Stepping out of my comfort zone...

[Torrilin]

Most of the best swim instructors I've had are short, dumpy, old ladies. 60ish, wearing swimsuits that weren't fashionable. But they could swim, and more importantly, they could teach.

Swimmers don't have to be young. They don't have to be skinny. They just have to get in the water . Most good distance swimmers aren't super skinny... if they were they'd starve on a long swim (or freeze...).

Good on you for going to the master class

[Running Mommy]

Torrilin you are dead on! I've swum with women much thicker than I and they kick my fanny in the water! And yeah, body fat helps in the OW swim arena! My cousin has been swimming competively since she was 4-5 years old. She swam for UCSB and kicks butt. And yeah- she has our family genetics! Poor girl...
It's all about technique.. All about technique...

[Starfish]

You all have probably read this book, but if not, it is worth a read. Very inspiring, by a very tough-minded woman, who definitely isn't skinny!

Swimming to Antarctica, by Lynne Cox

[light_sabe_r]

Good on ya running Mommy! ^_^

They're fun aren't they? They're the only way to seriously improve technique.
I just started one too. It's like having a personal trainer for the pool right?

9am??? You're lucky, Mine starts dark and early at 5:30am!!!

[Running Mommy]

Ok, so today at masters I talked with Claudio (the instructor) after class. He's such a nice guy! His wife is a lucky woman I'll tell you what. Anyway, it seems that he has picked me to be his pet project.
First he told me about his saturday morning ride/run transition workouts that he does with a group. It's a ride/run/ride/run/ride/run/ride/run brick. Sounds tough-yet ohh so fun! A challenge, and I LOVE challenges!
Once again he gave me a time and said "be there". Yes sir!

He then told me that he thinks I can take 30 mins off my IM swim time. He said by November I should be ready to start working on distance. I guess he see's something in me that I don't?? But heck, I'll take it.

And lastly, I asked him if there were going to be any groups training for IM. Of course giving the stock "I know I'm not on your caliber, but...".
He then said very matter of factly "NO. You will train with us this year. I have seen you the last two years train all by yourself (Really? He knew who I was??) and that's not going to make you faster. You need to train with a group that will push you. That's how you get faster. You will be faster this year".... Alrighty then!! I guess I have found an ad hoc coach of sorts....

He then told me that his wife who has no special ability did IMAZ in 13 hours, and she walked most of the mary. He said she had only been swimming 2 months before the race- and riding for 4! AND she had never done a marathon?? Hmmm... Maybe there is hope for me yet. I don't need 13 hours, but 15 sure would be nice! I'd LOVE to be the one on the otherside of the barricades cheering on the midnight finishers AFTER I had finished, cleaned up, and had some dinner!!
Soooo stay tuned ladies. These next few months should be interesting!
Imagine if I could pull off a 1.5 hour swim, 6 hour ride, and 6 hour mary (5 would be nice but I know my reality!)?????!!!!!
What's that 50's song...Life would be a dream- sha boom, sha boom, life would be a dream sweetheart....

[rocknrollgirl]

RM...that is great. I am not an IM, BUT, training with my DH and riding with the guys has made me faster. It does help to have someone to chase.....what can I say, I like to chase boys!!!!!

I look forward to hearing the updates and seeing your progress.

Have fun....( in that oh so painful sort of way...)

[Tri Girl]

Awesome!!! Sounds like he knows something you don't, but you'll know soon. And 13 hours when she'd only been swimming and riding for a few months. ICK! I think I secretly hate her. I kicked my arse training for almost a year and finished in 16.5. Genetics, baby. (ok- I don't hate her, just jealous is all).

Anywho- keep us updated. How cool that he's taken you on as his project. Bwwwwaaaahaaaa- you're gonna smoke it next year.