Since the Cure Kids Fiji, Race to Survive is such a challenge for me, I've decided it's fitting to keep a diary of my training efforts.
As you know our team was a late entrant in the race to survive, so training for the event was a priority. Right after sending out information for donations :).
You might also be aware that I don't actually know how to swim. Well, I kind of know, but have never learnt properly and currently would barely be able to swim 50m in a pool, let alone 1.7km in open water (what have I got myself into???)
Following is my training diary (I hope you all enjoy keeping up with my progress). If you wish to read from the beginning, please scroll to the bottom. (The most recent session is at the top)
As you know our team was a late entrant in the race to survive, so training for the event was a priority. Right after sending out information for donations :).
You might also be aware that I don't actually know how to swim. Well, I kind of know, but have never learnt properly and currently would barely be able to swim 50m in a pool, let alone 1.7km in open water (what have I got myself into???)
Following is my training diary (I hope you all enjoy keeping up with my progress). If you wish to read from the beginning, please scroll to the bottom. (The most recent session is at the top)
Week Nine
Sunday 21st September 2008
Ride – 21km Artarmon-City-Artarmon
Given that I haven’t really been on the bike much, I thought this weekend would be a good start to getting saddle fit (as they say). Well…..my bum bones were pretty sore, getting back on the bike today. I think I might just need a pair of those padded shorts. The ride was good. I wanted Dave to come with me to try and work out how to ride to the city from his work (my plan is to have a go at this through the week to get to work).
Saturday 20th September 2008
Outrigging Novice Course Week 2 – Dragon Boating
Week 2 of our Novice course proved to be harder than the first week. You would think that with 20 people in a boat it would be easier. For some reason it’s not.
It was another beautiful day on Sydney Harbour though. We probably spent around an hour on the water. The seats were rather uncomfortable and the paddling more tiring.
Saturday 20th September 2008
Ride – 10km Pyrmont – Gladesville
With only 4 weeks to go before Fiji, I thought it was time to step up the training and complete more than one event each day. Today I opted to ride home after the dragon boating. I thought I was crazy at some points, but I made it. The down hill parts are great, but the Anzac and Gladesville bridges are a challenge. The weather was perfect for Fiji training at 30 degrees.
Wednesday 17th September 2008
Swimming - Drummoyne Swimming Centre
On my own and feeling a little fatigued, I had an aim to make it to 2kms tonight, but the time and energy levels got the better of me. Just 1.5kms tonight. I was feeling very slow and sluggish in the water. Really need to get into the ocean. Hopefully this weekend.
Monday 15th September 2008
Swimming - Drummoyne Swimming Centre
Tonight I broke the 1.7kms and swam 1.8km. Swimming with my friends Penny and Chris, I have discovered that I swim better when I am with someone. With minimal stops just to catch up on the number of laps we have completed I did this in 50mins.
Week Eight
Sunday 14th September 2008
Hockey Final
Still a litte sick. Today we lost our hockey final 2-1. That's the last game for the year. Now I have more time to concentrate on some running and biking as well.
Saturday 13th September 2008
Outrigging Novice Course Week 1
Today we began out novice outriggin course with the Pacific Dragons in Glebe. It was a fantastic day for water sports. Although a lot of the session was on land, it was very informative. I feel much better about completing the outrigging legs in Fiji now. We did paddle for about an hours which was great. It was nice to be on the water again. We also helped carry the canoes in and out of the water. They are the heaviest canoes I have ever seen. Especially getting them back out of the water.
Next week we return for a session in the Dragon boats. Then back to the outrigger canoes for the last week. If you are interested in learning more about outrigging go the Pacific Dragon website http://www.pacificdragons.com.au/
There will be photo's to come shortly.
Wednesday 10th September 2008
Hockey Training
2 hours of training. Today I started getting sick with the usual flu/sines type symptoms. Not sure if swimming outside on these cold nights is good for me.
Tuesday 9th September 2008
Drummoyne Swimming Centre
Finally a 50m pool that is accessible to me on public transport. The Drummoyne pool is an outdoor 50m salt water pool that has just re-opened for the season. Although they have restricted opening times due to water polo training, I still think I can fit in my 1.7km after work. So that was my aim. However I only had 45mins tonight and I successfully completed 1.5km non-stop all freestyle. Double lap lanes here too, means it's easy to turn at each end without touching the wall. The salt water is good too, to get me used to the ocean. Although my nasal cavity was burning after the 1st 2 laps, it went away after awhile.
