point, very close to my first landing, almost 17 years ago. With every breath I can see the cliffs getting larger. Mike slows the Gallivant and I know am I very close, I lift my head, “hey, we’re here”, there are only sharp, large boulders in front me, high tide has not given me a very friendly landing surface. I slowly and carefully found my way through the first layer of rocks and touch a large barnacle and seaweed covered boulder, lift my left hand and the siren sounds from boat, 
Finished… #11, in 10 hours, 34 minutes, 34 seconds.

I swim back to the Gallivant, thinking ‘how, could I have turned around and swam back to England?’ Today I am ecstatic to take a boat ride home.

Thank you to my pilot and crew for a safe and successful journey.
Cast:      Mike Oram: Pilot, Navigator and friendly mentor
               Derek Carter and James Willi: Gallivant crew
               Kevin Murphy: CS&PF Observer & Hon. Secretary
               David Chisholm: swimmer’s crew/ feeder, photographer etc.

We go tomorrow, 7am in the water

The weather gods are getting tired of all complaining and are going to open the skies for some heat tomorrow, at least that is what the forecast is.

I had a relaxing 30 minute swim in the overcast this morning, but as the day led on, the skies brightened and the air actually had a tinge of heat in it.

I had my sirloin at 3 pm and my pasta with pesto sauce, THANK YOU Jane Murphy, delicious.

The Harbor crew will be training tomorrow, Graeme Lowe, friend and Jersey UK resident, will be swimming from Jersey to France, while I attempt my 1st crossing this season. There will be all Americans in the water tomorrow, a relay team from San Fransisco and a friend, Jen, from Massachusetts will making her solo after a long year waiting, her tide was blown out last summer.

I'm off to rest and will catch you with you on Monday, maybe tomorrow night is able.

Here are 2 sites to track my swim tomorrow, we we be starting between 6:30-7am GMT (that's 1:30-2 am EST).

http://www.ais-doverstraits.co.uk/    

click on Satellite Tracker 1- Gallivant
this tracks the swimmer directly

http://www.shipais.com/currentmap.php?map=folkestone
when you get to the site, 

click : Thames / Dover,   

then click on: Folkestone

This will show the shipping traffic of the channel, look closely and you can find Gallivant (small vessel)     Have fun.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

99% sure for Sunday

Today was my final hour swim, it was a beautiful sunny morning but the wind was up again, I was very happy not to be out in the channel proper.

I love the days when you can see France, so very cool, and we're going to swim there.

If you'd like to track my swim, go over to links and click on Spot Tracker: click on Gallivant. You will brought to the website and click on Gallivant, track where were are.

Until tomorrow.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Getting closer

I called my pilot this morning, Mike Oram, to find out what I should be doing for dinner in the next 72 hours, I have to make sure I get pre-game meal in, steak.. The forecast has pushed the better weather forward to Sunday, so that is where we looking to.
Now I can enjoy a couples more pints (only one per day) and plan my steak dinner for Friday. I am fueling these muscles everyday, and of course I don't have much else to do but rest, I have visited my favorite museums and sites but it's always more fun to bring a newcomer to see them all.

My wren friends are serenading again this evening.

I swam a relaxing hour this morning, and took a quick video from my eye (water) level, sites I see while training.

I bumped into a friend from Massachusetts, Jen , who will probably be swimming on Sunday also. She is making up a swim from last year, because the weather was so horrible, no one got a swim off during the late August tide, I wish her the best.

Until tomorrow, my final hour swim in the harbor, I hope.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Supply runs

 I've started gathering my supplies for the crossing.
I feel so relaxed, but I now realize I know how to do this.

Maxim (maltodextrose: the carbohydrate powder. Easily digested and gets into the muscles quickly) , water, honey, mouthwash (rinse out the salt water before a feed) and some baby Ibuprofen for the aches.

Another 90 minutes in the water, drill work and the water is feeling better every day.

The Water Sports Center is wonderful, hot showers right after the swim, awesome.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

My friend is singing to me

Watching Wimbedon as I type, while my little sparrow friend sings his song to me outside my window.
I can't travel too much, short day trips at the most, I will head to Canterbury one of these days.

