Motivator

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The problem:  I headed to the gym, dropped Henry off at childcare, and realized that they closed for lunch at 1 PM.  I said, “Do you mind if I swim really, really, really quick?”  The lady said no, not at all, so I practically sprinted down the hallway.

photo 1 (44)

Time for a speed swim.

 

I am really lax about speedwork in the pool.  This is definitely something I want to improve on.  My goal for the upcoming tri season is simply to get a little faster.  In the spirit of the Silverware Drawer Year, I’m definitely not going to kill myself in the process, but last week’s half marathon did make me realize that I am (relatively) faster than I give myself credit for.  I’m used to placing in the bottom 50% (or even bottom 25%) when I do triathlons; it would be cool to be in the top 50%.  Girlfriend isn’t going to win any events anytime soon, but top half is a nice, manageable goal that still keeps it light and fun. 

 

Anyway, nothing like a closing daycare to motivate a momma to swim as fast as possible, right?

photo 2 (41)

The result?  450 yards in about 11 minutes.  Not too shabby.  Maybe I should drop him off 15 minutes before daycare closes every week.  Winking smile

{ 16 comments }

 

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More January 23, 2013, 3:43 pm

    Whatever gets it done, girl! 😉

  • Michelle January 23, 2013, 4:16 pm

    what was the result, again? 😉

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed January 23, 2013, 4:19 pm

    Good job fitting it in! Nothing like a time constraint to give you a push. Sometimes I enjoy going to the gym knowing I only have a little while to work out, gotta make it count!

  • Peggi January 23, 2013, 4:21 pm

    Way to go!!!

  • Sarah @ Yogi in Action January 23, 2013, 4:50 pm

    Nice work! I also suck at doing speedwork in the pool- something about swimming, it makes me just want to go slowly. Good work getting out of that rut!

  • sara @ fitcupcaker January 23, 2013, 4:59 pm

    nice…a swim would be so nice

  • Barca Mama January 23, 2013, 5:03 pm

    Good for you for getting in there!!! Many people (myself included) would have turned around and went home.

  • Lisa January 23, 2013, 5:08 pm

    HAHA!
    Sometimes you just have to fit in whatever you can–even if it’s just walking around the block!

  • My Neon Running Shoes January 23, 2013, 7:01 pm

    Wow! That’s awesome you were still able to get in a good workout! Way to go 🙂

  • Karen @ Runner Girl Eats January 23, 2013, 8:36 pm

    Ha great job fitting it in! I am wanting to add swimming to my weekly workouts but waiting until the weather warms up a bit…I’m a wimp lol

  • Amber K January 23, 2013, 8:42 pm

    My current gym doesn’t offer child care so if I ever do have a baby (God-willing) then I will have to find a new one, and I will have to pay attention to the times they are open. Then I will try the 15 min to close trick 😉

  • Caitlin January 23, 2013, 9:28 pm

    I love that you’re setting an obtainable goal for yourself. I recently discovered that I may have more speed than I realized and started upping my mileage and adding in special work outs and, as a result, really started to dread my runs. I took a step back and realized I won’t be winning any races and while I want to be faster and better, enjoying my run is much more important.

  • Laurie January 23, 2013, 9:46 pm
  • Michelle January 23, 2013, 10:14 pm

    You rock!!!! 🙂

  • Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction.com January 24, 2013, 8:34 am

    Haha! That’s so funny! I am also way more efficient when I have a time limit for things. For example I usally try to go shopping when I have an appt that I need to be at in a few hours. This leads me to “speed shop” which also allows for me to have to make quick decisions on whether or not I should buy something. It’s a pretty good workout too!

  • Ebernst January 24, 2013, 9:04 am

    What an awesome swimming motivator!

    Building speed in your swim is a great idea! I’d make the recommendation that you figure out your 100 pace and use it as a base line for speed (online calc as a base…but then try to swim 4-6 100s at your normal pace with about 30s rest inbetween). Then begin working in shorter speed sets such as 50s and 100s at a certain pace with short rest. For example, 10 x 50 on a 1:10 or 6 x 100 on a 2:30.

    During triathlon season, I aim to swim at least twice a week and usually try to do one speed session a week. Last year I droppped about 10 seconds in my 100 pace which translated to a 5 minute PR in my open water mile. Its a good feeling! 🙂 This year, I’m aiming for the super ambitious goal of swimming an under 30 minute swim in my half ironman… so speedwork here I come!

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