Monday 8th September 2008
Swimming - Leichhardt Aquatic Centre
Back to the outdoors. A little colder tonight. I swam 32 laps all in freestyle. There were minimal stops just for a chat with friends. What I like about this pool is that they have double lap lanes which means I don't have to do a silly turn at the end trying not to touch the wall, because I can just swim in one big cirlce. This probably took about 50mins in total. Now I just need to work on getting faster (nothing like Grant Hackett of cause).
I've noticed in the last 2 weeks that I have started to lose a little bit of weight (love it) and have really started toning up (also a bonus).
Week Seven
Sunday 7th September 2008
Hockey
We played our minor semi final today and won. So we advance to the final next Sunday. If we win that, we will play in the Grandfinal. So I played another full game. I thought I was struggling in the first 15mins, but after the nerves settled down, I was fine.
Tuesday 2nd September 2008
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
Back to a 25m indoor pool. Not the best, but the closest to home, so I don't have much choice. Another 34 laps of freestyle (except one). I was rather sore and tired from last night, but again I pushed through. I imagine this is exactly what it's going to be like in Fiji. More craps this session though. I actually had to stop and stand up this time with a major crap in my right calf.
Monday 1st September 2008
Swimming - Leichhardt Aquatic Centre
Back to a 50m outdoor pool. Another session with my friend Penny, who gave me some more pointers on my stroke. This time I completed 28 laps of freestyle bar one lap of breast stroke. My aim is to try and swim 34 laps each time, however Penny is a little faster than me and when she is the driver, I can't complain :)
Sunday 31st August 2008
Hockey
Another full game. Not feeling as fit this week, after a big night out for Ana-Maria's Engagement Party. We won though, so next week we play the minor semi-final (YAH!).
Week Six
Friday 29th August 2008
Swimming - Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
Another change of scenery. This time a small amount of stroke correction from a friend who used to be a swim instructor. This was good, however as I discovered in the very beginning, it was hard to concentrate on everything at once. With the new knowledge of how to use my arms more effectively, I was struggling to get my breathing into a rhythm. I pushed on though completing 28 laps. Several stops this time, however more and more freestyle laps. I'm finding in the 50m pool that breast stroke is just so much slower than freestyle.
Tuesday 26th August 2008
Swimming - Novotel Canberra Pool
Although the hotel pool is not even 25m, I thought if I swim for 30mins, it's still good training. This pool is much better than the aquatic center. Although I was exhausted from the last 2 days of work. I jumped in the spa after the swim to relax a little.
Monday 25th August 2008
Swimming - Canberra Aquatic Centre
Away for work, I thought I would try out the Canberra Aquatic Centre. Not the best idea. It is the worst pool I have ever seen. Since I am so determined. I stayed for my swim anyway. 34 laps in a full 50m pool this time. Increasing my continual laps of freestyle yet again. I was happy with this swim.
Sunday 24th August 2008
Hockey
Another full game with no break. A win that hopefully secured 3rd place for us. Just one more round game before the semi finals.
Saturday 23rd August 2008
Swimming - Bathurst Aquatic Centre
Even while I'm away from home, I'm determined to keep training. It's also nice to try out different pools. The Bathurst Aquatic Centre is only a 25m pool as well. With my husband back on board for this session, he was impressed to see my improvement since he first started helping me, he has not been with me since my first week in the pool. I was a little put off by having a spectator, but I pushed through to achieve 34 laps (of 50m each). I had several more stops than usual and was loosing my breath quicker as I have had a cough all week (thanks Dave).
Week Five
Tuesday 19th August 2008
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
30 laps it is! Actually I did 31 just for fun. Same as last night, I needed to change strokes a lot, but I'm impressed that I seem to be able to meet my target each time. I did experience some cramping in my toes and calves, but I didn't stop. I figure if I start to crap out in the ocean, I can't just stop and stand up, so I swam on trying to work them out as I went. Eventually they all went away.
My next target is 34 laps (although these training sessions have all been in a 25m pool, I'm counting in 50m laps).
Monday 18th August 2008
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
Determined to continue improving my swimming, I was keen to see if I could complete 26 laps again. Also keen to see if I could achieve this after a rather big weekend of exercise. I managed 27 laps!!! YIPEE (I just wanted to do better than 26, hence the reason I did 27). I feel like I'm getting stronger every time though, as I only took 3 breaks (very short) and tried hard not to push off the walls. Again, these were a combination of strokes, but my continuous laps of freestyle are increasing also. My next goal is 30 laps!
