I got up early this morning (am really really not a morning person), grabbed a balance bar and water bottle with cytomax, and went to the gym. I wore the suit I'll wear in the tri. I thought of different strategies to keep track of the laps and away I went

I went, I believe, 21 laps. I was going to intially do a different stroke for each lap so I could count in groups. That changed because I was dodging people and passing, etc. I tried to make it realistic, as realistic as pool swimming can be. Freestyle got MUCH better with practice. I relaxed, tried to make my arms be efficient, and got better at kicking and breathing. Breaststroke was good but it does take shoulder strength. Toward the end, I barely had to backstroke at all. I hit my head HARD on a stair corner while sidestroking, apparently I drift Anyway, it hurt and I got water in my mouth. I rectified it without touching my feet to the ground.

I did the 2nd to the last lap (20) trying to keep up with the big guys/gals in the swim lane. I'm slow. I tried though! Then my last lap I did ONLY freestyle. It was ok and I could've gone longer. It actually felt good.

When I got out, I can tell how being in the water can make you react differently NOT in the water. I wasn't fatigued or dizzy or anything though.

I admit I accidently touched the sides a few times and I did stop for a few seconds at lap 17 because I was trying to count.

I might go tomorrow again or is that too soon? I think if I can do 30 or 35 laps, it would be good. Or else I could do it next monday or tuesday and run tomorrow instead. Or swim tomorrow and run. Sunday will be open water. Is swimming bad on back to back days?

Thank you all again, I need both sides of this. I love the support but I need realism too if it needs to be there.