Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Catch me if you can!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009.

I said the date to myself this morning as I sat on the pool edge, legs dangling in the water. I was the first one there (I always am -- Hahaha!) and as I sat there looking at the calm, still water I said to myself, "Remember this date Julie, because this is the first day of the rest of your swimming life." :) :) :)

I was looking at the water and the water, barely moving, looked back at me. "Catch me if you can!" it said. Part playfully but part command-ish too. I slid into the water and began the first day of my new swimming life...

I'm fresh from a swim/run camp that was held by my coach this weekend. I was videoed underwater from various angles and then given constructive criticism (AND DRILLS!!) to correct my lack of catch (complete absence of catch is a better description). I was so FRIGGING excited to get in the pool today and start becoming a real swimmer.

I've been given free rein to incorporate swimming drills into my schedules. MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! The beast will be unleashed, my friends. LMAO!!!

With a solid sense of purpose and an even bigger dose of determination, I immediately got to work on *catching* drills. One arm for 50m, the other arm for 50m, then both arms for 50m. When an hour passed, I took off any buoys, paddles, or other implements (LOL!!) and would actually swim 50m. Then I went back to doing the drills again. When 8:00am rolled around, I celebrated the hour with another 50m implement free swim.

I was starting to get cold in the pool, and managed to do another 5 minutes of drills before I decided to get out.

I am LOVING this new challenge. The drills are slowly working and I am starting to get (and keep) my damn elbows up. My neural pathways (as stubborn as ever) are going to be rewired to handle these new patterns. If I had the mojo (and the muscular strength), I'd be back in the pool at noon...Hahahahah!! But, I'm using my muscles in different ways now, so I know there will be an acclimatization period.

Look out water -- I'm gonna CATCH you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

6 comments:

Runner Leana said...

Ah yes, the high elbow. Still working on that one myself. Good luck with all the drills!!

Jenna said...

next time i see you i might meet your elbow first ;)

Keith said...

Holy crap! You swam drills for more than 2 HOURS!! You're already a better swimmer than you'd have people believe, and once you get this catch thing nailed, I'll be drafting off you!

Cath said...

Hey good work Julie, feels good when it clicks - I'm still working on swimming technique after thousands of hours in the pool! Sounds like a good camp - we should do a swim together soon - I'm normally have the lane all to myself here in Fernie, so I'm sure I could share it one other :)

Julie said...

CATH!! How's Friday for you?? I am sending you an email right now.....

I miss you babe -- thinking swimming and then Freshies. :): )

KK said...

Well that sounds like one swell camp-something you can take away with you and actually use? Money's worth!!! Like the water, I am secretly afraid of you now, too :).