Today, I had a leisurely breakfast at 8:30, porridge (Bill's famous oatmeal), 2 fried eggs, bacon (a meater style than our American bacon), tomatoes, mushrooms and toast, of course coffee.

I stowed my swim gear at the new Water Sport Center on the beach, much more convenient, especially because I'm training alone this week. Many more swimmers will be arriving next week, but I am the only Solo crossing schedule for this early tide.
I'm getting more comfortable with the water temperature, right now I have just use 'colder than cool' as a description, I do not want to know the true temperature until my crossing is over. My mind is reacting just fine now, especially with these cloudy days we are having.

Started collecting the supplies for my swim, and I continue to eat, even I really don't have an appetite.

Training in the harbor:

Day 1: 2 hours (choppy with rain)

Day 2: 2 hours 5 minutes (choppy with wind and clouds)

Day 3: 1.5 hours (calm and over cast)

... and a nice nap this afternoon.
Until tomorrow.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Weekend Training at Dover Harbor

Having a blast old and new friends in Dover.
A very blustery weekend by the water front.
The wait begins for some good weather...
and the training continues in the harbor.

My Favorite swim camp.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Heading out today

I can't believe today is here, seems like the year has flown by.
Travel day, or should I say, 'travel night'.

After a short 4000, relaxing swim, it was off to Manchester to make sure all my loose ends were tied.

The busy morning included, watering the plants and writing the final check for the month at the office, ordering flowers for Mom (next week is Dad's anniversary, maybe I'll be swimming, he'd be happy about that), Chiropractic appointment, straighten out the back, get to bank, and finally stop in and have a muffin with Mom, before 10am.
I finished the last minute packing and Janet and I were out the door heading to the Logan Express in Framingham, Mass. All the Bostonians are in especially good moods, after the Bruins took the Stanley Cup, CONGRATULATIONS.

Now, I am waiting for my 10:45pm flight to Heathrow. I gave up my earlier flight for a $600 voucher and now I'm flying 1st class and typing in the 'Sky Lounge', very cool.

Time to go to the gate.
Until tomorrow.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed..

Happy Birthday my friend John

So sorry I have been away, Life has just gotten in the way.
I'm still swimming and leaving for England on Thursday, June 16th.

Today is my friend and inspiration, John Lenard, 80th birthday, but you would never know it.

John still swims 3500 yards with me (everyday I show up to the pool), and he makes 100's consistently on the 1;35, or 1:40, I hope I can enjoy my workouts like that when I'm 80, if I make it to 80.

Simple work out today.

80 x 100 = 8K

I varied the intervals, throwing in a 1:25 occasioanlly.

A very good Birthday set.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

Hammonasset State Park

I feel like a kid again

... remember when you were a kid and you got fitted for a new team uniform, that's how I felt today when I was ordering a couple of new suits for my upcoming trip to ENGLAND, 22 days and counting.
...and the SUN is going to shine today, YIPPEE!

Lots of stuff happening in the past 2 weeks, my apologies for not updating my blog, I'll try to better, now that we're getting closer, I will put all the workouts up, if that's what you may be looking for.

Tuesday, May 24
to be continued...

A week of rest and chat

My body needed a rest from the water, not only the muscles but my skin needed a break from the chlorine. The dryness has healed.

A gradual increase in distance by a mile a day.

0, 2K yards, 4K, 6K, 8K, Golf Day.

I am ready for next week.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

The First 21 miles are easy…. Have you ever wondered about swimming the English Channel? I’ll tell you all about it.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to swim the English Channel? Join us on Wednesday, June 8th to find out.

7 Seven's, 7 suits

Breaking up the weeks as we get closer to the travel date. The flight is booked, June 16th.

