Once upon a time, there lived a runner. That runner did 5Ks and 10Ks, 2 milers and 26.2 milers. Then she started doing triathlons. Now this runner was very pleased with her performance in the biking and the running portion of her triathlons, but found that her rank in swimming sucked. Her fairy godmother waved her magic wand and the Triathlete lived happily ever after.
Oh, were it so!
Now for the true story. The above is all true - up 'til the wand part. I have been working on my swimming for the last 3 years. And - sacrilege - sometimes I love it almost as much as running. It offers a unique set of triathlete temptations.
#1. If done right, provides a runner's high. I never thought I could get that from any other sport, but now I do. Intervals are the key. My recent discovery of 8x100 on 1:45 (or 1:40 if I'm with my ballsy partner) have put me into a whole new realm. I'm addicted. It is a high. I have the same feeling as I do with running intervals. Nervous dread/excited anticipation before I go, chest-pain effort during, and blood-pumping, gelatinous body exhilaration when we're done.
#2 Braininess of it all - technique is so important and you have. to. think. Some sort of crafstman in me likes it that form matters in swimming. Much more than in biking or running. I like concentrating on the different aspects of my stroke and perfecting them.
#3 It's the one of the 3 elements that I consistently do socially - it gives a whole new aspect to this individual sport that I pursue. I've hit it off with a group of people who love what I love and we've clicked pace-wise. Our coach is a successful, inspirational triathlete. Never hurts.
So right now Swimming is my Prince Charming. I'm looking for a fairy tale finish next season.
4 comments:
Gasp, can I really be reading such heresy? I could counter all three of your claims, but that would just ruin your fairy tale.
A runner loving swimming, there must be something in the water, pass that fairy wand along to the rest of us ex-coach potatos. The pieces are coming together, great job.
I would love swimming if I didn't suck at it so bad...I'm glad you're loving it, though!!!
TT,
>The above is all true - up 'til
>the wand part. I have been working
>on my swimming for the last 3
>years.
ACK! Three YEARS? Man, knowing the natural athlete you are that means it will take me....lessee, times 2 carry the three, 52 more years! It's almost depressing. Almost. :-)
>#2 Braininess of it all -
>technique is so important and you
>have. to. think.
UGH? Me caveman, no think, make fire! Break sticks! UGH!
Seriously, I like that part too. ANd when my knees can no longer take the pounding of running, look what I have to look forward to!
M-
(are you saying UNCLE! Yet? :-))
Work calls. You've been spared.
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