Commonwealth Swimmer

The commonwealth games are a year and a bit away in 2014 so I went up to test the refurbished pool in Edinburgh in full expectation that I'll be selected for Scotland following my weekend TI course!

The pool is impressive and the refurbishment has improved the facility considerably from the dingy place it used to be. I parked the car up outside and was amazed to see a fox relaxing in the sun right by the path. He didn't flinch as I was within a metre of him and cast me a glance in the hope of some scraps.

I arrived, excited to put all that I had learned to the test. The pool is a 50m pool all 2m deep and kept at a decent temperature. I had no nerves, no anxiety, no fear just enthusiasm - what a change from a couple of weeks ago. Jai kept saying focus on one thing so that's what I did. I started with a few balance drills, they were a bit tricky in 2m deep water but I just headed for the side each time. Then I moved on to swims few lengths. I have decided for the next few weeks to forget about speed and completely focus on technique with one thought on each length.

First length was head position, let it bob out in front of me and that was ok. Breathing seemed better with half of my goggles in the water and half below, using the roll of the body from the hips to reach the air. Next length was the skating position to make sure my leading arm was relaxed and in the right position. I stuck with that for a few lengths as I worked on my timing and hand entry position. Then it was on to wide arms which helps release the stroke into the right position. All up I felt things were going well.

So I decided to count my strokes, total of 44 for the 50m pool. Now I used to take 27 or 28 for a 25m pool so that means if I build and sustain my current stoke length I will use 3,344 strokes in an ironman. This compares to 4,180 with my old stroke which means that if I even do the same time I will be 836 strokes better off and less tired for the run and bike which equates to a 20.14% improvement in my swimming efficiency. Not bad for a weekend away!!! You can't take the quantity surveyor out of me!

The interesting thing was that the more I relaxed and just let the calm envelope my stroke the easier it became. I wasn't pulling hard on the catch part of the stroke, I just chilled out focused on the one thing each length and let it happen. I may have looked rather odd in the pool but I don't care. Practice makes perfect and I enjoyed today.

After I posted the blog last night I spent 40 minutes cross training to completely toast my legs. I've started taking recovery shakes, no idea if they make a difference but I'm prepared to give it a go. So once I'd finished my work I headed into the gym and did another 40 minutes cross train tonight followed by 20 minutes on the abs. They are still well hidden but with the inches coming off the waist I hope that they will make a summer appearance!

I'm enjoying the training this time. I suppose because I've finished 3 ironman races in the past the pressure is off and I feel that although the schedule is a big commitment I have time to relax and enjoy the training time I have. After all a few hours out on a bike or running on a day like today is hardly a hardship is it?

My head is full of exciting ideas for this year but more of them later.

Let's make 2013 something special!