What really sucks is that I had a better bike and run than both these guys, in fact, I beat the guy who came in 8th in both the bike and run. That's why they call it TRIathlon. Is it really all about the swim?
I'm really digging having a Masters program that I can go to between 5am and 7am every day - well, not Wednesday, it turns out - 4 mornings a week and get almost one-on-one attention from Mio, the resident coach. Race after race, the weakest part of my performance is my swim. I hate to offer it up, but if you (the reader) live close enough to take advantage of the program, it's only $37 per month!
I gotta say, I've been very lazy this past week. I know I fought off a cold, probably brought on by being a bit exhausted. We leave for San Francisco on Wednesday - so I'll be able to swim with Coach Mio on Monday and Tuesday, and get in a little running in, just so 
I'm not rusty for Sunday's race.
What has Coach Mio done for me so far? Well, he videoed my swimming and showed me how badly I was crossing my arms over my center line in front of me. And, he showed me how crappy my reach was. He started me on a drill where I reach out to my sides - almost 90 degrees it felt like - and extend to get a long pull. After a morning of doing those, he filmed me, and although it felt like I was reaching out like a bird with wings, I was actually reaching perfectly straight in front of me; no crossing over, no waisted effort, long, strong pulls with both arms. I still have to think to reach out to "the side", but it's starting to become second nature, and the best thing - I look more like a swimmer now.
Speaking of swimming, Alcatraz is right around the corner. Just keeping my fingers crossed for decent conditions - looked at the weather for this past week and the highs were in the 60's! I'd better bring some sweaters and a jacket if it keeps being so cold. Pucker factor - high, getting higher every day. Thinking of getting a waterproof disposable camera for the swim - saw a guy on Slowtwitch (The Cuban Comet) who took pics during the swim, and it seems like the thing to do, as a responsible blogger/race reporter...
6 comments:
Thanks for the nice comments on my blog. It was real hard to drop that weight and keep it off. All of you fellow clydes are the real inspiration to former "shall we say ultra clydes" in getting us off the couch and out on the road. It was all of you who inspired me so I am glad to return the favor. Good luck with your swim. I have swim issues myself. Hope to get them worked out soon.
First of all I am stoked about being sidebar worthy!
I also made the biggest improvements on my swim when I had a coach get me to swim with a longer and wider reach. I am still working on a deeper pull and a better follow through but all things in time.
I think the camera for the swim is an awesome idea! Thins probably shouldn't be so much a race as it is an EVENT...just don't fall too far back or you won't be able to get any cool triathlon pics, just the usual tourist stuff.
Oh, how I wish I could join that Master's swim program you're doing ... $37/month is a steal!!!
Good luck at Alcatraz and thanks again for your input on my blog. I grew up in the S.F. Bay area and don't miss that cold weather when it comes to swimming. Look forward to reading all about it.
Great Job Marc, you are a true inspiration to all of us fellow Clydesdale's.
Looking forward to those pics! Hope you have a really great time!
Alcatraz??? You are my hero for sure, I think that is one crazy race!!
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