Day 1, Monday, no drag

1000 (** 1st 25 of each 250, MCU)

20 x 50 (:45)

2 x 500 **

20 x 50

4 x 250 **

20 x 50

5 x 200 **

= 7,000 yards

Day 2, Tuesday, Drag

2 x 500 (**1st and last 25: MCU)

1000

2 x 500 **

1000

2 x 500

1000

2 x 500

= 7,000 yards / 14K

1 & 0's make 7 (very tired today)
1000 (1st 25 MCU) (15:15)
10 x 100 (1:30)
1000 (25 MCU, 1 & 10 lengths)
10 x 100
1000 (MCU, 1, 10 & 20th length)
10 x 100
1000 (MCU: 1, 10, 20 & 30th length)
= 7,000 yards / 21K

Feeling better with some drag today

1000 (MCU: 1st 25 of each 250) (15:30)

2 x 500 (7:30)

1000 (**MCU: 1st, 19, 20 and last 25)

4 x 250 (3:45)

1000  **

5 x 200 (3:00)

1000 (MCU: final 25 of each 250)

= 7,000 yards / 28 K



TGIF
5 x 150 (2:15)
3 x 500 (7:20)
5 x 150
2 x 500 (7:30: MCU 1st and final 25)
5 x 150
3 x 500 (7:15)
5 x 150
= 7,000 / 35K


Waking up the lifeguards
A very quiet day, had the pool to myself for the 1st hour.

7 x 1000 
 Odd numbers: (15:30) w/ MCU integrated
 Even numbers (15:00) full stroke
final day with drag.

= 7,000 yards / 42K

Pyramid with a belly ache

So glad today is over, I think I ate something yesterday, that didn't agree with me. I got through the workout, but the aches in my muscles and joints intensified, I couldn't wait to get home and sleep.  


7 x 50 (:45)
        7 x 100 (1:30)
                  7 x 150 (2:15)
                            14 x 200 (3:00)
                  7 x 150
         7 x 100
7 x 50
= 7,000 yards / 49K

Dream, Prepare, Succeed.

A Ladder Week

This has been a very busy week, not being able to get to log in everyday, I didn't forget, just going to put all 6 workouts in one post.
It was a fantastic week on the water, gradually adding a1K of yardage each day and rotating the type of practice,
Day 1 & 4: Toys, 2 & 5: Drag suit, 3 & 6: No Toys or Drag.

Short with Toys

Buoy: 800

Swim: 3 x 500

RevPad: 2 x 400

BigPad: 4 x 200

Pad: 8 x 100

Swim: 3 x 500

Tube: 800

= 7,000 yards

 Drag 

800 (MCU every 8th length)

20 x 50

800 (MCU every 7th length)

10 x 100 (1:30)

800 (MCU every 6th length)

10 x 100

800 (MCU every 5th length)

20 x 50

800 (MCU every 4th length)

= 8,000 yards

Good and Easy (just swimming)

10 x 150 (2:15)

1000 (14:45)

10 x 150 (2:10)

1000 (14:30)

10 x 150 (2:10)

1000 (14:15)

10 x 150 (2:15)

1000

= 9, 000 yards

Lots of Thinking (Toys)

Swim: 1500

8 x 200 (1-4: Buoy, 5-8: Tube) (3:00)

Swim: 10 x 100 (1:25 / 1:30)

6 x 200 (1-4: RevPad, 5&6: Pad)

Swim: 5 x 50 / 500 / 5 x 50

4 x 200 (BigPad)

Swim: 1000

2 x 200 (Pad)

Swim: 10 x 150 (2:15)

= 10,000 yards

The Ditch (Drag)

1000  *(1st and final 25 : MCU)                                   10 x 100

  9 x 100                                                                  900

    800 *                                                              8 x 100

      7 x 100                                                    700

         600 *                                              6 x 100

            5 x 100                                    500

               400 *                              4 x 100

                   3 x 100                   300

                      200 *               2 x 100

                          100    >    100 * ^

= 11,000 yards

Finally

1000 *( MCU 1st and last 25 of each 500)

2000 (29:00)

1000 * (15:00)

8 x 500 (7:15)

1000 *

2000 (29:00)

1000

=12,000 fastastic yards

Total this week 57,000 yards

Dream, Prepare, Succeed