Sunday 17th August 2008
Hockey
Another full 70mins of hockey for me. A very tough game against the team on the top of the ladder. I was feeling fine in the first half, but noticed some fatigue set in towards the end of the game. It probably would have been worse if I wasn't doing all this training.
Saturday 16th August 2008
Kayak - Drummoyne
Our second kayak session and I must say it was a little better than the first. There were no capsizes this time and the water was a little calmer (although rough in some places). We stuck to the more protected areas around Drummoyne. A little trip under the Gladesville bridge and then an attempt to get to cockatoo island that got aborted due to rough conditions. In total the session was approx. 2hrs.
Saturday 16th August 2008
Bike - 23km Gladesville-Rhodes-Five Dock-Drummoyne-Gladesville
Another double training session today. It's good practise for Fiji when we need to complete 3 events in one day and then continue for 5 days!!
Starting at home with Dave (husband) we headed towards Rhodes and decided to complete a full circle via Five Dock and Drummoyne. Impressed with all the cycle paths in this area, we still managed to get a little lost in Suburbia around the Cabarita area, but eventually found the signs for the path to Drummoyne. With my legs burning a little, I was dreading the Gladesville Bridge, but found some strength to get me home (I'm not sure where all the energy is coming from, but I love it).
Week Four
Wednesday 13th August 2008
Hockey Training
As usual. I train for 2 hours every Wednesday night.
Tuesday 12th August 2008
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
Back to the indoor pool as unfortunately I don't have a mode of transport to get me to Mac Uni through the week. Tonight was a massive step in my progression as I managed to swim 52 laps of the 25m pool (yes, that's no joke). I've been counting in 50m laps, so 26 laps. Again, I need to change strokes fairly often and I did take some breaks, but I could barely believe it myself. I think I have finally got this swimming figured out. I just need to keep practicing and get some help with adjusting my technique as to date I am pretty much self taught.
Sunday 10th August 2008
Sunday 21st September 2008
Ride – 21km Artarmon-City-Artarmon
Given that I haven’t really been on the bike much, I thought this weekend would be a good start to getting saddle fit (as they say). Well…..my bum bones were pretty sore, getting back on the bike today. I think I might just need a pair of those padded shorts. The ride was good. I wanted Dave to come with me to try and work out how to ride to the city from his work (my plan is to have a go at this through the week to get to work).
Saturday 20th September 2008
Outrigging Novice Course Week 2 – Dragon Boating
Week 2 of our Novice course proved to be harder than the first week. You would think that with 20 people in a boat it would be easier. For some reason it’s not.
It was another beautiful day on Sydney Harbour though. We probably spent around an hour on the water. The seats were rather uncomfortable and the paddling more tiring.
Saturday 20th September 2008
Ride – 10km Pyrmont – Gladesville
With only 4 weeks to go before Fiji, I thought it was time to step up the training and complete more than one event each day. Today I opted to ride home after the dragon boating. I thought I was crazy at some points, but I made it. The down hill parts are great, but the Anzac and Gladesville bridges are a challenge. The weather was perfect for Fiji training at 30 degrees.
Wednesday 17th September 2008
Swimming - Drummoyne Swimming Centre
On my own and feeling a little fatigued, I had an aim to make it to 2kms tonight, but the time and energy levels got the better of me. Just 1.5kms tonight. I was feeling very slow and sluggish in the water. Really need to get into the ocean. Hopefully this weekend.
Monday 15th September 2008
Swimming - Drummoyne Swimming Centre
Tonight I broke the 1.7kms and swam 1.8km. Swimming with my friends Penny and Chris, I have discovered that I swim better when I am with someone. With minimal stops just to catch up on the number of laps we have completed I did this in 50mins.
Week Eight
Sunday 14th September 2008
Hockey Final
Still a litte sick. Today we lost our hockey final 2-1. That's the last game for the year. Now I have more time to concentrate on some running and biking as well.
Saturday 13th September 2008
Outrigging Novice Course Week 1
Today we began out novice outriggin course with the Pacific Dragons in Glebe. It was a fantastic day for water sports. Although a lot of the session was on land, it was very informative. I feel much better about completing the outrigging legs in Fiji now. We did paddle for about an hours which was great. It was nice to be on the water again. We also helped carry the canoes in and out of the water. They are the heaviest canoes I have ever seen. Especially getting them back out of the water.
Next week we return for a session in the Dragon boats. Then back to the outrigger canoes for the last week. If you are interested in learning more about outrigging go the Pacific Dragon website http://www.pacificdragons.com.au/
There will be photo's to come shortly.
