Practice=Progress

<--------(Before Workout)

Sometimes you have to laugh at yourself as you start trying new things. As I struggle/swim during these dog days of summer; I think to myself. .." Last summer I would have never considered getting in the swimming pool on a 100 degree day because I was afraid of the water and never swam a day in my life, but now that I am a slow, steady swimmer this is a great summer workout and challenge." I am enjoying meeting new people at the pool, pool clothing (I love my new Pearl Izumi Tri shorts), "pool culture", burning extra calories and getting a good workout all while learning a new skill. Today, I just had to face it. For me, swimming is a skill. I don't really think of it as a sport like running or cycling. I think of it more like playing my classical guitar. It is more about tempo, placement and maneuvering...all while breathing underwater--Go Figure:)

This week I was able complete 1200 meters of drills/swimming with kick board and fins then laps with no supports. I was able to get in 100 meters before I felt beat down tired, but I did it. It was not pretty, but it was progress. Two months ago, I could not make it down the pool and would stop half way down the pool.

It was a good week. I managed to run 18 miles outdoors, mountain bike in the sand 6 miles, 1200 meters in the pool and 20 miles road cycling with1 mile run scheduled for tomorrow(Brick workout).

Practice is progress. It is not always pretty, but it is part of the improvement process. What people normally see is the result not the daily grind of purposeful practice. I am determined to learn how to swim well enough to complete my triathlon. My goal is to finish the swim! Progress will only come with practice, practice, practice.(Though I must say that I am quite intimidated when I watch 8 yr old boys swimming in the community pool blowing by me.)-- LOL--Sometimes even I have to chuckle.