Day 1!

I went out this past weekend and purchased my gear to get me started. I bought new running shoes (economy level, but hey, at least they are specific to running), a swim cap, goggles and nose plugs. I was good to go! I plan on training on my mountain bike. I will not worry about the rest of the gear until next spring.

According to my training schedule, I was to do a 200 meter swim. Yes, that is it. A 200 meter swim is 4 laps.

I was so nervous driving to the YMCA. Sure, I have swam in the lap lane; when it was empty. As soon as the pool would fill up and it was apparent I had to share my lane, I was out of the pool in a flash. Today, it did not matter. I was going to complete day 1 of the training no matter what.

Sure enough, when I got there today, there was only ONE lap lane open and there were two women already in it. Did I let this deter me? No! I adjusted my goggles, put in my nose plugs and dived in.

After I finished my first lap (and trying to catch my breath at the shallow end), the lifeguard approached me. We have always said hello to one another; he just seemed like a friendly guy. He even commented on a new bathing suit I was wearing a few weeks ago!

Keyhen (his name) stopped by me and asked me if I was upgrading my pool workout (he is used to seeing me in the aerobics class with all of the 65+ year old's). I said yes and told him not to laugh, but I was starting my year long triathlon training. Instead of scoffing and saying, "yea right, nice one", he said "why would I laugh? That is great". That put me at ease. Maybe I was not looking like such a fool after all! I told him that I wanted to take swim lessons to master my strokes. He asked if I wanted to swim for him and take a little criticism. Sweet! I need all the help I can get. After completing 25 meters, he suggested that I work on my kick (kicking from the knees) and to make sure my left arm came completely out of the water. He said my form was good. He suggested practicing with flippers on to perfect my kick.

After completing my 200 meters, I went for another 200. Then another 200. By then I was wiped! After I got out of the pool and walked around, I was ready for swim aerobics.

So officially I have completed Day 1. I plan on power walking/running a minute or two here tonight. Even though the training schedule says to swim only twice a week, I will go 3-4x a week. I am already at the Y anyway, so I might as well practice, even if it is only for a couple of laps.

Day 1 is done!