Terry's response back

First, congratulations on taking this step to finally become a Swim Master, rather than Masters Swimmer (there's a great potential article or blog in articulating that difference -- mebbe I'll start a thread). And welcome to this community of TI Swimmers, which you will find most encouraging, supportive and helpful.

Like you I was the one on all my teams who always struggled to convert a willingness to pay any price into speed or performance. No more. More importantly I've learned how to clearly link efforts to outcomes in every practice. We consider that important outside the pool so why not inside?

As for the 3000 Swim, I say go for it. And as for redefining it - i.e. what will "success" mean and how will you optimize your 3000 toward that -- that exercise alone will make it worth doing.

Here's a thought: Think of two things you can easily self-monitor throughout that swim and use them to help you set goals. Those two things would be your stroke thoughts (focal points, intentions) and your SPL.

From these you can develop the following goals - in this order of priority.
1) To remain on task for the full distance. When you find your attention has wandered, just return it. At a higher level of execution, you might sequence through two or three intentions. I've done this in the Hour Swim, starting with an intention that establishes a state of relaxation, then segue to one that's focused on minimizing drag, and finally one that increases propulsion.
2) To swim the SPL of your choice all the way. Again, this could be a choice to increase in controlled segments. I did this in the Hour Swim as well, maintaining 13-14 SPL while in relaxation mode, 14-15 in drag-minimizing mode and 15-16 in propulsive mode.
3) To swim consistent -- and possibly progressive - pace. This should be as much outcome as goal. I.E. a natural, almost inevitable, result of success in #'s 1 and 2.
When I did the 3000 to which I refer above, my pace remained consistent to slightly improving from the 1st 1000 to 2nd 1000, and improved significantly the final 1000.

I would strongly encourage others to consider joining me and Debra in doing this USMS postal event.