Aiming High ?

I am pleased to say the crepitus in my right forearm is now easing off at last after two weeks and swelling appears to be under control. I had a brief test swim at the grotty Total Fitness pool yesterday (Friday 13th) it was quite strange, not only being in the the warm chlorinated water, but also actually swimming a full stroke rather than just kick. My arms felt like they belonged to someone else, you know... one of those sessions where you feel like you have almost forgotten how to swim with coordination and technique being virtually non existent. Any discomfort was mild stemming from the thumb which I attempted (with difficulty) to keep in alignment.

Just as well really considering Sunday is an arranged swim at Buttermere in the Lake District.

The plan for Sunday was always to swim laps of the 2km lake, depending on the water temperature which I anticipate to be in the region of 52f 11c. Looking back on training records from 2010, I kind of know in my own head how long I want/need to manage. Though I wasn't going to be telling anyone else regardless of who questioned me.

Now, as some of you will be aware, I am friends with Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, she is very motivational, articulate and knowledgeable, yet, like her husband Ian, so very laid back, friendly and approachable. That said, dont get lulled into a false sense of security as she is also fiercely competitve!

Getting back to the subject of goals and training plans, specifically for this weekend, reminded me of a paragraph in one of Tannis books "Aim High" where she states the following:

"You should tell the world about your goals. This is definitely one of the things that has contributed to my success. If you have a dream and share it with others, it puts pressure on you to try and achieve. It also makes that dream more real. While dreams remain in your head, they may never progress; but vocalising them brings them alive and moves them forward. Just writing dreams down doesn't do the job. You have to vocalise. Its about making things happen"

So.. after re-visiting the book I was happy enough to tell the other swimmers attending that I needed to be doing at least 90 minutes in the frigid waters of Buttermere in order for my plans to continue developing ahead of the next stepping stone of 9 miles in Dover Harbour in only five weeks time. 

There you have it...if you have a goal..don't be shy...tell the world...

(Tanni...note how I have not defaced the above image unlike some individuals !!)

The week that was

The last couple of weeks have been a little inconsistent for a number of reasons, I had  reasonable results returning to the pool post injury and am pleased to report being free from any relapse in terms of intercostal issues, there is still minor tenderness at the site but nothing worth complaining about. The restart of training was briefly interrupted by half term at Charlies school, meaning less training but lots of fun with my little buddy/coach.

Last week I also had the pleasure of going for coffee with the very funny, straight talking Tanni Grey Thompson DBE, her husband Ian and Carys their daughter. We spent a few hours chatting about all manner of things including  my swimming, work, training, motivation and injuries etc etc. what they don't know about rotar cuff problems isn't worth knowing. I find both Ian and Tanni inspirational yet also incredibly down to earth, we will be meeting again, hopefully soon, for more motivational chatter. If you get chance and you like to read I would recommend both Aim High and Seize the day.

So..half term over I headed back to the murky Total Fitness 25m pool, initially building up slowly again so as not to shock the system: training went as follows, I will spare you the details and just give the totals

Monday 28 Feb.. 1600m

Tuesday 1 March : 3400m

Wednesday 2nd..10,000m

Thursday 3rd..4000m

Friday 4th..4500m

Saturday 5th..4000m

Sunday 6th Rest Day

Total for the week 27,500m

all of the swims after Monday included an element of backstroke in an attempt to balance the stress on my shoulders/reduce the over use issues.

It will soon be time to brave the cold of the North Sea....now that will be a shock to the system.