Wednesday 10th September 2008
Hockey Training
2 hours of training. Today I started getting sick with the usual flu/sines type symptoms. Not sure if swimming outside on these cold nights is good for me.
Tuesday 9th September 2008
Drummoyne Swimming Centre
Finally a 50m pool that is accessible to me on public transport. The Drummoyne pool is an outdoor 50m salt water pool that has just re-opened for the season. Although they have restricted opening times due to water polo training, I still think I can fit in my 1.7km after work. So that was my aim. However I only had 45mins tonight and I successfully completed 1.5km non-stop all freestyle. Double lap lanes here too, means it's easy to turn at each end without touching the wall. The salt water is good too, to get me used to the ocean. Although my nasal cavity was burning after the 1st 2 laps, it went away after awhile.
Monday 8th September 2008
Swimming - Leichhardt Aquatic Centre
Back to the outdoors. A little colder tonight. I swam 32 laps all in freestyle. There were minimal stops just for a chat with friends. What I like about this pool is that they have double lap lanes which means I don't have to do a silly turn at the end trying not to touch the wall, because I can just swim in one big cirlce. This probably took about 50mins in total. Now I just need to work on getting faster (nothing like Grant Hackett of cause).
I've noticed in the last 2 weeks that I have started to lose a little bit of weight (love it) and have really started toning up (also a bonus).
Week Seven
Sunday 7th September 2008
Hockey
We played our minor semi final today and won. So we advance to the final next Sunday. If we win that, we will play in the Grandfinal. So I played another full game. I thought I was struggling in the first 15mins, but after the nerves settled down, I was fine.
Tuesday 2nd September 2008
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
Back to a 25m indoor pool. Not the best, but the closest to home, so I don't have much choice. Another 34 laps of freestyle (except one). I was rather sore and tired from last night, but again I pushed through. I imagine this is exactly what it's going to be like in Fiji. More craps this session though. I actually had to stop and stand up this time with a major crap in my right calf.
Monday 1st September 2008
Swimming - Leichhardt Aquatic Centre
Back to a 50m outdoor pool. Another session with my friend Penny, who gave me some more pointers on my stroke. This time I completed 28 laps of freestyle bar one lap of breast stroke. My aim is to try and swim 34 laps each time, however Penny is a little faster than me and when she is the driver, I can't complain :)
Sunday 31st August 2008
Hockey
Another full game. Not feeling as fit this week, after a big night out for Ana-Maria's Engagement Party. We won though, so next week we play the minor semi-final (YAH!).
Week Six
Friday 29th August 2008
Swimming - Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
Another change of scenery. This time a small amount of stroke correction from a friend who used to be a swim instructor. This was good, however as I discovered in the very beginning, it was hard to concentrate on everything at once. With the new knowledge of how to use my arms more effectively, I was struggling to get my breathing into a rhythm. I pushed on though completing 28 laps. Several stops this time, however more and more freestyle laps. I'm finding in the 50m pool that breast stroke is just so much slower than freestyle.
Tuesday 26th August 2008
Swimming - Novotel Canberra Pool
Although the hotel pool is not even 25m, I thought if I swim for 30mins, it's still good training. This pool is much better than the aquatic center. Although I was exhausted from the last 2 days of work. I jumped in the spa after the swim to relax a little.
Monday 25th August 2008
Swimming - Canberra Aquatic Centre
Away for work, I thought I would try out the Canberra Aquatic Centre. Not the best idea. It is the worst pool I have ever seen. Since I am so determined. I stayed for my swim anyway. 34 laps in a full 50m pool this time. Increasing my continual laps of freestyle yet again. I was happy with this swim.
Sunday 24th August 2008
Hockey
Another full game with no break. A win that hopefully secured 3rd place for us. Just one more round game before the semi finals.
Saturday 23rd August 2008
Swimming - Bathurst Aquatic Centre
Even while I'm away from home, I'm determined to keep training. It's also nice to try out different pools. The Bathurst Aquatic Centre is only a 25m pool as well. With my husband back on board for this session, he was impressed to see my improvement since he first started helping me, he has not been with me since my first week in the pool. I was a little put off by having a spectator, but I pushed through to achieve 34 laps (of 50m each). I had several more stops than usual and was loosing my breath quicker as I have had a cough all week (thanks Dave).
