Going hard in the pool...

It's been a really long time since I've done speed work in the pool for almost an entire swim.

Typically my heart rate during swimming is difficult to get up to 139 bpm or higher, it's just the nature of swimming. It is not as physically draining as running and biking.

Today was different. Many times during the swim, my heart rate was going over 139 bpm and I had to slow things down.

After brief rests and then starting the drills, I felt so strong. Then near the end of the drill, I could feel myself fade until the set was over. Then after a brief rest, the process would repeat itself, strong in the beginning, tired at the end.

It's interesting, the 2500 meter speed work session took me only 10 minutes less than my 3000 meter long swim. The pool session was only an hour and I needed more time to finish, so I had to ask if I could stay a little longer.

After the swim, I did weights. I can really see the difference the weights are making.

I'm determined to get in better shape than I was in my 20's. There is just something that is driving me to do so and I can't explain it.

It is tough because, sadly, I've lost a lot of core body strength, especially in the arms and shoulders, and I think the only way to get it back is through pushing myself hard during weight training.

I did a lot of grunting and groaning tonight!