Day 26: Swimmin' in San Diego

This morning I spent over an hour swimming in the hotel pool. At first it felt pathetic but then I let go of my swim snobbishness and decided that I could have a productive session without swimming more than about 12 yards at a time. Lot of time to really focus on perfecting my stroke and idd not have to worry about breathing.

I am convinced that catch and recovery are tied to the hip and if this isn'[t right then your stroke never quite hits its full potential. I found I could concentrate on one side at a time but had to pretty much ignore anythign else. But this too will likely become more natural as I get the hang of it.

The best part of this is I got to swim in the ocean today. I was able to hook up spontaneiously with a tri club who was headed out for a swim. The sun set quickly so I swam for only about 40 minutes but it was great. I can't say I concentrated on my form. Once you put that wet suit on I lose all sense of body awareness and that old stroke so easily falls back. I tried to just focus on the patient lead hand. I found that between the salt water and the wetsuit that kicking was generally unneeded because i could swim without kicking and still have alot of rotation.

The swim was memorable however. I enjoyed the people. THe leader was very good at checking in and making sure everyone was OK. And after it was nice to talk triathlon because several of them were signing up for their first tri. It was just a good day. Swim outside in the am, then the San Diego Zoo all day with Cate and Little Moo and then a swim in the ocean. What an indulgent day!