Week Five
Tuesday 19th August 2008
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
30 laps it is! Actually I did 31 just for fun. Same as last night, I needed to change strokes a lot, but I'm impressed that I seem to be able to meet my target each time. I did experience some cramping in my toes and calves, but I didn't stop. I figure if I start to crap out in the ocean, I can't just stop and stand up, so I swam on trying to work them out as I went. Eventually they all went away.
My next target is 34 laps (although these training sessions have all been in a 25m pool, I'm counting in 50m laps).
Monday 18th August 2008
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
Determined to continue improving my swimming, I was keen to see if I could complete 26 laps again. Also keen to see if I could achieve this after a rather big weekend of exercise. I managed 27 laps!!! YIPEE (I just wanted to do better than 26, hence the reason I did 27). I feel like I'm getting stronger every time though, as I only took 3 breaks (very short) and tried hard not to push off the walls. Again, these were a combination of strokes, but my continuous laps of freestyle are increasing also. My next goal is 30 laps!
Sunday 17th August 2008
Hockey
Another full 70mins of hockey for me. A very tough game against the team on the top of the ladder. I was feeling fine in the first half, but noticed some fatigue set in towards the end of the game. It probably would have been worse if I wasn't doing all this training.
Saturday 16th August 2008
Kayak - Drummoyne
Our second kayak session and I must say it was a little better than the first. There were no capsizes this time and the water was a little calmer (although rough in some places). We stuck to the more protected areas around Drummoyne. A little trip under the Gladesville bridge and then an attempt to get to cockatoo island that got aborted due to rough conditions. In total the session was approx. 2hrs.
Saturday 16th August 2008
Bike - 23km Gladesville-Rhodes-Five Dock-Drummoyne-Gladesville
Another double training session today. It's good practise for Fiji when we need to complete 3 events in one day and then continue for 5 days!!
Starting at home with Dave (husband) we headed towards Rhodes and decided to complete a full circle via Five Dock and Drummoyne. Impressed with all the cycle paths in this area, we still managed to get a little lost in Suburbia around the Cabarita area, but eventually found the signs for the path to Drummoyne. With my legs burning a little, I was dreading the Gladesville Bridge, but found some strength to get me home (I'm not sure where all the energy is coming from, but I love it).
Week Four
Wednesday 13th August 2008
Hockey Training
As usual. I train for 2 hours every Wednesday night.
Tuesday 12th August 2008
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
Back to the indoor pool as unfortunately I don't have a mode of transport to get me to Mac Uni through the week. Tonight was a massive step in my progression as I managed to swim 52 laps of the 25m pool (yes, that's no joke). I've been counting in 50m laps, so 26 laps. Again, I need to change strokes fairly often and I did take some breaks, but I could barely believe it myself. I think I have finally got this swimming figured out. I just need to keep practicing and get some help with adjusting my technique as to date I am pretty much self taught.
Sunday 10th August 2008
Hockey
Although I haven't really been counting all of my hockey as training. I will be counting the game this weekend. I played a full 70mins and again felt fitter on the field than I have for a long time. Although not as fit as Tuesday. My knee was also still a little sore.
Saturday 9th August 2008 Swimming - Mac Uni Aquatic Centre Today was a big step. I've advanced to a 50m pool and it's outdoor! But it's still heated! (thank goodness) I was stoked when I jumped in and completed the first lap with no troubles. My breathing seemed to be fine too. In total I swam 16 laps which is an increase from the 25m pool at Ryde. Although I was still stopping after every lap and was unable to complete them all in the same stroke. But I'm happy that I seem to be improving. Plenty more work to do.
Week Three
Tuesday 5th August 2008
Saturday 9th August 2008 Swimming - Mac Uni Aquatic Centre Today was a big step. I've advanced to a 50m pool and it's outdoor! But it's still heated! (thank goodness) I was stoked when I jumped in and completed the first lap with no troubles. My breathing seemed to be fine too. In total I swam 16 laps which is an increase from the 25m pool at Ryde. Although I was still stopping after every lap and was unable to complete them all in the same stroke. But I'm happy that I seem to be improving. Plenty more work to do.
Week Three
Tuesday 5th August 2008
I played my hockey game tonight and although my knee was sore, I played the entire game with no break. Probably not the best thing to do. I could hardly walk after the game. But on a good note, my training has really improved my fitness level, as I didn't struggle at all in the game.
Monday 4th August 2008
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre
Definitely a little sore after the weekend's activities. Particularly in my right knee. I could feel the fatigue in my legs, but I swam on for 45 mins. Although I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere, I was happy to concentrate on my breathing and I have that back under control.
