And Now for Something Completely Different

Borrowing a line from Monty Python for the title. It's appropriate because some days the realization that I'm registered to be in Ironman Florida in November is just too bizarre to comprehend. What would make a grandfather of 3 decide that it would be good to jog a little (2 miles 3 times a week) in 2010 and then find himself signing up for Ironman Florida in 2011? Maybe I'll delve into the depths of that one as I move through the year of training. It helps to have wonderfully generous and talented athletes and triathletes around when training. I receive their advice, training tips, coaching and good vibes. Some of these folks are world class athletes...they are all world class people. Thank you Scott, James, Jaqui, Maggie and Pam. There are others who simply make it nice to be training because of their, "Good morning!" and smiles. I feel like part of the aquatic community.
I taught the Sunrise yoga class from 6:30-8:00 this morning. Then it was time to get into the pool for some training. Trained with P this morning. She introduced me to some drills and intervals. For the last month I've only been working on building endurance. Today was about intervals and pushing the pace consistently. We swam about 500 yards to warm-up. Then we swam 500 at Ironman pace (slow cruise for me) to find our race pace. I went out too fast as I get excited when there is a clock involved. We took this pace and did 500 with a pull buoy (float between the legs)keeping the same pace (checked at each 50). This is where I knew I went too fast on the initial pace setting. We then swam 50 yards repeats (5 seconds faster than our previous pace)...rest for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times. After that it was some stroke drills for me to correct a "swooping up hand" as I reach for the catch and pull. Went home and rode my bike on the trainer for an hour of intervals. Riding on a trainer is good for mental toughness (I'll try to leave it at that.)
Off to teach more yoga. See you in the pool!