Day 17 - Wed Feb 13 - 2nd Swim Lesson

Today I met with Lauren again as a swim coach. She is a great supporter of my triathlon training. I see here everywhere in the KROC Center. She told me to go to Big 5 to get swim goggles. I said Big 5? Will they have what I need? I thought that I needed to go to someplace special to get something like that. Lauren simply said - you will find what you need there.

So I went. Amazing. They had all sorts and kinds, an entire rack of swim goggles. I looked for the size that Gloria told me she liked - a little bigger size, not quite so small. So I picked out the speedo BAJA that was an over-sized comfort goggle, that had anti-fog, latex free, UV protection, and speed fit. I have never owned any goggles before. Once or twice I have tried someone else's on but they always seemed too tight and uncomfortable. Of the three classifications of speedo goggles these were "active" not the higher up "performance" or "competition". I just wanted to try some out so I bought a reasonable pair for $19.99.

As I met Lauren at the pool I tried them on swam with them and they worked very well. I was surprised how well I could see underwater compared to using a mask. They felt natural like I had used them before and there was no discomfort or water leakage. Of course when I got home I read the inside flap of the package that said: Rinse after each use, air dry, avoid touching inside of lens, store in the package or a soft case. Well, as a novice, I had already violated all of those precautionary measures in the first day of use. There is always tomorrow. Theresa took the picture of us above. What I like about KROC employees is that they all seem to have stretch goals and Theresa was no exception.  She wants to become a __________________ (I will have to ask her again as I forgot.)

Lauren had me start again where we did the first time. (1) Head straight down, fins on (2) Body on the side, one arm straight out, fins on. (3) Then on the other side, (4) Then switching sides, (5) Then without fins. Jane Graybill wasn't feeling good so I was the only object of Lauren's attention. She said I was not looking comfortable in the water, trying to get my head up too far, not turning enough side to side. Lots to work on, but I had goggles this time. I felt what I was doing in the water and sometimes 1/2 of the length was good, but I never had a complete length that was consistent. Lauren called it like it is. I like her as a coach and can see I will learn much from her.

I can't imagine racing a triathlon of any length without a swimming coach. I probably would finish the swim but with no style and probably completely drained. This is my weakest area so I need to concentrate on it.

What is interesting is that Lauren said I need to strengthen my core, that swimming is not so much with just your arms, but your whole body. My core started disappearing 30 years ago so that is an area of need. Whenever she gives me advice I listen.

As I went out to try the spin bikes again, Lauren pointed out Melissa who was right next to me and said she would be a great core muscle instructor so I talked to her while we were spinning. She was booking it on the bike and today was a rest day for her. Her cadence seemed to always be above 110.  She doesn't swim much but in the bike/run duathlon she is a competitor. She has won a few races. Her half marathon time is 1:20 and she wants 1:19 this summer. I am going to encourage her on.

My results were much improved on the spin bike. I rode 9 miles at an average speed of 22.6 mph in 23.56 minutes at level 6 with an average heart rate of 135. I feel that biking might be my strength.  After biking I went to get signed up for a core fitness class with Melissa.  Jessica Riley was the KROC employee that asked me if I had done my 3 free Gold Member classes yet. No one else had asked that. So thank you Jessica. Her she is signing me up for a core class.

While running on the treadmill I tried seeing if my leg was healed up enough from my ski fall that I could run a bit faster. I started at 12 minute miles, went to 10, then 9:50, 9:30, 9:00, then 8:34 for the last two minutes. I quit early as my heart rate was too high. I noticed on the wall chart that my rate should be 112-136 for exercising and peak at 160.

So far the most dedicated KROC member that I have seen, almost every time I have been at the Center is Katie Doty. She has been on a treadmill or bike every time I have been in there and for a good long time. Way to go Katie.