Sunday 3rd August 2008
Run - Field of Mars
No rest for the wicked. Today I joined with the same friends as yesterday and went for a run. We ran from my house, through the "Field of Mars" (Park Lands) and back again. I'm estimating approx. 9-10kms in total. With a combination of road running and bush tracks, I'm bound to be a little sore. Good training for Fiji I say. Saturday 2nd August 2008 Kayaking - Drummoyne Our first group training session. We chose to do some kayaking in and around Drummoyne. Lee has access to 3 kayaks and I have a friend who lent me one. He also joined us for the session, which was great because he was able to give us some good advise on the correct techniques of kayaking. Please read our team blog for more about this session. P.S I was the one that capsized. I should have known if it was going to be anyone, it would be me. The team consider that I was cross training by including swimming into the session, but I see it as training on my survival techniques when rudely flipped into the water unexpectedly. Thank goodness for the life vest I say (I'm still learning to swim remember). I ungracefully managed to get myself back on the kayak but this happened reasonably early in the session, so I was rather cold for the rest of the time. I must say the water wasn't that cold, but it was the wind. I had numb feet for about an hour after we finished. They did eventually thaw out though. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the training and can't wait to get out there again. Saturday 2nd August 2008 Bike - Drummoyne and surrounding area Yes, call me crazy, after the kayak, I got on the bike with another friend and rode around the streets of Drummoyne, Five Dock and Abbotsford for around 45mins. Probably about 10-15kms. We did a steady pace. Week Two This week was not such a good one for my training. We went to Mudgee on a wine trip for the weekend. I like to think of it as training for the evening festivities :) Tuesday 29th July 2008 Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre Well, I tried anyway. I rode my bike yet again, but forgot my bike chain, so couldn't stay for a swim. By the time I back home, it was too late to go back again. P.S. My swimming sessions have all been at night time. I hear that swimmers like to get up at 5am, but not me. I'm a hopeless morning person, so will really need to work on that. Monday 28th July 2008 Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre My first night in the pool without coach Dave. My frustration levels were much higher than previous sessions. I found myself constantly choking on water as I attempted to swim the length of the 25m pool. With certain goals in mind in order to achieve my final goal of 1.7m in the ocean, I could not let this affect me. So I changed my technique (you would think I actually know what I'm talking about) and started breathing on every second stroke instead of every third. This meant I had no trouble completing 50m and I did this several time before I called it a night. (not keen on continuing this style though. I found it more tyring than breathing every third stroke). Week One (My training began on Saturday 19th July) This week, was the beginning of my training for the Race to Survive Fiji. Friday 25th July 2008 Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre Thank goodness for indoor heated pools. I really wouldn't be so keen if I was doing this in the elements. Although I do intend on advancing to a) 50m pools and b) the ocean. But not until the weather warms up a bit. So again, more of the same. I'm finding that physically, I have no problems with swimming, as I am reasonably fit already from my hockey. I just don't seem to have a very good lung capacity. I'm working on that. Tuesday 22nd July 2008 Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre Back to the pool straight away. I'm very determined. More of the same as last night. still concentrating on all of the components that Dave is teaching me, and trying to combine them all at once (quite a task for someone who has never really completed any swimming before). I really struggle with the breathing and find that the second I breath in even the smallest amount of water, I seem to nearly choke and have to stop to get my breath back. Monday 21st July 2008 Swimming - Ryde Aquatic Centre My first attempt at swimming. This is my biggest challenge and I am determined to be able to complete this leg of the race (there are 3 days that include swimming. The longest being 1.7km.) With Dave as my coach for this as well, we rode out bikes to the pool (multi training!). At first Dave thought I would have no problems when i demonstrated that I could swim the length of the 25m pool. Until I turned around to come back and struggled to make it. So with some more hints from Dave and swam on for nearly an hour. Stopping every time I got to the other end of the pool. By the end of an hour I could swim 50m with out stopping. YAH! (still struggling with the breathing). Saturday 19th July 2008 19km Bike Ride - Gladesville to Artarmon and back With a borrowed bike from a friend I was keen to get started. The choice for the ride was from my husband who works in Artarmon and has been completing this ride several times a week to get to work and back. I'm grateful for his support as I struggle to motivate myself to do exercise alone. I also am not a regular rider and am a little shy about riding on Sydney streets. With Dave riding behind me and giving me instructions the whole way, I thouroughly enjoyed the ride. Although the speed that we were riding was a little scary at times. We clocked up to 37km an hour going down hill, with an average speed of around 20km an hour. Not bad for my first ride I thought.
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